Comfortable travel with VW California: overview of the model range
Content
Road trip - what could be better for family tourism? On their own wheels, beauty lovers get to the most exotic corners of the world. This opportunity is provided by campers, which have a kitchen, bedroom and toilet. At the same time, the mobile home is distinguished, in addition to spaciousness and reliability, by low operating costs and high traffic. These qualities are endowed with models of the German concern Volkswagen, specially released for consumers in this class: Volkswagen California 2016-2017.
2016-2017 Volkswagen California Review
From August 26 to September 3, 2017, the Caravan Salon Dusseldorf fair was held in Germany, at which car trailer vans were presented. The Volkswagen Group concern in its native land presented the concept of a modern 2017-2018 VW California XXL van, which was a new generation of minivan based on the luxury version of the Volkswagen Transporter T6. Mass production was established in 2016. This camper was conceived for European consumers and became the "answer" to the American version of huge pickup trucks with trailers that simply do not fit into the narrow roads of the Old World.
The car is equipped with a roof that shifts automatically or manually. It depends on the configuration. The raised top, together with the tarpaulin frame, forms an attic in which there are two sleeping places. Its height is not very large, but still allows sitting to read a book before going to bed. LED lamps, located on both sides of the attic, have a dimmer. Compared to the T5 generation, the minivan VW California T6 has received major changes in the exterior and interior design.
The main headlights have been updated to be fully LED. Their advantages: increased brightness, close in emission spectrum to the sun's rays, low power consumption, enviable longevity. The headlight washers operate in sync with the windshield wipers. The rear lights are also equipped with LED lamps. Automation package "Light and view" itself uses the following options:
- at night, it dims the rear-view mirror in the cabin so that cars traveling behind do not dazzle;
- using a light sensor, switches the daytime running lights to dipped beam when entering a tunnel or at dusk;
- using a rain sensor, it starts the windshield and headlight wipers, adjusts the frequency of the wipers movement depending on the strength of the rain.
And also the 6th generation VW Multivan was equipped with new body-color bumpers and compact rear-view mirrors. Comfort for the driver and passengers is provided by:
- semi-automatic air conditioner Climatic;
- electric drive and heated exterior mirrors;
- a color rear-view camera and parking sensors that warn of danger when reversing;
- Rest Assist system, which does not allow the driver to fall asleep at the wheel;
- the ESP system warns about the movement of the car towards the ditch, prevents slipping of the driving wheels, and controls tire pressure.
The interior of the mobile home
Salon California looks as solid and attractive as the car looks. The front luxury seats, equipped with lumbar support and two armrests, provide ideal body support for the driver and passenger. Rotate 180°. The upholstery of all seats is in harmony with the interior trim in color and design. From the central part of the cabin, single chairs move along the rails, which makes it possible to make room for a folding table, on which it is convenient to cut food when cooking. It moves along the rail and rests on a folding leg.
Along the left side wall is a stainless steel block. In it, under a glass cover, there is a gas stove with two burners and a sink with a tap. When folded, the cooking area is only 110 cm wide, and when extended it is 205 cm wide. To the left of the stove towards the rear door is a refrigerated food storage container. This is a small refrigerator with a volume of 42 liters. When the engine is running, the compressor operates from the car's electrical network, when the engine is turned off - from additional batteries.
It is possible to connect to an external power supply of 220 volts during a long stop using a special cable. The cabin has a permanent 12-volt outlet in the form of a cigarette lighter socket, designed for a load of 120 watts. In the sliding door panel there is a folding table that can be placed outside or in the salon.
Behind the back door is a portable Weber grill. A folding rigid shelf with a fixed folding mattress is mounted in the luggage compartment, which, together with a three-seat sofa, form a bed measuring 1,5x1,8 m inside the cabin.
Photo gallery: interior decoration
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- The folding table moves along a rail embedded in the side wall of the kitchen unit
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- A two-burner gas stove with electric ignition, a refrigerator, a sink and a 30-liter supply of water, a sideboard for dishes and a wardrobe - there is everything for a normal trip
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- A double bed on the second floor measuring 1,20x2,00 m rests on a shock-absorbing slatted floor, which is covered with a soft mattress on top
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- A folding mattress is spread on the unfolded back sofa and a folding shelf, forming comfortable sleeping places for 4 people
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- All cabin and saloon windows have blackout blinds to create a pleasant sleeping environment in the California bedroom.
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- The mezzanine for light things is well located above the rear sofa, so it does not interfere with the view and does not steal space
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- A wardrobe with shelves for clothes is located in the rear of the cabin, quick access to its contents is provided by a sliding curtain and a hinged door
Options VW California
Volkswagen California is available in three trim levels: Beach, Comfortline and Ocean. They differ from each other:
- body appearance;
- salon interior;
- engine model, transmission and running gear;
- security systems;
- comfort;
- multimedia;
- original accessories.
Basic equipment Beach
The package is designed for 4 people. The minivan can be turned into a dining room and a mini-hotel with four beds.
The double rear sofa can be folded and moved along rail guides. Two more people can sleep in the attic under the roof. At the disposal of tourists there are a couple of mattresses, a drawer for things, blackout curtains. For dining, the Beach version has two folding chairs and a table. And also the car is equipped with cruise control, air conditioning, ESP + adaptive system, Composition Audio media system, driver monitoring system. There is an option to control the light in automatic mode: running lights, low and high beams. Sliding doors are equipped with electric closers. Prices in Russia start from 3 million rubles.
Comfortline equipment
On the front of the car, chrome parts are used: the edge of the lamellas of the front grille, headlights and foglights. Tinted glass and chrome moldings give the car a serious and impressive look.
A sliding window on the left side of the cabin, a remote awning with a tent top provide relaxation in the cabin and outdoors with fresh air flows. Built-in plumbing, a sliding work table, a gas stove with a sink form a kitchen area where you can cook hot meals. Perishable foods can be stored in a small 42 liter refrigerator. Crockery and other kitchen utensils are kept in a sideboard under the gas stove. There is a wardrobe, a mezzanine and other places for storing things.
The cabin can comfortably accommodate 6-7 people: two in front, three on the back sofa and 1-2 passengers in individual chairs. Seat upholstery and interior are in harmony with each other.
The semi-automatic Climatic air conditioner creates a comfortable microclimate at any time of the year. There is an individual mode for the driver and front passenger. The set temperature is maintained automatically.
The Dynaudio HiEnd sound system delivers quality sound in the cabin with ten audio speakers and a powerful 600-watt digital amplifier. There is a radio and navigator.
As Volkswagen Genuine Accessories, child seats, wind deflectors, bike racks on the tailgate and skis and snowboards on the roof are available. Travelers may need luggage boxes or cross rails that are mounted on the roof. Prices start from 3 million 350 thousand rubles.
Equipment California Ocean
The roof is lifted by an electro-hydraulic drive. The exterior trim uses a chrome package. The car has double tinted windows, the seats are trimmed with Alcantara. There is a Climatronic climate system. For outdoor lighting and the inclusion of windshield and headlight cleaning systems in bad weather, the Light and Vision package is used.
All-wheel drive is provided by a 180 hp twin-turbo diesel engine. With. and a seven-speed robotic gearbox. On this car you can drive up to the very edge of the ocean surf. The price of such a car starts from 4 million rubles.
California Restoration
The Volkswagen Group is constantly fine-tuning the appearance of the body and interior of its cars in order to be up to date with modern requirements. In the design office, VW specialists are developing an update to the design of the body and interior. All customer requests are taken into account in terms of colors and upholstery material, the location of cabinets, the arrangement of the kitchen area, sleeping places and other nuances inside the cabin. At the same time, work is underway to improve the dynamic characteristics by improving the conditions for fuel combustion, increasing torque, reducing fuel consumption per 100 km, and improving environmental performance. 80% of new Volkswagen cars entering the Russian market are restyled. 100% VW California undergoes this procedure at the factory before being sent to our country.
Main Specifications
In total, Volkswagen has so far launched the production of 27 versions of the California model. There are three brands of TDI diesel engine with power on the Russian market:
- 102 l. with., working with 5MKPP;
- 140 l. With. paired with 6MKPP or 4AKPP DSG;
- 180 l. With. docked with 7 DSG automatic transmission.
Also available are two versions with a petrol engine:
- 150 l. With. paired with 6MKPP;
- 204 l. with., transmitting torque with the help of a robot 7AKPP DSG.
The bodies of all versions of Califotnia are the same in size: length - 5006 mm, width - 1904 mm, height - 1990 mm. Type - Minivan SGG. The number of doors is 4, the number of seats, depending on the configuration, from 4 to 7. The front suspension is the same as on previous versions: independent with McPhercon struts. The rear one has not changed either - semi-independent multi-link, spring for front-wheel drive, and for full - independent multi-link. Front and rear disc brakes.
The California is equipped as standard with:
- front and side airbags;
- EBD, ABS, ESP and other systems that are responsible for driving safety, monitoring the driver's condition and ensuring comfort in the cabin;
- rain, parking and light sensors;
- stock audio system.
And also the car in the Comfortline and Ocean configuration is equipped with a navigation system, Climatronic climate control.
Table: power and dynamic characteristics of VW California supplied to Russia
| Engine | PPC | Drive unit | Dynamics | car price, rub | |||||
| Volume | Power l. s./about | fuel injection | Ecology | Maximum speed km/h | Acceleration time up to 100 km / h | Fuel consumption highway/city/combined l / 100 km | |||
| 2.0 TDI MT | 102/3500 | DT, turbo, direct injection | Euro 5 | 5MKPP | front | 157 | 17,9 | 5,6/7,5/6,3 | 3030000 |
| 2.0 TDI MT | 140/3500 | DT, turbo, direct injection | Euro 5 | 6MKPP, automatic transmission | front | 185 | 12,8 | 7,2/11,1/8,4 | 3148900 |
| 2.0 TDI MT 4Motion | 140/3500 | DT, turbo, direct injection | Euro 5 | 6MKPP | full | 167 | 10,4 | 7,1/10,4/8,3 | 3332300 |
| 2.0 TSI MT | 150/3750 | gasoline AI 95, turbo, direct injection | Euro 5 | 6MKPP | front | 177 | 13,8 | 8/13/9.8 | 3143200 |
| 2.0 TSI DSG 4Motion | 204/4200 | gasoline AI 95, turbo, direct injection | Euro 5 | 7AKPP DSG | full | 196 | 10,5 | 8,1/13,5/10.1 | 3897300 |
Video: test drive Volkswagen California - a trip from St. Petersburg to Krasnodar
Advantages and disadvantages of VW California
The advantages are obvious: a powerful economical multivan with a range of services that will help you make an unforgettable journey on wheels. These include:
- bedroom on two levels;
- hot three meals a day at a comfortable table;
- the presence of many compartments, cabinets, drawers for storing kitchen utensils, clothes, children's supplies;
- well-thought-out heating and ventilation system;
- the presence of many systems that ensure safety when driving a vehicle;
- a large volume of the fuel tank allows you to drive more than 1200 km without refueling;
- the presence of navigation, without which it is difficult to do on long journeys;
- a modern audio system that will help brighten up the difficulties of the road;
- automatic control of the car's outdoor lighting will save the driver from fatigue.
The main disadvantage is the high price, which starts from 3 million rubles.
VW California T6 owner reviews
Six months ago I bought a new California T6. As a travel lover, I really liked the car. It has almost everything you might need away from home. I took the middle package, which I have never regretted. There is a full kitchen with stove, sink and refrigerator. I can’t say that cooking is very convenient, but you get used to it over time. By the way, the rear sofa is transformed into a large and comfortable bed. At the same time, outwardly, all this “camper’s insides” practically does not manifest itself in any way - which is also good. Free space in the cabin enough for the eyes. On long trips, children can play without getting out of the car.
The finish was of good quality. Yes, and she looks very attractive. I confess that I did not expect anything else from the "German". Separately, I want to mention the front seats. As for me, they have the most optimal shape - the back does not get tired at all. Comfortable armrests. The seats are upholstered in fabric, but I don't see anything wrong with that, on the contrary. Yes, and in technical terms, everything suits me. I liked the combination of a diesel engine and a “robot”. As for me, this is perhaps the best option for traveling. Fuel consumption, though different from the declared, but slightly.
The first impression was this: it was clearly sculpted in haste, since the t5.2 model will no longer be released and from next year the t6.0 will be produced. The machine is controlled with a bang. Even with mechanics. Very comfortable seats for long trips. Non-staining inside (plastic material with a matte effect), spacious enough inside even for a person under 2 m tall. The kitchen is not very convenient in terms of cooking. The ceiling is fogging up right above the burner. Therefore, something with oil to cook should not be fried either. The table and rear seat can be adjusted when eating, which is convenient. Sleeping on the lower floor without an extra mattress is not very comfortable, but tolerable. In general, it takes time and adaptation. It's not like at home, but you can live and travel.
ADVANTAGES
- everything you need for camping lovers.
— tempomat — separate sensor for wipers under the rearview mirror — armrestsНЕДОСТАТКИ
Even if it's 10 degrees outside, you can't do without a blanket in the car at night.
— there is a real problem with the side door. It does not always close correctly and completely, as it should - the cigarette lighter is not in a very convenient place. in a drawer. therefore, for a separate navigator, you have to keep the box open.
- the table in the assembled form knocks on the wall of the refrigerator when moving
GENERAL IMPRESSION Salon and kitchen lived up to expectations when choosing a car.
ADVANTAGES Very comfortable to sleep. Camper interior is not evident from the outside. The presence of armrests. On family trips, children have a place to play without leaving the car.
DISADVANTAGES 1) After 44 thousand km. the rear wheel bearing rumbled. Repair: 19 thousand bearing + 2,5 work (all without VAT). The car dealership where they bought it was closed until the warranty period expired. The new one could not be repaired under warranty, because there are no permits for commercial vehicles. A new bearing in a new cabin is again guaranteed for 2 years. I remember the proverb about the chicken that promised to lay golden eggs. In the network of offers for the same bearing up to 10 tr. enough. Officials for branded packaging add a factor of 2. Disks on balance - everything is fine, they did not run into potholes.
2) onboard socket 220V. It has very little power. So don't use it much. Full 220V only when powered from an external network.
3) The second floor cannot be used in rainy weather. No one will explain the last two points when buying, because those who are on sales simply never used such a machine or even saw it.
Volkswagen California has not yet found a rush in Russia, although the need for this car is great. Now more and more compatriots are switching to domestic tourism due to the difficulties of traveling abroad. But with our undeveloped tourist infrastructure, the best way out is to travel comfortably in your own car. Volkswagen California is best suited for long-distance driving with the whole family. A powerful but economical engine, a comfortable 3 in 1 cabin, a large power reserve and high cross-country ability are the key to an unforgettable trip along the chosen route. Too bad the price is so high.
