Volkswagen California (05 on) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 14 June 2007 Last Updated: 24 September 2009 Many people will have fond memories of once owning a 'Camper van'. And while plenty of these older models are still on the roads, it is perhaps easy to overlook the fact that Volkswagen still sells its equivalent today. Based on the Volkswagen Caravelle, the California offers a four-seat/four-berth travelling companion and even comes complete with the kitchen sink. The California sleeps two in it's pop-up roof compartment and two in the passenger compartment - it can also carry water and gas. It might lack the simplistic charm of the original Camper, but it's a capable part-time traveller and is certainly more manageable than a full-size motorhome. 4 out of 5 Other Volkswagen reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Gallery 4 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £34,980 - £50,450 View all new prices Used price range: £15,826 - £42,790 View all used prices Get a Volkswagen California (05 on) information pack Next steps Less expensive to buy than a proper motorhome, top quality fittings, strong TDI engine Lacks the charm of the original 'Camper Van', high prices Many people will have fond memories of once owning a 'Camper van'. And while plenty of these older models are still on the roads, it is perhaps easy to overlook the fact that Volkswagen still sells its equivalent today. Based on the Volkswagen Caravelle, the California offers a four-seat/four-berth travelling companion and even comes complete with the kitchen sink. The California sleeps two in it's pop-up roof compartment and two in the passenger compartment - it can also carry water and gas. It might lack the simplistic charm of the original Camper, but it's a capable part-time traveller and is certainly more manageable than a full-size motorhome. Driving & Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5"Volkswagen offers a choice of two power outputs with the California - 130bhp and 174bhp versions of..." Handling 3 out of 5"The California feels like a heavy vehicle and with a lightweight bed concealed in the top, along..." Comfort Comfort 4 out of 5"The California has large supportive seats in the front and a two-seat rear bench which can slide..." Practicality 4.5 out of 5"This isn't a typical vehicle for the weekly run to the shops and it is only a four-seater. However,..." Equipment 4 out of 5"All versions of the California come with air conditioning, electric windows, a CD stereo, electronic..." Behind the wheel 4 out of 5"The interior has a high-quality feel typical of Volkswagens. Huge door mirrors offer a great..." Costs Running costs 2.5 out of 5"With prices starting at upwards of £35,000 for a new California, it can't really be described as..." Green credentials 2 out of 5"The California scores fairly badly on the eco front, despite only using a diesel engine. Due to it's..." Safety & Reliability Safety 3.5 out of 5"The Caravelle, on which the California is based, was awarded four stars out of five for adult..." Reliability 4 out of 5"Proven Volkswagen mechanicals and electrics should be reliable for many years. The warranty is three..." Buying & Selling Buying new 2.5 out of 5"The California is an expensive vehicle, although compared to larger motorhomes it appears more..." Buying used 2 out of 5"There aren't many models on the market, so choosing the best of what's available might be difficult." Selling 3 out of 5"This is quite a specialist vehicle, so it would be best to advertise it in the motorhome/caravan..." Gallery View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Cars for Sale Search well over a hundred thousand new and used cars for sale across the UK. Find out more Next: Facts & Figures