New Volkswagen Caddy California camper starts from £30,720

• New van-based camper starts from £30,720
• Sleeps two in a foldable bed
• Standard equipment includes a mini kitchen

The new Volkswagen Caddy California camper is available to order now, starting from £30,270. The new model is small two-person camper that’s based on the Caddy van, and is Volkswagen’s third camper van, sitting beneath the California and Grand California in Volkswagen's campervan range.

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Volkswagen offers the Caddy California as a standard size model and in a larger Maxi bodystyle. The Maxi model is 353mm longer than the regular version, with a wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) that’s 215mm longer. All models of the Caddy California look nearly identical to the regular MPV version, with the camper model getting ‘California’ graphics on the rear doors.

Officially designed to sleep two people, the mini-camper features a bed measuring in at just under two metres long and just over a metre wide, putting it somewhere in between a standard UK single and a small double. You’ll have to be on good terms with your sleeping partner but at least ‘disc spring elements' feature to improve comfort. The interior is also fitted with LED reading lights.

All versions of the Caddy California include a set of lightweight camping chairs and a table stowed in the rear, along with two convenient storage bags used to transfer items between the home and camper. These also double as privacy screens when fastened in the rear windows.

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The Caddy California also gets a mini kitchen fitted as standard. This is installed in the boot beneath the bed and slides out in separate parts, including a gas hob and storage for utensils and food. Owners cook at the rear of the camper, where the open rear hatch acts as an awning to help shelter you from the rain when cooking.

For a 'romantic touch', there's also the option of a large 1.4-metre panoramic glass roof that's ideal for stargazing as you go to sleep. An optional add-on tent is also available, connecting to the rear of the car to extend the available living space. According to VW, the tent sleeps two people and is simple to put up thanks to ‘air poles’.

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Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and black roof rails. The interior features an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, bluetooth, a DAB radio and height and lumbar adjustment for the front seats. Air conditioning and electric folding mirrors are also included.

Buyers can also spec the California Plus pack for around £1,000, which adds a front centre armrest with two cup holders, dark tinted rear windows, a pair of USB charging ports and LED rear lights. It also adds a useful 230V inverter and a three-pin plug socket, meaning you can power devices when away from home, and power latching for all doors. 

The Caddy California features an array of driver aids to make long-distance trips more comfortable. These include VW’s driver alert system, lane assist, cruise control with a speed limiter, and VW’s trailer-assist system to help when towing. Extra safety features are available on the options list, including such as adaptive cruise control (£690), dynamic LED headlights (£1,128), high-beam assist (£156) and dynamic road sign display (£330).

The engine range starts from £30,720 for the 112bhp 1.5 TSI petrol, which gets a manual gearbox. A 120bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine gets a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, with prices starting from £32,820. Buyers can also spec the larger Caddy California Maxi model, increasing the starting price to £32,076 for the petrol and £36,954 for the diesel.

Volkswagen Caddy California too small? Read our in-depth review of the Volkswagen California.