The brand-new VW Caddy California campervan is a great choice for those who love adventure, and who are looking for more of a camper car style camper to experience the great outdoors as well as just general travelling - with easy to put up features, to foldout beds and more.
As a result, our review of the Volkswagen Caddy California highlights it as an ideal compact campervan for weekend getaways and road trips, thanks to its comfortable sleeping area, practical kitchenette, and ample storage space.
So, whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time buyer looking for a VW Caddy California for sale and wondering if this is the right camper for you, this guide will help you make an informed decision about whether this is going to be your next camper.
Top Features
- The Caddy California is a compact camper van, ideal for those who want the flexibility of a camper without the bulkiness of a larger caravan or campervan.
- It features a foldout bed with a high-quality mattress that provides you with a very comfortable sleeping space for two adults.
- Equipped with a versatile pull-out mini kitchen unit located at the rear, which includes a one-burner gas stove, storage compartments, and a shelf for a water container.
- An optional panoramic roof adds to your sense of space and even allows you and your partner to stargaze from the comfort of the van.
- For extended camping trips, there is even an optional tent that can be attached to the rear of the van - providing you with additional living space by doing so.
Table of Contents
What is a VW Caddy California?
The VW Caddy California is a camper that comfortably sleeps two adults, and it really stands out for its ability to transfer when you need it with a very thoughtfully put-together design.
For instance, it features a comfortable sleeping area that can easily accommodate two adults, with an integrated kitchenette that includes a single-burner stove and a foldout table - making meal preparation and meal times on the go straightforward and convenient for you.
The Caddy California also gives you excellent fuel efficiency with an MPG of 42 - helping you save on long journeys. While its compact size ensures it can also easily fit into regular parking spaces - unlike larger campervans - the build quality and reliability that VW is known for in the camper space really do give you peace of mind for those planning extended travel trips farther afield as well.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior, the VW Caddy California features a very contemporary, modern and streamlined exterior - characterised by its clean lines, nice-looking silhouette and side profile.
While its compact size gives great manoeuvrability - especially when compared to other campers - it still offers you plenty of space for your travel essentials.
With its large windows, you also have excellent visibility and a light interior cabin, which is more than ideal on rainy days out in the field and still gives your trip that more airy feel.
Lighting
The VW Caddy is also equipped with LED headlights that provide bright and clear illumination of the road and ensure that you get excellent visibility during night driving.
Additionally, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) help to improve your visibility to other road users during the day.
Roof Options
For those who require extra storage space, there is an option for roof rails - with a roof carrying capacity of 100kg - which can be used to attach various accessories, such as roof boxes or bike racks, which in turn provide you with additional carrying capacity for lengthy trips as well.
Engines
When we look at what powers this camper, the VW Caddy California is equipped with a range of engine options designed to balance performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability, from the turbo Diesel engine, transverse, water-cooled, in-line, variable turbine geometry turbocharger with intercooler, to the Petrol engine which also has a transverse, water-cooled, in-line, variable turbine geometry turbocharger with intercooler engines.
Engine Options
For instance, the VW Caddy California offers you several engine options to cater to different driving preferences, and these include both petrol and diesel variations, which provide you with flexibility no matter where you envisage going.
For instance, these are made up of:
| Engine Type |
Horsepower (HP) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Efficiency (MPG) |
| 1.5-litre TSI Petrol six-speed manual |
116 HP |
220 Nm |
42 MPG |
| 2.0 TDI Diesel 7-speed DSG |
122 HP |
250 Nm |
49.6 MPG |
Dual-clutch gearbox (DSG)
The Caddy California can be fitted with an adaptive 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This enables fully automatic, smooth gear changes without interruption of tractive power, and it also adapts to the driver’s driving style. You can also shift up and down using paddle switches on the multifunction steering wheel.
Interior Features
For the interior, the VW Caddy offers you a very comfortable seating arrangement for both you and your passengers, regardless of whether you are travelling or if you have set up for the day.
For instance, the front seats are adjustable and provide excellent support for long journeys. In contrast, the rear seats can be easily folded to create a very spacious sleeping area for you or your partner, making the interior great for travelling and camping needs alike.
In the rear passenger area, you get a three-seat rear bench in the second row, which comes with a split/folding and removable option and ISOFIX mountings to the outer seats.
Comfort
Comfort has also been a priority in the VW Caddy California, as the interior is designed with high-quality materials such as double-grid fabric, which feels very pleasant to the touch.
The seats are also very well-padded, and the cabin is insulated to reduce noise as well - ensuring that you get a quiet and relaxing ride as well as sleep as much as possible.
Additionally, the California also has a very efficient climate control system to help keep the temperature just right - whether it's hot or cold outside, the inside will remain enjoyable.
Technology
The VW Caddy California also comes with a lot of modern technology features - to help further enhance your travelling experience.
For instance, it includes a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth®, connectivity, and phone integration - all allowing you to stay connected and entertained on the road with ease.
The Caddy also has USB ports for charging multiple devices and advanced safety features, like a Rear-view camera and parking sensors, to make driving and parking even more accessible and safer.
Towing
The VW Caddy California can come with Trailer Assist, is designed to handle towing with utter ease, and also offers you excellent towing capabilities with an unbraked towing capability of 750 Kg and a braked towing capability of 1,500 Kg - which make it a convenient choice for outdoor enthusiasts that also need to tow a trailer with them, with their supplies.
California is, therefore, more than capable of towing trailers, caravans, small boats, and horse boxes, making it ideal for those who enjoy camping, equestrian activities, or water sports.
What Are The Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Models That Are Available?
The VW Caddy California is available in two main models, which consist of:
- Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Short Wheelbase
- Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Maxi Long Wheelbase
How Do the Models Differ?
These two models differ in a number of ways, such as:
Dimensions
| Feature |
Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Short Wheelbase |
Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Maxi Version |
| Load/luggage compartment width – mm |
1,185 |
1,185 |
| Ground clearance (measured underneath the engine guard) – mm |
144 |
143 |
| Load sill height – mm |
562 |
563 |
| Vehicle height/including roof rails – mm |
1,798/1,832 |
1,800/1,836 |
| Load height – mm |
1,200 |
1,211 |
| Load/luggage compartment floor length, behind 1st row seats – mm |
1,913 |
2,265 |
| Load/luggage compartment floor length, behind 2nd row seats – mm |
1,100 |
1,452 |
| Load/luggage compartment floor length, behind 3rd row seats – mm |
317 |
629 |
| Approach and departure angle, front/rear – degrees |
14.2/19.3 |
14.7/15.9 |
| Ramp angle – degrees |
12.9 |
11.8 |
| Vehicle width/including exterior door mirrors – mm |
1,855/2,100 |
1,855/2,100 |
| Side sliding doors, width x height – mm |
701 x 1,072 |
844 x 1,072 |
| Rear aperture with tailgate, width x height – mm |
1,185 x 1,122 |
1,185 x 1,122 |
| Load/luggage compartment volume behind 1st row seats, 2nd and 3rd rows removed – ltr |
2,556 |
3,105 |
| Load/luggage compartment volume behind 2nd row seats, 3rd rows removed – ltr |
1,213 |
1,720 |
| Load/luggage compartment volume behind 3rd row seats – ltr |
191 |
446 |
| Minimum turning circle, approx. – m |
11.4 |
12.1 |
Standard Features
When it comes to features, this Caddy Camper is packed full of them, including:
Wheels and Tyres
- 16 inch ‘Wien’ alloy wheels in Silver 6.5J x 16 with 205/60 R16 tyres
- Anti-theft wheel bolts, lockable
- Tyre mobility kit in lieu of spare wheel: 12-volt compressor and tyre sealant
Exterior
- Black door mirrors
- Body-coloured door handles
- Body-coloured front and rear bumpers
- Electronic parking brake – with auto hold function
- Exterior mirrors, power-adjustable, folding and heated
- H7 twin halogen headlights
- LED tailgate lighting surround
- Rear tailgate with heated window
- Rear window wiper and washer system with intermittent control
- Roof rails, black
- Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight range control
- Silver coloured sliding door rail
- Side sliding door – driver’s side with power latching as an optional extra
- Twin rear sliding doors
- Unique ‘California’ badging
Heating and Sun Protection
- Climatic air conditioning system, manual
- Heat-insulating windscreen
- Sun visors with vanity mirrors
Infotainment and Connectivity
- App Connect
- Composition Colour DAB+ radio system with 10-inch touchscreen and six loudspeakers, Bluetooth® hands-free and two USB interfaces (type-C) in dashboard
- Digital cockpit
- We Connect¹ preparation
Interior – Cab Area
- Carpet floor covering in cab
- Centre console with two cup holders
- Drawers under driver and front passenger seats
- Optional Panoramic Sunroof / Panoramic Glass Roof
- California Plus pack, which is optional and includes front heated seats, heated front washer nozzles and heated windscreen
- Electric front windows
- Electronic parking brake – with auto hold function
- Glovebox compartment, lockable – with illumination
- Interior light in headliner incorporating LED technology
- Manual height adjustment for front seats
- Manual lumbar adjustment for front seats
- Multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Overhead storage compartment
- Reach and rake adjustable steering column
- Rear-view mirror with anti-dazzle function
- Seat trim covers in ‘Double Grid’ fabric upholstery
- Servotronic speed-related power-assisted steering
Passenger Compartment
- Carpet floor covering in passenger compartment
- Interior lights, five in passenger compartment
- Fixed side windows in passenger/load compartment
- Folding table on front seat backrests
- Three-seat bench in the second row – split/folding and removable with ISOFIX mountings to outer seats
- 12V socket in passenger compartment
Camping Equipment
- Folding comfort double bed, with dished springs (1,980 mm x 1,070 mm)
- Magnetic window blinds for all windows
- Pull-out kitchenette in the rear – single burner
- Al Fresco Dining Set
- Ventilation grille with mosquito screen for driver and front passenger doors
- 2 foldable chairs and 1 folding table, including a bag for storing under the bed
Driver Assistance and Safety Systems
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection
- Automatic hazard light activation under emergency braking
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Brake Assist system
- Central locking system with ‘Keyless Go’
- Cruise control including speed limiter
- Curtain airbags for rear outer passenger seats
- Driver Alert system
- Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger’s airbag deactivation
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic engine immobiliser
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
- Electrically-operated child safety lock
- eCall emergency system
- Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR)
- First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking System
- Lane Assist
- Rear view camera
- Remote central locking and two remote keys
- Seat belt warning if unfastened, front and rear
- Side and curtain airbags for driver and front passenger
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tyre pressure loss indicator
- Windscreen wiper with variable intermittent delay and wash-wipe system
- 3-point seat belts in front, with pre-tensioner and height adjustment
Engines
- 6-speed manual gearbox
- 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox
Efficiency Technology
- Regenerative braking
- Start/Stop
Safety
When it comes to safety features, the VW California is packed full of traditional and modern ASDS assistance systems, such as:
Trailer Assist
Trailer Assist helps you park your vehicle and trailer as it works for both parallel and reverse parking when you have a towbar or a removable towbar in place.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control keeps a safe distance from the car in front by using a front radar, which measures up to 120 metres ahead of you and adjusts your speed automatically for you on the fly in real-time.
It also has Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, which warns you of danger and can brake automatically at speeds up to 18 miles per hour.
Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking System
Front Assist spots pedestrians, cyclists, and cars in your path and warns you if it detects a danger. If you don't react in time, it can even brake automatically for you and steer the van to try to avoid a crash.
Parking Sensors with Park Assist
Its Park Assist feature includes parking sensors that check the sides of your vehicle and then warn you with sounds and visuals if you are too close to cars, pillars, walls, or people to help prevent a bump from occurring.
Emergency Assist
Emergency Assist helps you if you cannot control the car, as it starts with a warning sound and vibrations and then safely slows down the car if you do not respond.
Traffic Sign Recognition
With the Traffic Sign Recognition feature, the car can "see" the road signs and tell you what the speed limit for the road you are on is.
Traditional Safety Features
For its more traditional safety features, the VW Caddy California is designed to protect all your occupants.
For instance, the vehicle comes with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a crash.
Additionally, the Caddy California is fitted with an anti-theft alarm system, rear-view camera, and parking sensors to aid in safe and secure driving.
These features can include:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side and curtain airbags
- Hill Hold Assist
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Engine immobilizer
- Remote central locking
Infotainment and Connectivity
For its infotainment system, the VW Caddy California is equipped with a responsive system that has been designed to keep you entertained as well as informed on your journeys.
The Composition Colour DAB+ radio system also features a 10-inch touchscreen that provides you with easy access to a variety of functions, with six loudspeakers that also give you excellent sound quality.
The system also includes Bluetooth and hands-free connectivity, allowing you to make and receive calls safely while driving as well.
Connectivity
Staying connected on the road is effortless with the VW Caddy California, as the infotainment system includes App Connect - which enables you to integrate your phone seamlessly and supports both Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay™, so you can use your favourite apps, navigate using maps, and listen to your preferred music or podcasts while you are driving or parked up.
The system also features two USB Type-C interfaces in the dashboard, providing convenient charging options for your devices as well.
Paint Colours
For your exterior paint options, the VW Caddy California offers you a range of paint finishes that suit every taste imaginable. So, whether you prefer solid, metallic, or pearl effect paint, there's a colour to match your individual style, such as:
Solid Paint Options
- Candy White
- Pure Grey
- Cherry Red
Metallic Paint Options
- Reflex Silver
- Mojave Beige
- Costa Azul
- Golden Green
- Fortana Red
- Indium Grey
- Copper Bronze
- Starlight Blue
Pearl Effect Paint Options
Practicality, Kitchenette and Storage Space
The VW Caddy California is designed to be very practical and spacious, with, for instance, it comes with storage bags that double as blackout blinds for the rear side windows, convenient storage pockets on the rear side windows which can also hold essential items weighing up to 5 Kg per side.
These, for instance, are fastened at the top with two rotary fasteners and at the bottom with two snap fasteners.
The camping table and two folding chairs are handy and practical, a great addition to any trip. Because they are foldable, they can also be conveniently stowed in bags under the bed, out of sight when not needed.
Slide-out kitchenette
Furthermore, in addition to the standard storage compartments and storage bins in the doors, you also get a slide-out kitchenette, which is an absolute highlight of the Caddy California and is standard on all models.
This mini-kitchen, for instance, includes a single burner cooker with an integrated gas bottle, cutlery drawer and a storage area for your utensils and dining set and food as well.
Also, since the kitchenette is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the Caddy’s tailgate doubles as a weather shield to provide you with protection from the weather while cooking as well.
All-in-all, as you can see, this makes it perfect for all your travel and camping needs, with ample cargo space, clever storage solutions, and great flexibility when you need it, all of which make this campervan ensure you have everything you need on the road.
Camping Bed
The VW Caddy California is designed with camping and recreational activities in mind from the ground up. One of its key features is the folding bed, which measures 1,980 mm x 1,070 mm.
This spacious foldable bed, for instance, offers the same comfort as those found in the larger California and Grand California models.
The bed is made up of a triple-folded surface with an aluminium frame and dished springs, along with a foam disc-spring mattress that has a removable fabric cover that is stored under the folded rear seats.
It is placed behind the second row of seats, above the luggage area, and can also be used as a rear shelf when not needed as well.
When unfolded, the bed is supported by lockable points on the side wall and the B-pillar, and it can hold up to 250 Kg, which ensures that you can sleep well during your camping adventures.
Alloys
The VW Caddy California offers you a selection of alloy wheels to enhance both the look and performance of your camper as well which are available in a number of different sizes and finishes, such as:
- ‘Wien’ alloy wheels 6.5J x 16. In Silver. With 205/60 R16 tyres
- ‘Barahona’ alloy wheels 6.5J x 17. In Silver. With 215/55 R17 tyres
- ‘Colombo’ alloy wheels 6.5J x 17. In Gloss Black. With 215/55 R17 tyres
- ‘Colombo’ alloy wheels 6.5J x 17. In Black with translucent Gold Beige. With 215/55 R17 tyres
- ‘Monterosso’ alloy wheels 7J x 18. In Gloss Black. With 225/45 R18 tyres
Upholstery
The VW Caddy California offers you a high-quality fabric seat upholstery in the ‘Double Grid’ pattern.
This upholstery is designed with both comfort and durability in mind by ensuring that you get a pleasant seating experience on all your journeys while keeping the fabric easy to clean and maintain - making it very practical for camping and outdoor adventures.
The stylish ‘Double Grid’ pattern, for instance, adds a good-looking touch to the interior, which complements the overall design of the vehicle as well.
Reliability
The VW Caddy California is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. It has won many awards for its reliability, with some of the awards consisting of:
- Best Compact Campervan by Auto Express
- Most Reliable Campervan by Caravan and Motorhome Club
- Top Safety Pick by Euro NCAP
Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of any vehicle, and the service intervals are every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
When purchasing a new camper, we are here to keep your business moving, with our range of servicing and maintenance options, as well as free Roadside Assistance as well.
Warranty Information
The VW Caddy California comes with a comprehensive warranty to give you peace of mind. It includes a 5-year or 125,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first, covering most mechanical and electrical components.
Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Price
For the most up-to-date pricing on the VW Caddy California, please see our detailed pricing page.
What Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other campervans in its class, the VW Caddy California offers you several advantages over them.
For instance, unlike the Ford Transit Custom Nugget, the Caddy California is easier to drive in city settings due to its smaller size. At the same time, it also provides you with better fuel economy than the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo - making it a more cost-effective option for long-distance travel as well.
Additionally, the Caddy California’s clever interior layout maximises space without compromising comfort, a feature not as refined as the Peugeot Rifter Camper. There is also the VW Caddy Cargo Van for you to consider as well.
Other Related Buying Guides
If you enjoyed our review of this camper, why not checkout some of our other similar buying guides and reviews, such as:
Volkswagen Camper Caddy California Final Thoughts
As you can see, the new Caddy California makes the perfect companion as it is a very flexible and practical choice for those seeking adventure and comfort in their next campervan.
With its thoughtful design, advanced safety features, and excellent fuel efficiency, it really does cater to both city driving and off-road trips really easily.
Its flexible interior, modern infotainment system, and reliable performance all make it a standout option in the campervan market.
So, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a long journey, the Caddy California provides you with the space, comfort, and features you need. So, if you like what you have read, why not try the next steps and book a test drive of the Caddy California today at one of our local Volkswagen van centres and dealerships near to you.