Volkswagen’s best-equipped compact camper van is back in business.
The California Beach is bound for Australian shores in three different trims, bringing with it the option of two-tone paint, a pop-top roof, and all-wheel drive.
Pricing kicks off at $82,990 before on-road costs for the base Beach TDI340, and extends to $92,990 before on-roads for the Beach TDI450.
Pricing
- California Beach TDI340 DSG: $82,990
- California Beach TDI340 DSG 4Motion: $86,990
- California Beach TDI450 DSG 4Motion: $92,990
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The Caravelle and Transporter range are powered exclusively by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder in Australia, available in two states of tune at launch.
TDI340 models develop 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque, while TDI450 models make 146kW and 450Nm.
All of the 6.1 passenger models drive through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, with 4Motion models benefiting from the added traction of all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen hasn’t revealed Australian fuel economy figures for the California Beach.
Safety
The T6.1 California hasn’t been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, however it features active safety assists such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, cross wind assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera.
Dimensions
The California T6.1 measures 4904mm long, 1990mm tall and 1904mm wide, riding on a 3000mm wheelbase.
That doesn’t include the extra 1050mm the optional electric pop-top adds to the car’s height when erect. Volkswagen says there’s up to 2300mm of standing height inside depending on configuration, too.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment is the same across the California range, with buyers simply able to choose between two engines and front- or all-wheel drive.
Kit includes:
- Front swivel seats
- Three-seat second row
- An awning
- Powered tailgate
- Bed extension
- Camping table
- Camping chairs
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
A number of options packages are available. An electric pop-top roof is $2990 on regular models, while the Offroad Package ($1600) adds a mechanical locking rear differential and hill descent control to 4Motion models.
The Appearance Package ($5760) brings ‘art velour’ seat trim, front seat heating, a Digital Cockpit, LED headlamps, and high-beam assist.
The Driver Assistance Package ($2290) adds adaptive chassis control and parking assist, while the Electric Door Package ($2590) bring (you guessed it) powered doors.
Servicing and Warranty
The Volkswagen Commercial range is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Service pricing for the 6.1 range is still to be confirmed, though the outgoing range offers three- and five-year service plans.
The three-year plan costs $1450 for all Caravelle and Multivan models, while the five-year plan is $2300 including a free first service. Maintenance, for reference, is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
