Hanover, 2 August 2019.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be giving the new California 6.1 its world première at the end of August at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf. Featuring a new front grill, enhanced kitchen units and beds and digitalised multi-function control panel in the overhead console.

Other new features inside the camper van include optional digital instruments and the next generation infotainment systems with integrated online connectivity.

The top part of the Ocean’s chrome-plated radiator grille forms a single unit with the new LED daytime running lights. Below has a larger air intake for the efficient engines.

On the California Ocean 6.1 a chrome strip also adorns the new bumper. While the chrome elements on the Ocean version differentiates itself externally from the Beach and Coast models, in all cases the sharper design emphasises the width of the California 6.1 and makes every version of the camper look even more serene on the road.

In the case of the Coast and Ocean the redesigned kitchen has now been enhanced and equipped with new details such as an additional double USB socket, new aluminium handles on all doors, and push buttons for opening up the kitchen surface (sink, cooker, fridge).

The shutters in the rear cupboard have been replaced by designed sliding doors with the aluminium handles in keeping with the automotive camper’s style and matching those on the kitchen units. All of the cupboards’ wood grains has also been redesigned: the lighter Bright Oak and darker Graphite Grey.

The beds will provide even greater comfort; the top bed will be equipped with a sprung base and the double rear bench seat folds out to create a bed that can also be transformed into a lounge. Increased protection from incoming light is now provided by darker grey canvas sides.

There is also a new ‘sunrise’ function that uses individually selectable LEDs in the roof and living area to dim up the lights to the desired level of brightness slowly over a user-selectable length of time.

This, like all main camper settings in the California 6.1, can be controlled by the newly developed digital overhead console, as the previous monochrome display has been replaced here by a large, full colour touchscreen with considerably more functions.

For the first time, the dashboard instruments are optionally digital – the new ‘Digital Cockpit’. The infotainment range has also been reconfigured. It begins with the Composition Audio (line display) and Composition Colour (6.5-inch touchscreen). A further new feature of the California 6.1 is the use of two navigation systems, Discover Media (8-inch touchscreen) and Discover Pro (9.2-inch), from the third generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3). The most important new feature of all systems is an integrated eSIM (optional for Composition Audio). It forms the interface to Volkswagen We and thus to numerous online functions and services. Over and above this the MIB3 systems provide features such as integration of the Apple Music and TIDAL streaming services, natural voice control and App Connect Wireless. Thanks to this new version of App Connect, iPhone apps such as the Media Library and Google Maps can for the first time be incorporated wirelessly into the infotainment system via Bluetooth.

The key technical change in terms of handling is the switch from hydraulic to electro-mechanical power steering. As a result the steering system can be actively controlled with numerous new driver assistance systems. This extended range of systems includes Lane Assist, Park Assist, a side protection function (warns of obstacles when manoeuvring) and Trailer Assist (simplifies manoeuvring with a trailer). Also included as standard will be Cross Wind Assist; it automatically stabilises the camper van in the event of strong winds.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also reconfigured the range of drive systems. The California 6.1, which as standard is front and optionally all- wheel drive, will launch with highly efficient 2-litre turbo diesel engines (2.0 TDI), which all fulfil the Euro 6d Temp Evap emissions standard.

The world première of the new California Beach, Coast and Ocean will take place at the end of August at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf.

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