Skip advert
Advertisement

VW California vs. Camper

Modern package builds on the charms of original, which is still going strong after 60 years

Volkswagen has a long history of producing models which capture the public imagination – just take the original Beetle or Golf GTI as examples. The legendary Camper is another, and while the original Type 2 commercial vehicles on which it’s based were first built in 1950, the famous machine is still made in Brazil today.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Glamorous camping, or ‘glamping’, is the latest holiday craze in recession-hit Britain, so why not relive the swinging Sixties in a retro Type 2 from Bristol-based Danbury? The firm takes brand new models and converts them into fully functioning motorhomes with comfortable beds, fridges, ovens and everything else you’d need. The cars retain the original’s cult look, but with updated engines.

If camping in a classic isn’t your thing, another current Volkswagen may take your fancy. The California is the spiritual successor to the Type 2, and comes with the latest technology under the bonnet and inside.

The Danbury model looks the part on the outside. There’s not much to mark it out from the original, with two-tone paint and chrome trim. You’ll do a double-take when you spot the 2010 registration!

The California is almost as striking, especially in our test model’s Electric Blue finish.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

21,916 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,500
View Range Rover Evoque
Model 3

2021 Tesla

Model 3

30,193 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,800
View Model 3
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

55,994 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,000
View Model 3
CLA

2023 Mercedes

CLA

36,008 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,200
View CLA

Clean lines, rounded edges, tinted glass and neat detailing create a thoroughly modern silhouette, although it owes a lot to its Transporter van origins. The retro assault of the Danbury continues inside, where the driver is treated to a sparse and basic cabin that is dominated by the horizontal steering wheel and umbrella-style handbrake.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The pedals are oddly spaced either side of the steering column and hinged from the floor, while the wand-like gearlever sprouts up between the seats. Manual window winders sit next to the modern stereo’s speakers. Our example featured a heated windscreen, but it’s still a world away from its modern counterpart. Inside the California, owners of the latest Golf will feel right at home, with switchgear and instruments borrowed from the hatch.

While it doesn’t have the visual drama of the Type 2, the superb build and raft of kit make it a pleasant place in which to pass the miles.  

Both campers are powered by VW engines, but they couldn’t be more different – as the old-timer takes longer than 20 seconds to accelerate from 0-60mph. The Type 2’s 1.4-litre petrol unit is used in the Fox city car, and is outmuscled by the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel in the California. The modern vehicle covers 0-60mph nearly twice as quickly. What’s more, the Type 2 feels its age.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The accelerator and brake pedals have long travels, while the short wheelbase and narrow track make it unstable at high cruising speeds.

In contrast, the California is impressively surefooted, and the 178bhp diesel combines brilliantly with our car’s £1,650 seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Trimmed in chocolate leather and light laminate, the Type 2’s living quarters feel bright, airy and relatively modern. It has a sink, fridge, oven, double hob and portable toilet. Plus, the manually extendable ceiling (£1,949) ensures even tall occupants can stand up comfortably. The bed folds like a household futon, and converts in seconds. If you want to socialise, a table slots into the middle of the floor, while Danbury offers a range of options to make your stay more pleasant, including extra beds and even televisions.

Switch to the California, and you’re greeted by contemporary veneers and fabrics, and much more plastic. Everything is really well thought-out, with a variety of sliding and swivelling chairs, integrated tables and blinds. The bench seat folds into a double bed, and there are another two berths in the electrically operated pop-up roof. The leisure battery means you can use the fridge, lights and auxillary heater without an electrical hook up. And if the weather is good, you can enjoy the great outdoors using the extendable awning (£360), camping chairs and table.

Both these vans will function perfectly as homes from home, but offer totally different driving experiences and images. While some buyers may crave the extra kit and ability of the more capable modern car, the Danbury Type 2 will command greater respect when you pitch up on site.

And prices start at £22,999.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,730
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £1,509 off RRP*Used from £13,195
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation
Subaru Outback New York - front

New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation

The boxer engine and off-road focus has been retained despite the Outback’s new SUV look
News
17 Apr 2025
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025