Volkswagen recently unveiled its latest California camper. Based on the new T6 Transporter commercial van range, this particular variant is set for deliveries in the latter part of 2015. This will be the only factory-built van-based camper to be sold in the UK. With more than 60 years of producing camper vans, the new T6 California is a sure winner.
T6 California Beach and Ocean
The T6 California Camper Van is not a complete overhaul of the T5 but rather an evolutionary step towards a better van. The California Camper will be available in two traditional popular trim levels namely the “Beach” and the “Ocean”.
The California Beach has five seats as standard with two extra seats as option. However, the two extra seats have to be removed before using the lower bed. This model has a manually-operated pop-up roof to accommodate a double-sized bed, and affords a comfortable sleeping area for four peoples. This model has no rear kitchen. Stating price is set at £37,657.
The California Ocean variant’s basic price starts from £47,840. The price is quite steep and piles on as more equipment are added. The Ocean’s pop-up roof is electro-hydraulically operated with the cabin afforded roof lighting. This variant is also fitted with a full-functioning kitchenette completed with a fridge and a sink. The Ocean’s dashboard is something new and “dashing” and is an option for the Beach model. Included in this model is a side awning for extra shade.
Tweaks on the T6
Unhappy VW T5 enthusiasts have been lamenting that the T6 offers no big changes from the T5 California. On the contrary as VW has counted more than 6,000 tweaks from the T5 to the T6, and will naturally carry over to the California variants. The changes are made mostly on technology innovations, suspension and engine improvement – tweaks that cannot be seen but felt. Though there were changes made to the front and rear styling of the exterior, the real tweaks went into the improvement of the overall refinement and ride quality of the T6.
The range uses 2.0 litre diesel engines ranging from 100 to 201bhp. California engines are Euro-6 emissions-compliant diesel. This means that CO2 emission is significantly lowered across the range and has an effective 44.1 mpg. All models are fitted with VW BlueMotion technology for greater fuel economy. VW claims that emission and fuel economy have been lowered by up to 15%. Offered range of transmissions is 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG gearbox. Some models will be powered by 4MOTION 4-wheel drive system.
VW California T6’s basic architecture slightly changed but its posh cabin option and improved refinement and economy make this model a polished (if expensive) product.
The VW T6 California camper van will soon be available at Swiss Vans. However, we are now accepting orders for T6. Call us now for enquiries.