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2020 Volkswagen California T6.1 revealed

The facelifted Volkswagen California T6.1 has been revealed in full for the European market, ahead of its debut at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf later this month.


Like the revised T6.1 Transporter, Multivan and Caravelle family, the new California gets tweaks to the front grille, headlights, bumpers, and fog-lights. There's new alloy wheel designs as well.

The California T6.1 will be available in several versions – including Ocean, Beach and Coast – and come with front-wheel drive as standard, though 4Motion all-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

Inside, there's new handles and décor for the kitchen and cupboards, while sliding doors replace the shutters in the back. Updated amenities like an addition double USB socket in the kitchen, new woodgrain trimmings, and new Palladium Grey seat covers.

Volkswagen is touting improved sleeping comfort thanks to the revised bed units in the rear, featuring a new spring base in the 'high bed' while the double bench seat in the rear can fold out to create an additional bed or lounge setting.

Owners can now take advantage of a new 'sunrise function' that will progressively 'dim up' the LED interior lights over a user-definable period of time to make waking up "particularly pleasant".

This function, along with other main camper settings in the updated California, is controlled via a new colour touchscreen which replaces the previous model's monochrome display.

Further digitisation of the cabin comes in the form of the new 'Digital Cockpit' virtual instrumentation display, complemented by infotainment displays measuring up to 9.2 inches.

Volkswagen's new MIB3 infotainment interface is available depending on the head unit installed, allowing for online services and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Under the skin, the California T6.1 gets electro-mechanical steering in place of the outgoing model's hydraulic set up. This allows for the fitment of new functions like Lane Assist, Park Assist.

Power will come from a 2.0 TDI four-cylinder turbo-diesel available in different tunes, with manual and DSG automatic transmission options available.

Australia

Speaking with Drive, Volkswagen Australia's PR and brand experience manager, Kurt McGuiness, said while there are no confirmed plans to launch the new California Down Under, the local arm is keen to add to its portfolio.

"We would love to have this model in Australia, and are still working on getting it in Oz in 2020," he said.

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