A Caddy with a pull-out mini kitchen

Based on the fifth-generation Caddy, the Caddy California is scheduled to go on sale in Europe before the end of the year, and while the standard Caddy is sold in SA, it remains to be seen if VWSA will be interested in bringing it to South Africa.

As its name suggests, it comes equipped with a new 1 980 x 1 070mm fold-out bed with cup springs and a mattress.  According to Volkswagen, it offers the same high level of sleeping comfort as the T6.1 California and Grand California variants and can accommodate two people.

An optional mini-kitchen is also available and features a single-hob gas cooker with windshield and a handy shelf. There is also a cutlery tray for cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment. 

An optional panoramic roof is also available for the first time and can act as a starlight at night. The new Volkswagen Caddy California also comes with two camping chairs and a camping table that can be easily stowed away under the bed. 

A new modular tent system1 has also been added and can be connected to the Caddy. The tent system can be used separately, thus creating additional space for two more people to sleep in. Volkswagen introduced new technology to the Caddy California in the form of a digital cockpit and radio and infotainment systems with up to 10-inch displays.

The ‘California on Tour’ app is also part of the technology package and was developed for Apple and Android smartphones.

According to VW, the app provides a whole host of information about campsites, camping businesses, water and waste disposal stations, all sorts of different leisure activities (such as cycle hire and things to see) and about the functions of the Caddy California.

The app can be used with all VWCV camper vans. Powering the Caddy Camper are new diesel engines that are available in two states of tune, 55kW and 90kW. 

A 4MOTION equipped Caddy California will also join the line-up at a later stage as an alternative to the standard front-wheel drive.