California Dreamin’: new VW Cali’ camper revealed

► Next-generation VW California
► Based on car-like Multivan
► Comes with more doors, PHEV power

Right, you’ve had your Mamas and Papas reference – on to the important stuff. You’re looking at the all-new Volkswagen California campervan, now available as a plug-in hybrid and with all-wheel drive.

Yep, as teased with last year’s concept model, you can now spec your California with a 243bhp hybrid electric power unit, but there’s plenty more to discuss here than just the engine. The new California has been comprehensively redesigned, according to Volkswagen, as it’s shifted onto VW’s MQB platform.

Not only that, but the interior has been overhauled and new recreational features have been introduced as part of the package. Oh, and there’s now a sliding door on both sides of the vehicle.

Read for everything you need to know about the new Volkswagen California.

Better access, obviously. This will likely be of particular interest to UK buyers, as all previous Californias have their sliding door on the right only. This isn’t ideal for letting people out safely as you’ll usually find out pavements on the left.

According to Lars Krause from the Sales and Marketing team, adding the extra sliding door for the convenience and safety of VW’s UK and New Zealand-based customers was first priority – it was from that idea that the new three living spaces design concept was conceived, with awnings or tents on either side.

As ever, there’s a flat floor throughout as well, so moving between the front and rear seats – also known as the lounge and kitchen area – remains easy. In fact, it’s now even better, as the Multivan uses an electronic handbrake instead of the trouser-grabbing lever.

Roughly where it’s always been, on the left side of the cabin. Except now that there’s a door on that side VW’s had to be even cleverer about its design.

So instead of a fixed amount of kitchen real estate, the California features a slide-out work surface that integrates an induction hob, gas hob and sink. Below this you’ll find storage, including drawers that can be accessed inside and outside the vehicle, and a similarly versatile fridge.

The change here means you can access the cooking and