New Volkswagen California T6.1: more details on the total camper

The new Volkswagen California T6.1 will be presented imminently, so we are getting to know more and more details about the renovation of the most iconic camper on the market.

A little over a month ago, a teaser was unveiled that let us imagine what the Volkswagen California T6.1 would look like. The most legendary camperised van on the market (with apologies to the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo we tested a few months ago) has received an update that has changed and modernised the whole package.

The first official images we have seen are of the Volkswagen California Ocean, the most complete version in the range. At first glance, what catches the eye most is the front, with a grille that occupies practically the entire front section and merges directly with the new LED lights. In addition, an eye-catching chrome strip adorns the new bumper, and this is precisely one of the details that sets the Ocean version apart from the standard one.

The Volkswagen California T6.1 Ocean will have a very complete level of equipment

If you choose the Coast or the Ocean, both come with a small kitchen so you can cook your best recipes in the most remote places. In addition, the interior of the new Volkswagen California T6.1 has been fitted with new features such as an extra USB socket and buttons that automatically open elements such as the sink, the hob and the fridge, among others.

An essential part of any camper van worth its salt is the beds, so the engineers have worked to ensure that occupants feel at home when it is time to sleep. The second bed can be folded away to make room for the central table of a cosy lounge.

To take things one step further in this respect, the new Volkswagen California T6.1 features a “sunrise function” that uses LEDs in the roof to gradually adjust the lighting according to the time set by the user.

A control panel from which to operate all the functions

The brain of the camper is the new control panel placed behind the cabin lights. The screen that comes as standard on a conventional T6 has been replaced by a larger one to accommodate many more functions.

For example, the pop-top roof is operated through this monitor, since a single press of a button deploys it thanks to its electro-hydraulic system. The heating system is also controlled from the screen, and reaching the ideal temperature inside is child’s play.

Another new feature is the inclusion of an indicator that shows the angle at which the vehicle is parked, so you will know whether it is slightly tilted. This becomes very useful if we are cooking, for example, since if it is tilted, the oil from the croquettes could end up on the floor.

Another of the main new features is the new digital instrument panel. It features a 6.5-inch touchscreen combined with a second screen for the navigation system. The latter can come in two sizes depending on the level of equipment chosen: Discover Media with 8 inches and Discover Pro with 9.2 inches.

Mechanical changes to make the camper safer

In mechanical terms, one of the factors that has changed in the little sister of the brutal Volkswagen Grand California is the switch from hydraulic power steering to electromechanical steering. This means the steering system can be actively controlled, so a greater number of driver assistance systems (ADAS) can be integrated.

Thanks to this, systems such as lane departure warning, parking assist, side protection function and trailer assist are integrated. In addition, the crosswind assist system is also included, which allows the new Volkswagen California to stabilise itself autonomously if it is hit by gusts of wind from the side.

As for engines, for now it will be offered with the 2.0 TDI engine, available in several power levels. In addition, the Volkswagen California T6.1 can be chosen with front-wheel drive or, alternatively, four-wheel drive. We will have to wait until the end of the month for the fully renewed camper to be presented at the Düsseldorf Motor Show.