As we've been telling you throughout this review, this is a very different kind of California - as it needs to be to fend off renewed segment competition. Basing a mid-sized camper of this size on a platform designed for a car rather than a van doesn't initially seem like a very good idea, but this VW pulls off this approach with impressive confidence.
As you'd expect from the change of chassis, the ride and handling is now much less crude - but there's an up-front price to pay for that and several notable rivals are significantly cheaper. If you don't mind that and a few small caveats (slow-responding touchscreens and a fiddly process for setting up the beds), there's much to like here. A fresh class standard has been set.

Multifunction leather steering wheel with paddle shifters

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

2 USB-C ports at the front, 4 USB-C charging sockets in the passenger compartment

3 single seats with integrated seatbelt and sleeping mat

Poor weather light including cornering light

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Volkswagen California

2.0 TDI Beach Camper 5dr DSG

91% found us the cheapest

Lease includes