Sstorage space, stove, bed. Those who want to get close to nature are well advised to take a trip into the countryside with a minimalist micro camper. After the renewal of the Caddy, VW Commercial Vehicles now has a variant available in this class as well, which, under the name California, as with the T6 and the Crafter, is supposed to cover the basic needs for a weekend trip. Much storage space is not offered, but excellent handling. Entry into the basic model with a short wheelbase and a 114 hp petrol engine costs 30,857 euros. The Maxi version is around 2500 euros more expensive, and thanks to its length increasing from 4.50 to 4.85 meters, it offers a welcome increase in living space. Even if the VW Caddy is not offered with a pop-top roof, there is at least room for improvement in terms of price. All the extras brought the California with the 122 hp two-liter TDI driven by the editorial staff to a proud 54,871 euros.
The camping caddy basically has two sliding side doors in the rear. The practical sleeping bench comes as standard and can easily be converted into a 1.10 by 1.98 meter bed. Since there is still some space left up to the paneled side wall of the body, the bed is not too narrow. The two who stay there should still love each other. There is also a table and two chairs on request. In the Caddy, there is space for them not in the tailgate, but in a bag that hangs under the bed extension in the rear.
Of course, this is at the expense of storage space. A mini kitchen with a gas cooker will also be built in there. In the two drawers of the pantry there is also a cutlery compartment and a container for cooking and eating utensils. With the kitchen equipment and the gas cooker, the Caddy California can be registered as a mobile home. The furniture costs 1,434 euros, however, not exactly a bargain, especially since a water supply is not provided.
Driving report
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VW Caddy California
The window darkening for the night is possible with tailor-made cloths with small magnets in the seams that adhere to the window frame. The ventilation grilles for the driver and front passenger windows, which guarantee a rain-proof exchange of air when staying overnight, are clever, both of which are included as standard. On the other hand, there is a surcharge for the rear tent, which is to be found in the accessories program at the beginning of next year. It is significantly larger than the previous fabric extension and large enough to create two more beds on camping beds or air mattresses.
The Caddy California transports its passengers to the destination with the greatest possible comfort. Instead of the previous leaf springs, the rigid rear axle is based on coil springs, which means a significant gain in comfort. The body’s tilt is okay, the micro camper understeers slightly at the limit, but always stays in the green area. The workmanship is flawless, nothing creaks or cracks. With a relaxed driving style, the diesel is content with five to six liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Even after a brisk drive on the freeway – the fast camper can reach a top speed of 185 km / h – consumption remained below seven liters of diesel. The average consumption was 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The little Caddy California is the right vehicle for the little getaways in between. There is not enough space for a big vacation, the micromobile can at best be a tight retreat for the night.
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