VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA COAST

Based on the Multivan MPV, the latest camper from VW drives really well, says David Motton

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For some customers, it has to be a VW. For decades, Volkswagen has offered its own camper to compete against the independents.

VW has taken a different approach with the latest version of the hugely popular California: instead of being based on a commercial vehicle, it uses the Multivan MPV as a starting point.

It's a smart move, as the Multivan drives well and is available with diesel, petrol or plugin hybrid power.

The petrol is pacey and the plugin offers emission-free driving on short journeys, but the diesel we've tested offers excellent economy and range.

Driven almost 500 miles from Surrey to Scotland, the California returned 49.7mpg - an improvement on the official figure of 41.5mpg. With a 58-litre fuel tank, 500-600 miles should be possible between fill-ups.

The Multivan is also a step up on the previous California's Transporter, offering a comfortable ride, a tight turning circle, and little noise at speed.

The driver and front-seat passenger sit up high in the California. We found the seats comfortable on our trip to Scotland - no aches and pains.