The Grand California UK Debut

The Grand California UK Debut

PRESS RELEASE

The eagerly-awaited Volkswagen Grand California will make its UK debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 19-24 February 2019 – and award winning hire company CamperVanTastic will be the first to have them for hire this coming spring!

We were fortunate enough to cover the launch of the Crafter-based campervan when it made its world debut at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon in August and it is now due to go on sale in the UK from mid-2019.

As we stated in our original article the Grand California retains many of the strengths of the original Transporter-based California which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

The Grand California’s appeal is extended by the addition of extra space, and a bathroom with toilet, shower, a fold-out wash basin, shelves, cupboards and a skylight for ventilation.

Two different versions will be available: the ‘680’ and the ‘600’, which not only has a large sleeping area at the rear but also a high bunk bed for children. An electrically powered step, which moves out in front of the sliding door, makes getting in and out easier, while a two-part mosquito net in the door is likewise part of the standard specification.

One innovative feature is the option to control the loudspeakers in the living area via Bluetooth. This makes it possible to listen to music independently of the infotainment system using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Also available are details such as an additional roof-mounted air conditioning unit at the back, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and a camping table and chairs (which can be stowed in the wing doors).

The standard gas heating can be expanded as a heating system to run on gas- or diesel-generated electric power. There will also be a solar panel system mounted on the roof, a satellite dish (for TV reception) and an LTE/WiFi hotspot (router).

In addition, the Grand California will be available with the Crafter’s driver assistance and infotainment systems.

The driver assistance systems include the Front Assist surroundings monitoring system with City Emergency Braking function, Lane Assist to help the driver stay in lane, Blind Spot Monitor for changing lane, Rear Traffic Alert for reversing out of parking spaces and Park Assist for steering into them, the sensor-controlled side protection system, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Rear View reversing camera.

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome show is the UK’s biggest showcase of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, caravan holiday homes and lodges, as well as tents of all sizes in the new-for-2019 Camping Zone, trailer tents, folding caravans and holiday accessories. As well as seeing new products, visitors can expect to come away with great ideas, inspiration, and advice on where to go and what to do on their next adventure.

There are also ample activities to do at the show, whatever your interests, from a new Bear Grylls Adventure, through campsite cookery demonstrations to the ever-popular Top Dog Arena.

If you want to learn more about the Grand California, then our recommendation is to check out CamperVanTastic in London who will have them from hire in spring 2020.

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The Ultimate Christmas Camper

The Ultimate Christmas Camper

Check out this cool video from our friends at “Bus and Beyond“; I don’t think you can get a more Christmassy campervan than this.

That’s right they really did fit 2,800 Christmas lights to the outside of their Volkswagen California Ocean, and then took it to London to steal the show!

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California Dreaming – in London!

California Dreaming – in London!

If you’re in London anytime soon, then you may want to check out this amazing ‘Thirty Years of Adventure’ Volkswagen California mural on London’s Clerkenwell Road.

The mural, produced by artist Jo Hicks, features the original T3 Volkswagen California and current T6 California ’30 Years’ edition and is surrounded by some of the classic symbols of the great British holiday.

It is currently on display until the end of November on a feature wall by 12 Clerkenwell Road, EC1.

The legendary Volkswagen California was first released in 1988 and since then has been the symbol of individual freedom, unforgettable holidays and pure adventure. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also produced a limited run of 999 unique ‘California 30 Years‘ models with just 30 destined for the UK.

Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The Volkswagen California is one of the most iconic models on the road and has been the campervan of choice for so many families holidaying in the UK over the past 30 years. As well as our limited edition model, we’re marking the anniversary with our unique travel guide so owners can get the most out of their holidays and explore some of the nation’s hidden gems.

“The mural is an outstanding piece of artwork which really encapsulates everything the Volkswagen California is about and is the ideal way to mark a very special birthday.”

Click below to see a video the mural being painted.

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The Limited Edition California 30 Years

The Limited Edition California 30 Years

The Volkswagen California has been delivering the spirit of motoring adventure for 30 incredible years – providing owners with the perfect home from home when venturing off the beaten track. To celebrate three decades as the benchmark camper van, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has introduced the most exclusive California to date.

The California 30 Years is a limited production run special with just 999 scheduled for build. Of these, just 30 examples will come to the UK, making it an instant collector’s item for those fortunate enough to secure an order.

In keeping with California tradition, the California 30 Years offers owners five-star luxury in every area. Based on the acclaimed range-topping California Ocean model, the 30 Years special adds a host of additional equipment, along with bespoke design details.

All examples come with a numbered plaque on the B pillar, full LED headlamps, removable towbar and a contrast roof and wing mirrors finished in either Reflex Silver or Indium Grey metallic. Customers can also select a brand new colour – Turmeric Yellow – which is available for the first time on the California range.

Inside, buyers benefit from Volkswagen’s intuitive Discover Media Navigation Pro infotainment system as standard, along with front and rear parking sensors, side scan and cruise control and heated front seats. App-Connect – which allows owners to access and use music, mapping, and other apps on the dash from a compatible smartphone is also standard.

Customers will be able to choose between three different engine and drivetrain combinations: power outputs from the 2.0-litre TDI engine are either 150 or 199 PS, all have a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard, and the range-topping 199 PS version is available with 4MOTION four wheel-drive.

With just 30 examples earmarked for the UK, the California 30 Years is the most exclusive special edition ever offered by Volkswagen. Prices start at £64,307 (OTR) for the 2.0 TDI 150 PS model and rise to £70,629 (OTR) for the range-topping 2.0 TDI 199 PS 4MOTION variant. As interest is expected to be extremely high, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Van Centres are urging potential buyers to secure their orders before the allocation is snapped up.

Since its introduction in 1988, the California has become the default choice for campervan owners, with more than 157,000 examples sold. And while the current California can trace its roots back to the late 1980s, Volkswagen has a camper van tradition that spans more than 60 years.

Four generations of the California have been built by Volkswagen since 1988, with each one delivering a step increase in comfort, features and refinement. Since 2004, all California have been built ‘in-house’ at Volkswagen’s advanced production facility in Limmer, Germany.

The current California T6 was launched in summer 2015 and has been a huge hit with buyers. Last year, a record 15,155 new Californias were delivered to happy, adventurous customers.

Please visit our featured dealerships map to find out more about ordering a Volkswagen California.

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Step inside the Grand California!

Step inside the Grand California!

Step inside the VW Grand California 600 & 680; which have to be the best we’ve seen in their class, and at a start price of €55,000 for the 600 it’s keenly targeted to make waves in its category.

The medium (600) and long wheel base (680) both have four passenger seats; however we are coming to terms with the capacity to take a large family on a road trip in this new camper, which is something many in this size struggle to deal with, but Volkswagen have at least made an attempt to include the children.

In the 600 you only get a sideways 195cm bed length, which may be a  bit tight for many of you. However, extra room has been achieved with some cunningly created space – look closer at the window design in the gallery below and you can see how they have extended the bed width.

The optional children’s bed in the roof is much shorter at only 165cm –  meaning the kids may eventually grow out of it and be forced to sleep in a tent outside, but the 680 has a wonderfully large lengthways bed 200cm x 170cm – but alas, despite being bigger, the option of a second bed is not available so this is strictly a two-berth. 

The kitchen, as you might expect, has a twin hob and sink unit with a 110 litre water tank and two 11kg gas bottles that run the cooker, heating and yes, a hot water system! A spacious 70 litre fridge with ice compartment make it ideal for those long hot summer nights!

The interior build quality and design is fabulous and is absolutely going to be a huge hit with owners.

We are told more options may be added in the future, and we are convinced that further development will come. For example VW have reverted back to cloth curtains fitted with magnets for the front cab and we would like to have seen blinds to the front windscreen added in the same way as the T6 California. But what was a welcome addition to see mosquito screens to the door and kitchen in addition to the windows.

One innovative feature is the option to control the loudspeakers in the living area via Bluetooth. This makes it possible to listen to music independently of the infotainment system using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

A new control panel is also fitted to control and monitor water levels etc and ports for a Satellite dish and TV. A 104 watt (600) and 174 watt (680) solar panels help maintain the leisure battery and an inverter allows you to charge other devices such as laptops etc.

A couple of other options we like is the panoramic tilting sunroof (700 x 850 mm) and the option of a separate air-conditioning system when stationary.

As for the drive and comfort we’re told it is exceptional with automatic gearbox (not DSG) and optional 4×4 making it prepared for all terrains. Adaptive cruise and features we love in the California are all there with addition of 360 sensors and cameras that will make it a pleasure to drive and park. The wheels are 17 inch (same as the standard size on the 204ps T6 California) but due to the vehicle weight we are told there are currently no options for larger or more stylish alloy wheels which personally we would have liked to have seen.

The anticipated arrival of the VW Grand California to the UK will be Spring 2019, and in short we love what Volkswagen have achieved here. For some it’s going to offer excellent opportunities to travel and explore in a new level of comfort.

We cannot wait to try one out next year – but it is a shame a family of five won’t all be able to enjoy the experience just yet, meaning it’s back to the T6 California Beach for them!

Both the 600 and 680 are on show on the Volkswagen stand at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf until the 2nd September 2018.

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Well isn’t this Grand?

Well isn’t this Grand?

Volkswagen have finally unveiled the production model of their long awaited Crafter based camper, now to be known as the Grand California rather than the XXL as previously anticipated.

At six meters long and boasting all the refinements of the standard California, with heaps of extra space and no popup roof, the Grand California promises to be a showstopper when revealed at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf later this month. Along with the new name, there’s also some information on the specifications, which include a fold out electric step to aid access, a bluetooth speaker system and skylights above the sleeping area. As with the regular California, the cab seats spin round to face a seating area, with a side-mounted table allowing four people to dine in style. Unlike the Transporter based Cali however, the side mounted kitchen runs across the sliding door, allowing just enough space to climb in and out comfortably. There you will find a sink, a two-burner gas hob along with a large 70 litre fridge. A major advantage over the Transporter based California is the new washing area, with a built in toilet, fold-out basin, ventilated skylight and a shower! There are two main sleeping compartments. The rear area contains a sideways mounted double bed, and you also get the option to add a high-mounted double bed to be situated above the cab.

 

With other options that include 4Motion four-wheel drive, a side awning, bike rack and the usual collection of driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, park assist, adaptive cruise and rear-view cameras, the Volkswagen Grand California has some of the best refinements of its class. Also worth noting is the solar panels on the roof, a wifi router and an integrated satellite dish! Volkswagen has yet to reveal the engine choices that will be available the Grand California, and further details, along with the price, will be announced at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon, which takes place from August 25th to September 2nd, with the first deliveries likely to happen early next year.

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