This week we’re testing two vehicles in one. It’s the new Volkswagen Caddy California – a Golf-sized car you can drive about in all week and then use as a camper van at the weekend.
It’s what’s known in the camper van world as a micro camper and it’s ideal for those who fancy the larger California but who don’t want to struggle with using a large van as daily transport, or who haven’t got the £60,000-plus needed to buy one in the first place.
I love camper vans but I’ve never owned one that’s a bespoke conversion. The ones I’ve had were homemade conversions with very simple fittings. Like a single ring burner and a plastic tub for washing up in. But let’s get back to this new Volkswagen.
Based on the Caddy van, the Caddy California is available in standard or long wheelbase formats with the latter, which we’re testing, called the Maxi.
Both give you five seats but the longer one adds more luggage space. Not surprisingly, given the limited room available, some clever planning has taken place.
Nocturnal arrangements consist of a folding three-piece bed section that is mounted behind the rear seats and acts as a parcel shelf when not in use. It comes complete with a slim disc coil mattress and washable cover. In use, the bed rests on mounts in the trim on the B-pillars. Erecting it is very straightforward once you’ve slid the front seats forward and either folded the rear ones flat or removed them completely. There is also an optional tent that you can clip to the rear of the Caddy to use as your standalone sleeping quarters.
The kitchen is a single-burner stove with utensil storage that slides out backwards and then locks in place.
The gas bottle lives behind the rear seats in a sealed compartment that vents to the outside.
Further storage is provided by slim holdalls that hang down from the side windows and which also act as blinds. A panoramic sunroof is an option and why wouldn’t you have that?
The Caddy Maxi is roughly £1,300 more than equivalent standard length version but since it only adds a small amount to the luggage area it might make more sense to simply get the shorter Caddy and fit a roof box. You’ll probably need one anyway.
You have the choice of diesel or petrol engines and auto or manual gearboxes.
Our car was fitted with the 1.5 TSI petrol with 114PS and the seven-speed DSG auto box.
The diesel option is a 2.0-litre with either 102 or 122PS.
On the road price for our version is £33,335 which, since it can double up as your holiday home, is quite reasonable.
The Caddy California drives much like a normal hatchback – like a Golf, in fact.
You’ll recognise the dashboard as being like any other Volkswagen passenger car and that unfortunately means that the California has the same poor infotainment system.
The petrol engine is quiet and the DSG gearbox smooth. It’s a really straightforward and relaxing car to drive.
The ride is comfortable but because the Caddy is tall there’s quite a bit of body roll – but if you’ve loaded the thing up with camping kit you’re unlikely to be driving that fast anyway.
The VW Caddy California won’t be everyone’s bag. Mrs Goodwin would have a fit if I bought one but then she’s a B&B and hotel person.
For those who have hobbies like mountain biking, fishing or climbing, the Caddy California might be just the thing.
Especially as it can also be your only car and doesn’t need to sit on your driveway doing nothing between holidays and weekends away.
The facts
Volkswagen Caddy California Maxi five-door camper
Price: £33,335
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 110bhp
0-62mph: 12.4sec
Fuel consumption: 40.9mpg
Co2: 160g/km
