Volkswagen California

FIRST DRIVE Home from home in VW's best-equipped camper yet

- Richard Ingram

THE Volkswagen California has been a camper-van legend for more than two decades. The German brand isn't about to rest on its laurels, however, and it has just launched an all-new generation based not on a commercial vehicle as before, but on the Multivan MPV instead. This should, in theory, make the California more refined and car-like than ever - and the camper now gets two sliding doors, one on each side, for greater practicality.

At least, that's the idea. We're testing the most lavish of three specs (Beach, Coast and Ocean), so our model is fitted with a compact kitchenette, shortened to allow access via that new left-hand door. It comes with a sink, pull-out fridge and single-ring gas hob, plus a small storage cupboard and cutlery drawer underneath.

Apparently, few owners actually cook inside their vans, so VW now offers an external-facing plug and a detachable table, allowing you to fry your food on an optional induction plate outside under the awning instead. During our two days of camping, however, we didn't use the left door once, so we'd argue that the longer cabinets and extra storage would be more useful.

Equally, the wide, pull-out drawer beneath the rear seats has been split in two to accommodate the individual sliding chairs, which can now be removed. The ability to turn your Cali into a van will have appeal, but for some users, that space will have formed a critical cubby for things such as the window shades or cleaning gear.