We’ll soon be updating this website to reflect Volkswagen’s long awaited California T6 line-up – but while you are waiting, we’re honoured to be present a small selection of promotional images as a taster of the fantastic things to come.
Please note that these images are from Volkswagen Germany and therefore may not be accurate representations of UK spec models.
Following on from our earlier article about the release of the new Volkswagen T6, we now have some information on the forthcoming California Range…
While we are still awaiting the specifications for the UK market, we managed to grab a brochure from VW in Germany that you can download HERE.
Please bear in mind that this may not be the same as any forthcoming UK models, and as such we are unsure whether the Whitewood interior of the new ‘California Coast’ or the Darkwood finish of the ‘California Ocean’ will be available in this country. As soon as we have more info we’ll be sure to let you know.
The same also applies for other features and engine specifications – as soon as Volkswagen have released the full UK spec we will be sure to announce it here!
The following is a very rough transliteration from the German Website – not being German speakers, we’ve attempted this with a mixture of Google Translate and previously obtained information from the official T6 press release we received last month.
New Design
The new California promises to create a great impression from every angle because the new, sharpened design provides even the most impressive vision, even in the shade. With new headlamps and rear lights with optional high-efficiency LEDs. Making every journey a brilliant experience.
Latest engines with low fuel consumption
New TDI engines
The latest generation of engines offer particularly low fuel consumption. Thus, a lower average fuel consumption of 6.3 l / 100 km¹ / ² with average emissions of 164 g CO₂- / km¹ / ² possible. It goes without saying that the new TDI engines follow the Euro 6 emissions standard. Other engines will employ this at a later date.
- California, 2.0 l TDI engine with 62 kW, fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 7.5 urban, extra-urban 5.6, combined 6.3. CO₂ emissions in g / km: combined 164; Efficiency class: A.
- California, 2.0 l TDI engine with 75 kW, fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 7.5 urban, extra-urban 5.6, combined 6.3. CO₂ emissions in g / km: combined 164; Efficiency class: A.
BlueMotion Technology
BlueMotion Technology is standard on all the new generation of TDI engines with the Euro 6 emissions standard. The equipment includes: start-stop system, brake energy regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres.
DCC Adaptive Chassis Control
To improve the driving characteristics the optional chassis control can be combined with Dynamic Cruise Control by selecting NORMAL, COMFORT or SPORT modes.
Welcome to the Hotel California
The new cockpit
The new high quality interior has plenty to offer. The button layout on the optional multifunction steering wheel leather allows you to easily operate the new radio or navigation system with intuitive touchscreen display.
New “infotainment” systems
Particularly innovative are the new infotainment systems: With Car-Net App Connect, selected apps on your smartphone will be mirrored on the screen of the radio system.
Special comfort features also offer numerous online mobile services of Car-Net Guide. The new Volkswagen Media Control enables your smartphone or tablet to work as a remote control for the radio or navigation system.
The new system amplifies communication between your companions in the passenger compartment. And the new mobile phone interface has your smartphone always offers crystal clear reception.
The new interior
From the cockpit you have unrestricted walkthrough access to the living area. The seats with armrests on both sides can be turned by up to 180 degrees for a face-to-face position in friendly company.
The fully functional kitchenette
Holidaying
in the great outdoors makes you hungry – so all the more practical when you can quickly conjure up something delicious on the go. In the new California a fully functional kitchenette is designed for special comfort.
The new bedroom
When night falls, you can transform the new California in just a few simple steps to a bedroom with up to four beds: two in the “downstairs” on the folded bench seat and two more in the “upstairs” in the pop up roof bed with slatted frame bed with foam padding.
Safety and Assistance Systems
Brake Assist
The standard Brake Assist detects how fast the brake pedal is depressed. The case of reflex or emergency braking the full brake pressure is built up more quickly.
Multi-collision brake
The standard multi-collision brake guides the braking operation to ideally prevent collisions. It becomes active when two independent sensors detect an accident. After a short delay, the vehicle is braked intermittently to 10 km / h, the driver can at any time take control and override this.
ACC Automatic Distance Control
The optional cruise control automatically adjusts the speed of the preceding vehicle while keeping the distance set by the driver.
By means of a radar system, the optional environment observation system “Front Assist” with “City Emergency Braking” identifies critical distance situations and helps to shorten the stopping distance. It warns the driver in dangerous situations detected optically and acoustically and with a brake pressure.
Lane change assistant “Side Assist”
This optional system uses sensors to warn about vehicles detected in blind spots for safer lane changing.
Rear view camera
The optional rear view camera makes parking easier by displaying a picture of the area behind the vehicle on the display of the radio or navigation system. Additional static guides support the parking operation.
Park Pilot
The Park Pilot warns when parking acoustically identified obstacles in front and behind and shows the distance to the obstacle visually on the display.
Fatigue detection
Using visual and acoustic signals, this system detects discrepancies in the driving style and recommends the driver stops for a break.
Fog lamps with integrated cornering
Helps ease fears in bad weather and ensures optimum visibility when steering on a curved road.
This information was retrieved from the German Volkswagen website and as such is copyright Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles 2015.
Finally, after months of speculation, we can now reveal the face of the next generation Volkswagen Transporter.
TheVWCalifornia.com, in association with CamperVanTastic, were fortunate enough to receive an exclusive invitation to the launch party, held at the home of Dutch importer Ben Pon, who laid the foundation stone with the first sketches for this iconic van, April 23, 1947.
In a word – Awesome!
The new Volkswagen T6 will come packed with many new features, and whilst not as strikingly different as some might expect, this already proven chassis will also offer ingenious new safety enhancements, new driver assistance systems and redesigned styling, resulting in the NEW T6 punching well above its class.
Furthermore VW are offering some striking two colour options for that stand out and retro look! Take a peek at pictures from this exclusive launch event below…
Options and details at a glance
- Sharper, more focused and distinctive design, with strong pronounced lines to both front and rear of van, new 16,17 and 18 inch alloy wheels and new LED headlights, taillights and number plate lighting.
- Added comfort and convenience options including new MQB steering wheel, electric elevating tailgate, 12 way electrically adjustable seating with memory, interior footwell lighting and heated front windscreen.
- Cruise control with an adaptive chassis control system dubbed “Dynamic Cruise Control” (DCC) that allows the driver to select from three driving modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
- Radar operated “Front Assist”. The new Volkswagen T6 also offers an optional safety feature called “City Emergency Braking” that can detect obstacles and apply the brakes in an emergency. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is provided as standard in the Transporter.
- Light Assist option – Camera-controlled switching on and off of the main beam makes driving easier and safer.
- New Parking Camera that activates automatically when reverse gear is selected.
- A “Driver Alert System” is also available as an option. It recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and recommends the driver takes a break when this appears to be necessary. During the journey the optionally available electronic voice enhancer helps drivers to keep their eyes focussed on what is happening on the road. Without any turning of the head, the driver’s voice and that of the person they are talking to is automatically amplified over the radio system’s loudspeakers
- A new “Infotainment Screen” features proximity sensors that can detect when the driver or front passenger waves their hand close to a touch screen and automatically switch from display to input mode. The same sensors will allow the driver to use swiping motions to scroll through a menu or browse their media library.
- To celebrate the Volkswagen Transporter’s 65 year history, a special “Generation Six” Multivan model will also be offered at launch in Europe that will feature classic two-tone paint options, Alcantara upholstery, chrome trim, LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
UK T6 Engine Specifications
UK T6 models will include a completely new generation of Volkswagen’s 2.0 litre TDi engine with improved fuel economy, ruggedness and longevity.
EURO 5
- 2.0-litre TDI 62kW / 84PS (5-speed gearbox)
- 2.0-litre TDI 75kW / 102PS (5-speed gearbox)
- 2.0-litre TDI 103kW / 140PS (6-speed man / 7-speed DSG)
- 2.0-litre TDI 132kW / 180PS (6-speed man / 7-speed DSG)
EURO 6
- 2.0-litre TDI 62kW / 84PS (5-speed gearbox)
- 2.0-litre TDI 75kW / 102PS (5-speed gearbox)
- 2.0-litre TDI 110kW / 150PS (6-speed man / 7-speed DSG)
- 2.0-litre TDI 150kW / 204PS (6-speed man / 7-speed DSG)
- For the European Mainland, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol TSi engine with 110kW and 150kW will also be available.
- All UK EU5 and EU6 engines will feature BlueMotion Technology as standard.
- Panel Van / kombi – all four EU5 and the EU6 102PS engines will be available from launch.
- Shuttle / Caravelle / California – all four EU6 engines will be available at launch.
The Volkswagen T6 California is expected to be available for purchase or hire later this year – please bookmark this website and check back for updates soon!
The end of the T5? The new VW California T6 & Euro 6 Compliant TDi Engine
We have received a lot of messages for info about the forthcoming T6, so in the absence of any official release from VW we thought we’d share with you what we have gleaned so far – from the latest rumours and from the folks in the know.
In short the new T6 will be about “evolution, not revolution” and so many things will remain the same for this tried and tested chassis. The base vehicle and chassis is expected to be the same as current Transporter T5, but the T6 will come with a large number of modifications the most striking of which will be a facelift.
The body will benefit from entirely new front with improved wind resistance, new lights and bumpers and side windows to the rear.
The interior is expected to benefit from a completely new dashboard, upgraded and more comfortable seats and of course the very latest options for on-board infotainment.
The biggest change will come in the new Euro 6 compliant engine which all manufacturers have to introduce in to their diesel derivatives by September 2015, offering improvements to fuel efficiency and environmental emissions.
However there is suggestion that manufactures may be given a grace period to January 2016 to comply with Euro 6 legislation. For us Cali buyers we can expect increased power up to 230ps and improved fuel efficiency by some 15%.
But the biggest change will be addition of Blue, an additive that has to be topped up at the fuel station, when required. This will consist of an on-board 15 litre tank that once filled up will be good for approximately 8,000 miles before needing topping up again. So what happens if you run out of blue, well the engine management system will reduce the power and you’ll be put in limp mode until you get to a fuel station and get topped up.
Many stations are now advertising Blue in the forecourts so don’t panic everyone’s in the same boat. The addition of Blue is nothing new and was first brought out in the earlier VW Crafter engines and HGV/haulage companies also use it. The purpose of this additive is to improve air quality by reducing the harmful diesel emissions.
See here on VWCV’s website for details: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/about-us/brand-news/2009/200905-latest-blue-crafter-vans-demonstrate-green-credentials
As for the price, we still have no details but you can bet it’s going to cost more and as such residual values on older models will remain buoyant as demand increases during the changeover. So what might we expect next? Well there should be an initial launch in the Spring 2015; dealers have been told to prepare for a June event which could mean an unveiling.
However it is anticipated that the first VW California campers will not be available until September 2015 and if that’s the case then for the UK it’s more likely to be early 2016.
The excitement is palpable as dealers and buyers ready themselves to secure orders of the current model before the changeover. So if your want a Cali for Summer then best get your order in now as an announcement has already gone out to secure orders by the 27th February 2015 to ensure supply in time for the season.
It will make for an interesting six months in the height of the buying season as dealers get to grips with supply and demand! Current production times for a California have recently increased to 19 weeks. To search for your nearest VW California specialist dealer check out the dealer map here and don’t forget to read our new online buyers guide.
So that’s about all we’ve heard other than a completely new Volkswagen Transporter T7 isn’t anticipated until 2020. So our advice is grab a Cali now while you can as the T6 is still some way off the forecourts.
The good news is that Volkswagen informed us they have identified the reason this problem sometimes occurs, and that it is caused by an imbalance of metals used in the manufacturing process.Rest assured, along with repairs being carried out, any repair work itself will also be warranted for up to six years.
