New 2023 Volkswagen California Surf camper van breaks cover
A new Surf trim level has been added to Volkswagen’s California camper van, offering a host of standard-fit living appliances for £68,234
The Volkswagen California has been a staple in the firm's commercial vehicle line-up for years. And while we await the all-electric ID. Buzz-based camper van that’s due to arrive by the middle of the decade, a new trim level has been added to the current diesel Transporter-derived model to broaden its appeal.
Called the California Surf, the new addition sits between the current Beach Tour and Ocean models, costing from £68,234. A variety of camping essentials are included with the Surf as standard, although it remains mechanically identical to other Californias.
Based on the T6.1 Transporter van, the California Surf uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 148bhp, which drives through a seven-speed automatic gearbox - the more powerful 201bhp diesel unit remains exclusive to the flagship California Ocean. Nevertheless, the Surf's cabin is kitted out with a gas hob and a stainless steel sink as part of its kitchen arrangements, along with a pop-up canvas roof.
Buyers can choose between four and seven-seat configurations inside, with a bench seat that can be converted into a bed. Coupled with the onboard loft bed, the California Surf can comfortably sleep a family of four, according to Volkswagen.
Three-zone climate control is included in the asking price, too, as well as an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen set into the dashboard. This offers Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app mirroring, and as with the rest of the range, a suite of driver assists are fitted to the Surf as standard. These include adaptive cruise control, crosswind compensation and trailer assist, which allows the rear park sensors to function while towing.
The California Surf is also equipped with heated front seats and 16-inch alloys, and as with other models in the line-up, it’s likely to be available with a distinctive two-tone paint finish to mark it out from traditional Transporter panel vans.
Click here for our review of the Volkswagen Grand California...
