Campervan Awards 2024: Best Campervan Innovation

WINNER – Best Campervan Innovation 2024

VW California Concept

A look inside

As the Multivan was designed as a people-carrier, it has twin sliding doors and this marks the first change in the California’s design. The kitchen juts out partway across the nearside door, but you can still access the vehicle this way – that’s a big plus for UK buyers, who previously had just a sliding door on the ‘wrong’ side.

The kitchen itself has changed considerably, too. There’s now a choice of gas or electric (induction) cooking, while the fridge is now a drawer-style unit at the forward end of the galley, where it can easily be accessed through the open door. The design of the kitchen shows the sophistication that only a major motor manufacturer could achieve and the sliding/extending worktop is especially impressive. Drawers that can be reached from inside the camper or outside are another new feature.

Rear passenger comfort is now limousine style, with a pair of individual seats, but sleeping is not impaired because the bed unfurls over the top of the folded seats. The separate seats are also lighter, so easier to remove when you want to carry large loads.

The pop-top is still electrically operated but now you can operate it from your phone, while a touchscreen control panel (for heating, lighting, etc) can also be used as a TV. You can even check that you’ve parked on the level via this display, or alter the colour of the ambient lighting.

Mixing up-to-the-minute tech with classic VW camper themes, the new California promises to continue the success of the model for many years to come.

Specifications