• the latest version of the classic Volkswagen campervan4 berth, elevating roof
• designed and manufactured exclusively by VW using new concepts and construction methods offering mulitifunctionality, ease of use and plenty of comfort
• based on the SWB VW T5
  California Comfortline based on T5 Caravelle
  California Trendline based on T5 Transporter
• engines:
  • 4 cylinder 1.9 TDI (104 bhp), 5 speed manual gearbox
  • 5 cylinder 2.5 TDI (130 bhp or 174 bhp)
  • 6 speed manual or Tiptronic gearboxes
• option of 4 wheel drive (4Motion) for 5 cylinder engines
• base vehicle standard: ABS, PAS, EDL (electronic differential lock), TCS (traction control system), EBC (engine braking control), ESP (electronic stabilization program, not 1.9 TDI), 4MOTION with ABS, EBC & ESP, height & rake adjustable steering wheel, front seats with built-in lumbar support & arm rests, front air bags with de-activation switch, dashboard mounted gear knob gives unhindered access to the rear
• available in two variants: "Trendline" or the higher spec' "Comfortline"

Living area:

• 2 front swivel seats & rear bench make a comfortable lounge for 4
• bench seat slides easily forwards and backwards in rails, lockable in any position, 2 integrated 3-point belts, adjustable rake in 3 positions
• optional extra swiveling single seat to turn California into real 5-seater
• 2 dining tables:
  (1) free standing as well for outside use, stored in sliding door
  (2) movable worktop suspended on the kitchen unit to be put up by means of pull-out support leg (standard in Comfortline, optional in Trendline)
• 2 camping chairs cleverly stored in the tailgate
• central LCD control panel to control fridge & heater and to check water tank & battery levels as well as outside temperature and to operate the electro hydraulic elevating roof, with integrated alarm clock
• wardrobe in the rear corner with hanging space and small storage compartments
• storage drawer under the rear seat as well as under & on top of rear cushion
• drop down locker over rear window

Kitchen:

• 2 burner hob & stainless steel sink combination with plastic or safety glass cover
• Top loading 42 ltr compressor fridge with basket insert, stays open via gas strut
• 2 cupboards incl. cutlery drawer with sliding door for easy access even if bed is made or table is up
• 12 V and 230 V sockets on the end of kitchen unit
• moveable and folding worktop (use also as a table) optional in Trendline
• inboard 30 ltr. fresh-water and 30 ltr waste-water tanks

Bedtime:

• Lower bed: bench is moved smoothly in rails and can easily be converted into a double bed measuring 1.14m x 2.0m (3ft 9in x 6ft 7in), mattress 63 cm (2ft 1in) thick
• Roof bed: 2.0m x 1.2m (6ft 7in x 4ft 0in), approx. 20cm (0ft 8in) more headroom than old California due to higher lift of the concertina mechanism over the entire length of the elevating roof, slatted frame base for extra comfort, mattress 55cm (1ft 10in) thick
• Gooseneck reading lamp in elevating roof
• Mosquito nets in the canvass sides guarantee fresh air
• Venetian blind to close off the opening down to the cab
• Aluminium roof shell to optimize the unladen weight
• Electro hydraulic Roof opens at the push of a button, even with additional roof load of up to 50 kg

Length = 4.89m (16ft 1in), Width = 1.904m (6ft 3in), Height = 1.985m (6ft 6in)

To sum up the details:

• Standard Equipment in both California Comfortline and Trendline:
  window blinds for cab and living area, electro-hydraulically operated elevating roof, upper berth with safety net, slatted frame, venetian blind, multi-purpose free standing table, chairs in tailgate, cooker/sink combination, 42 ltr Electrolux fridge, lower kitchen cupboard, wardrobe, rear cupboard including gas cylinder locker, drop down locker over rear window, 230 V external mains hookup and fresh-water opening, double 230V/12V socket inside, transistor light, 2 halogen spot lights, gooseneck reading light, instrument panel, luxury seats for driver and front passenger, 2-seater bench/bed with interia reel seat belts and ISOFIX anchorage points, storage compartments in cab, cup holder, liftable bed extension to store bulky objects, driver's and front passenger airbags, ESP with brake assist system (not with 1.9 TDI), double glazing in living area (only sliding door is single-glazed), heat-insulating windows, sliding window above kitchen, driver's and front passenger's illuminated sun visor mirrors, LCD-control panel for temperature, battery charge, fridge temperature & water tank levels, integrated alarm clock
  
  
• Standard Equipment in California Comfortline, optional for Trendline:
  sliding and folding worktop/table on kitchen unit, auxiliary diesel heater (works independently from the heating and ventilation system, can be activated/deactivated by remote control), heated front seats, heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, front fog lights, electrically operated cab windows, remote central locking, collapsible head rests for rear seat bench, additional side and curtain airbags for front seats, closing aid for sliding door & tailgate, dual tone horn, colour coded bumpers & door mirrors, headlights with double reflector optics, lateral rubbing strips, manual air conditioning
  
  
• Further optional equipment includes:
  awning, Climatronic in the living area, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, delta radio, navigation system, roof bars, rear bicycle rack, detachable/fixed tow bar, single seat in passenger compartment, full wheel trims and alloy wheels

Which Motorcaravan - Famous Five (November 2004) (*.pdf, 4.3MB)


Volkswagen Driver - California comes to Britain (October 2004) (*.pdf, 0.3MB)