New VW Camper - Volkswagen California 2019 in-depth review

This is the new Volkswagen California Ocean! This camper van comes packed with a host of features and gadgets that make it a perfect accompaniment to a camping trip. But when you add a couple of extras on, the price can easily top £60,000! So the question is, should you consider the California Ocean when there are so many motor home options already on the market? Join Mat for his latest review to find out!

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[MatWatsonCars]

To everyone saying this has a shower, what I meant is that it doesn't have a built-in one with warm water. You can get a shower hose option to hook up to the water supply. But you have to shower outside and the water is cold. Lovely...

[oblivion_]

People dream about lamborginis, rolls royces, bmws and benz etc... But this is my dream vehicle.

[joaoreis]

It's a silly name.... I would prefer something like Volkswagen Mönchengladbach...

[Bredadarts]

You got it all wrong. Buy a tent or a motorhome? A motorhome can not be used for anything else than camping. This cali i can use for camping, away days football, a day to the beach. I can use it as a daily car. Gone fishing, taking my mbt along, I can do my shopping and park almost everywhere. I can park it at home easely. And it drives way better and cheaper than a motorhome. And when i want a hotel with a nice bed, i drive to a nice hotel and park my cali in front of it. This is the whole point of the cali. Freedom. It can do all you want. Where a motorhome is only useful for long holidays. I can be in spain, next day italy if i would like. Now, do that with a motorhome. Have fun driving, parking etc.

[Cardifftoyboy]

Mat. We had a 6m camper with all the bells and whistles for twelve years and down sized to a California. Do not ask me to reason why but we absolutely love it and love spending time in it. It is not something you can reason out. I agree on so many levels with a lot of your criticism but generations who have owned a VW camper will only tell you they love it. You have to own one to know what I am talking about. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be "freedom".

[misterg]

I love the honesty of this review. When Mat said “avoid”, I burst out laughing, I was that surprised - he’s the first professional reviewer that I’ve heard say so. And I say that as someone who is looking at buying a campervan the size of a California.

There must be some people who buy one and wish they hadn’t - who romanticise about living in such a small space and then decide it doesn’t work for them.

[deang]

What happened to that olive oil? You said more on that later, don't leave us hanging with a bottle of olive oil Mat!!!!

[timbo]

Your reviews are far better than all the others. Well done Matt🧐

[brokenbones]

"The storage is actually not baddd"
*proceeds to show 47 storage compartments within arms reach*

[driftattack]

I think people comparing this to hotels isn't giving it justice. The point is to be able to travel anywhere at anytime and it's actually more luxurious than camping. The amount of innovation on this thing is incredible. Yes the price is steep, but will be a bargain when depreciation hits and you buy one that is 5 years old :)

[DavidNightjet]

VW California: _has features_

*Doug DeMuro would like to know your location*

[deang]

Perfect van for Vegan nomadic yoga instructor 👌🏼🧘🏻‍♂

[nassarahmmad]

Respect to Mat Watson . not scared of the manufacturers, the fact you just tell straight is a rarity .
Keep up the good work .

[Muckyfellrunner]

Interesting take on a camper van from (I’m assuming) someone who doesn’t have or regularly uses a camper. The key to it is flexibility. Finish work, jump in, and get away for a day or two without any planning (hopefully). Yes, even for a camper van, it’s expensive. But there is peace of mind with VW backup and it’s well put together (in comparison).

[pdcichosz]

'You often think you'd be better off with just a large tent'

And everyone who's ever tried camping knows at an instant that you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about :)

[Mfh]

Drag race this against Yianny's Aventador S, I've got my money on this.

[wangc]

We have ordered our one, can't wait! I suppose it is all depending on your need, it is not large, no build in toilet or shower compare to a proper campervan or caravan BUT it is easy to drive, 4 motion (this is great for New Zealand's twisty and gravel roads), car alike which you can go to almost all parking buildings, travel around the city with ease and - so much fun with kids etc. We have shopped around couple of years to decide what to buy - caravans, proper motorhomes but this best fits our needs. The only downside I would say is its price. However as Matt mentioned, these things hold there value quite well. Good review as always!

[INUMIMI]

Here’s the big twist, they don’t sell it in California, nor rest of the United States

[adrienneudelhoven]

This was fun to watch! I love the cute humor and the honest end :)

[bbb]

What an amazing van. It's like a swiss army knives.