Volkswagen California Beach 2.0 TDI 4dr Car Review - April 2012

There is no doubt that driving the California is very different to driving a car, with the high driving position being familiar to people who have driven a transit van or something of a similar size. The steering is light enough so that it isn't too difficult to drive, and the engine has plenty of power. However, it is worth remembering that this is much bigger than a standard car before venturing down any narrow lanes. The driving position offers good forward visibility, and the driving seats are comfortable and have an armchair design.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is able to offer a reasonable level of performance without costing the earth to run, but the heavy weight means that acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in 14.2 seconds. The top speed of the California is 107mph, but the vast majority of people will be using this camper van at a much more leisurely pace. The large size of the vehicle does mean that refinement isn't excellent in the California.

The California is made for the practicality of a camper van but still retains a decent level of style, although the square shape of a van is difficult to avoid. The giant VW logo of the older camper vans isn't present here, with a more subtle chrome logo and grille on this vehicle. Inside the cabin the armchair seats at the front of the car are very nice, while the bench seats that help to make up the double bed. The roof elevates to make a second sleeping space for two more people, which does frankly look strange to people who haven't seen it before.

The level of equipment included with the California is decent, with satellite navigation being a valuable aid for those who are looking to go exploring. The folding table and cool storage box make for practical additions, while the cruise control helps to make the California a more civilized travelling companion on longer journeys.

One of the main reasons that people will look to a camper van rather than a motor home is that it is smaller and more practical in many ways, with its smaller size meaning it is easier to store and to drive. The California can carry up to seven people, and has sleeping accommodation for four people. Volkswagen have an excellent reliability record, and with the California based on the VW commercial vehicles the mechanics are very well tested.

The California is quite a safe vehicle with plenty of driving aids that help to keep the vehicle stable and under control, and there are also airbags in the front to look after occupants should there be an accident.

With a list price of £36,135, the Beach is the cheapest version of the Volkswagen California that is currently on the market, but it is still a big price to pay for the freedom to travel and to stay where you want. Because there are very few manufacturers that actually supply camper vans, the alternatives are few and far between, with larger motor homes being significantly more expensive.

The running costs of the California aren't cheap either, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine only able to achieve an average 36.7 mpg. Insuring the vehicle is also quite expensive, but the desirability of the vehicle does mean that it will hold its value very well. The California is supplied with a three year or hundred thousand mile warranty.