The Caddy California Mini-camper will sleep two and sit beneath the full-sized California.
The new Volkswagen Caddy California camper has been fully unveiled. It’s a small two-person camper that’s based on the Caddy van. It will sit below the California (available in Australia) and Grand California in Volkswagen’s campervan range.
The Caddy Beach version of the Caddy camper was previously available in Australia in limited quantities. So far, VW has only said that the new Caddy CAmper would be a great fit for Australia.
Designed to sleep two people, the first images show the Mini-camper will have a bed measuring almost two metres in length, with ‘disc spring elements’ for added comfort. A set of lightweight camping chairs and a table are also stowed in the rear, while two convenient storage bags are used to transfer items between the home and camper. These can also double as privacy screens when fastened in the rear windows.
An optional mini kitchen is also available. This is installed in the boot beneath the bed and slides out in separate parts, including a gas hob and storage for utensils and food. Owners cook at the rear of the camper, where the open rear hatch acts as an awning to keep any rain at bay.
For a ‘romantic touch’, there’s also the option of a large 1.4-metre panoramic glass roof that’s ideal for stargazing as you go to sleep. An optional add-on tent is also available, connecting to the rear of the car to extend the available living space. According to VW, the tent sleeps two people and is simple to put up thanks to ‘air poles’.
VW’s ‘Digital Cockpit’ makes the options list and is available with digital displays up to 10 inches in size, plus sat nav and connected functionality via an integrated eSIM. Owners can also access digital services via their smartphone with the “California on Tour’ app, which provides owners with information about functionality, as well as information on campsites, pitches and nearby leisure activities.
The Caddy California also features up to 19 driving aids to make long-distance trips more comfortable. Travel Assist – a first in a commercial VW – can help out with driving in heavy traffic, with Trailer Assist aiding reversing and there’s also Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert to help avoid collisions.
Engines will include new TDI diesel units with between 55kW and 89kW, with reduced emissions thanks to twin dosing of AdBlue fluid in the exhaust system. According to VW, this makes the Caddy’s diesel engines ‘among the cleanest in the world’. The Caddy California will be available with either front-wheel drive or VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system.
Ben Hodges
