Ever since Volkswagen produced the primary Transporter, there have been camper variations roaming the countryside. They take advantage of their compact dimension, which has earned them a religious cult following. That is why when Volkswagen launched a California camper primarily based on the most recent Multivan, High Gear was there for a walkaround.
Volkswagen calls the brand new California an idea, nevertheless it’s primarily based on the present T7 Multivan which launched in 2022. In contrast to earlier variations, the brand new California has two sliding doorways for added versatility. The second door does minimize into the house for the kitchenette, however the brand new mannequin manages to pack a fridge, cooktop, foldout desk, prep house, and storage in a small bundle.
17 Images
High Gear notes that the California Multivan is the Goldilocks of Volkswagen’s camper lineup. It has extra room than the smaller Caddy but is a extra manageable dimension than the Crafter. It additionally has 4 seats, making it sensible for on a regular basis use.
The rear seats fold flat, reworking right into a small double mattress. With the addition of the pop-top, there’s sufficient house to sleep 4 individuals. Volkswagen touts the camper as having three dwelling areas. Along with the van’s inside, there is a triangular sunshade on the passenger facet and an awning on the driving force’s facet to offer out of doors house that is partially protected against the weather.
Engine decisions will possible embrace 1.5 and a pair of.0-liter gasoline engines together with a 2.0-liter diesel, which remains to be a well-liked selection in Europe. Nonetheless, the true information is the choice of a 1.4-liter plug-in hybrid producing 215 horsepower. It is the primary PHEV camper and has the flexibility to cost the battery from a campsite electrical connection.
The T7 California camper lately debuted on the 2023 Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany. Volkswagen has not indicated it’ll carry the California camper to the US, however it’s anticipated to be out there within the European market in 2024. VW exited the US van market when it pulled the Transporter in 2003 however older variations are nonetheless fashionable and in use as campers right now.
