In-depth campervan review of the all-new Volkswagen California Ocean (2021)

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In this video we review in great detail the all-new Volkswagen California Ocean campervan.
If you would like to see more videos like this you can help and support us by giving us a thumbs up, leaving a comment or subscribing to our channel.
◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
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◼️ WHAT MOTORHOME MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/whipocketmags Our team of experts also produce What Motorhome magazine, which is packed every month with detailed information on new motorhomes and campervans, as well as expert buying advice and tips to help you find the right motorhome for you.
◼️ MMM MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/mmmpocketmags This video is by MMM magazine, which has been Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine for every one of the past 53 years! To find out more about this fantastic magazine, which is packed every month with motorhome reviews, inspiring motorhome and campervan tours in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, all the latest motorhome news, technical tips and DIY projects to improve your ’van and the latest buying advice and tips just follow the link above.
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15 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 139

@andrewbeale2585 3 года назад

Thank you Peter, your reviews are the gold standard, and the best on RU-vid by a mile. I am pleased that you mentioned the Coast towards the end of the review, our Coast arrives in a week's time after a six month wait, and I didn't see the point of the overly complex roof and other technologies on the Ocean. Just more expense and stuff to go wrong. My old T4 Autosleeper Trooper had none of these things in it and was none the worse for it. Thank you for your videos, much appreciated.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

I agree, the Coast is the best Cali in my book. However, the electric roof is a bonus for some folk (especially shorter people) who struggle to lower a manual pop-top. And we never had any issues with our electric roof, even at 10 years old + Thanks for your comments. Glad you like the reviews!

@zbh100 Месяц назад

Dear Peter, Thank you for taking shoes off when inside California - shows you take care of things 😊

@MotorhomeCampervan Месяц назад

Campervans are expensive, so we like to give them back in the condition they arrived

@bmyllas 3 года назад

I really enjoyed the video. What a good review

@markhall3323 3 года назад

The best review of this model I have seen thanks

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Thanks! Please subscribe to the channel, if you haven't already

@jamiep61 3 года назад

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. My favourite Compact Campervan

@MotorhomeCampervan 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@thetessellater9163 3 года назад

Would be your most ridiculously expensive Compact Campervan too. How can they justify this, without showing their huge profits from them !

@RC-pz5jz 3 года назад

Dream machine 😍 Very agreeable IMO

@studebaker4217 3 года назад

This VW-ers obsession with big wheels/low-profile tyres is brainless! It's a practical vehicle to go places, not a sports car. The wheel refurb industry must LOVE it.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Yes, 17in or 18in is plenty but you see loads of T6s with 20s.

@atakd 6 месяцев назад

Plus anything over 18" means no spare as it won't fit in the underbody rack.

@daddynugent 3 года назад

A nice presentation Peter, all very helpful and clear. I think the flat paint is fine too in the long term, and saves another wedge of cash which can go towards some of those electronics and safety devices or some nice 18 inch wheels.

@MotorhomeCampervan 3 года назад

Thank you Graham

@johnprocter9480 2 года назад

Pity its so s mall i think i woukd go for larger chauson deisel heating and water Super b bathroom for long stays touring just in 6.mtrs long but horses for courses i guess

@bosse641 3 года назад

Nice camper indeed.

@normanmerrill1241 3 года назад

Well done...

@MotorhomeCampervan 3 года назад

Thank you!

@jonmortermusic 3 года назад

Great review, and that looks like Water Street in Stamford if I'm not mistaken

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Well spotted!

@jonmortermusic 2 года назад

@@peterv3642 A bit of Manthorpe too for good measure I see

@peterv3642 2 года назад

@@jonmortermusic You know the area!!

@mariconor242 2 года назад

Great review, best I've seen so far. I'm seriously considering trading in my car for one as we have a small car (fiat 500) for the city and we only use my car for long journeys. I don't know if I'd bother with the 199bhp motor though. Definitely going for the bike rack though as I permanently have one bike in my boot - just in case.

@peterv3642 2 года назад

The 150PS motor is perfectly adequate for most folk - especially if you're used to a Fiat 500. Do consider going for the (better value) Coast model, though, and it's worth considering some third-party conversions - but only the best, such as CMC Reimo and Bilbo's

@hotpointbrownlover3365 2 года назад

nice camper van

@peterv3642 2 года назад

Yes, still one of the best in its class

@Mr1wd 3 года назад

It's a real shame these aren't sold in the US. The older T3 and T4 campers are still fetching 30k+ so clearly there's a demand.

@lawrencegreenwood4002 2 года назад

This is a great example of how overlooking audio can make a production look less than it is visually. Great comprehensive review, please get in touch if you'd like any (free) advice in affordably approaching sound.

@Deepthought-42 2 года назад

It would be useful to do a review and comparison with the Mercedes Marco Polo. Most of the VW extras and gizmos are standard on the Mercedes and it works out cheaper. However one thing VW offers which Mercedes does not, is 4WD. IMO worth more than the latest electronic toys.

@MotorhomeCampervan 2 года назад

IMHO the California is the better campervan, with better storage and more practical design. However, the Marco Polo has more appeal as a car, if you're only camping v occasionally

@RA-zr5lw 9 месяцев назад

I understand from my research that the VW holds its value better too.

@thetessellater9163 3 года назад

Did you get the registration plate pun ?

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Great, isn't it! VW press office have always had nice number plates

@warwickwolf3999 11 месяцев назад

How high are they? Can you get it under a 2 m height barrier?

@MotorhomeCampervan 11 месяцев назад

A California is 1.99m, so will go under a 2m barrier. Adria's new Action Duo is also 1.99m and my own VW T6 CMC HemBil Urban (with lowered suspension) will also go under a 2m barrier.

@brodiebrodie99 3 года назад

Why did the front windows both just randomly open at 11:15?

@peterv3642 3 года назад

I wish I knew. That wasn't the only odd electrical glitch on this example...

@brodiebrodie99 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 Waiting on my Ocean build arriving (5 months and counting!) so this is reassuring 😂. Thanks for the thorough review, it's a really good vid 👍

@iaind7090 2 года назад

Maybe a distant relative of Herbie...

@benohanlon Год назад

What model to pick if there are 5 of us?

@MotorhomeCampervan Год назад

Are you looking for a VW Transporter? If so, take a look at the CMC HemBil Urban - that's what I own (bought partly for its five seatbelts) and it's just won VW Campervan of the Year

@studebaker4217 3 года назад

What happens to the stuff in the "boot" when you rig the bed? Out in the rain?

@peterv3642 3 года назад

The boot has two levels. The bottom level is for wet/mucky gear such as boots, levelling wedges, etc - all this stays put when you make up the bed. The upper part of the boot becomes part of the bed, so it's where you keep duvet, pillows, etc and simply unfold them onto the bed. You might also keep soft bags of clothes here (and move those onto the cab seats at night). Nothing gets wet and you don't need to open the tailgate yo make the bed.

@mikepalmer7687 3 года назад

Lovely but for £70K you could have a far superior coach built version without doubt

@peterv3642 3 года назад

It's horses for courses. Would you want to drive a coachbuilt to the office, or the supermarket, or take it on the school run? What you're paying for here is a sophisticated car, with all the latest safety gismos, that you can also camp in

@timbutcher7232 3 года назад

No coach built conversion is superior to the fit, finish, climate control, water tank/gas design, lighting, upstairs bed base, double glazing, living area electronic controls, electric panorama roof etc of a factory built (and warrantied) California

@ginabrooks8492 3 года назад

There are some great dealer deals at the moment for factory build oceans. I've just ordered one with most of the bells and whistles for well under £70K. You pay for quality! But it's horse for courses. If you want a luxury car that you can also cook and camp in, this is your vehicle. And..... don't they look great!

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Totally agree. The Cali is not cheap but you get what you pay for. If you can get a discount, too, then even better

@ginabrooks8492 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 Yes, it's worth shopping around for a deal - I did, and you can always try negotiating!

@shipwreckscuba2651 3 года назад

70k. 40 I get but 70?

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Even the most basic VW camper is more than £40k these days. £60k is usually the starting point for a good quality conversion on a decent spec base vehicle. Compared with some of the electric cars being launched right now I think it looks a bargain!

@stevezodiac491 2 года назад

@@peterv3642 I bought a brand new fiat talento onyx edition 170 bhp lwb van for £25k escaping the luxury car tax regime in the height of the pandemic. I got the front duel seats put on a swivel and then got a full high spec professional conversion with a 120 cm rib altair bed, drivelodge roof, two liesure batteries, solar panel, hook up, charge relays, dometic front access fridge and sink, webasto, canopy, new glass, etc.etc. etc. and the total cost was £ 43 1/2k and I still have the second row of seats and bulkhead to sell on ebay.

@peterv3642 2 года назад

@@stevezodiac491 Hi Steve. Sounds like you've got yourself a good deal, but a VW would probably be easier to resell and keep a higher value, especially a California and especially as a trade-in. In comparison, I've just tested a VW where the base van (4x4, 204PS, auto, etc) was £52k before conversion!!! It all depends on priorities, budget, etc. I hope you enjoy your camper and the campervan lifestyle! PS There's no luxury car tax on motorhomes

@kevinwillis6707 2 года назад

im sure its well built, but seems a bit style over substance, all that pastel fabric would be a nightmare to keep clean, and the prices are getting ridiculous, especially when compared to the Ford nugget and similar conversions.

@myvillagelifeintheupperhar607 2 года назад

I fully agree. There are many conversions that offer more for less money. It seems that the buyer is paying for the appeal that comes with owning a VW. It is lovely though.

@peterv3642 2 года назад

Prices are high, but comparable to other models with similar spec and the California Coast looks great value. I've owned a Cali and the residual values are amazing!

@anaisabelmoreiradossantos1881 2 года назад

Alguma dificuldade filmado muinto longe

@MotorhomeCampervan 2 года назад

Why too far away?

@ondmon818 3 года назад

i'll stick with my 1993 fiat ducato compass drifter with it's 'u' shaped lounge, the audi crew can buy this but remember- you have to take a dump in a bucket. It's hilarious.

@thetessellater9163 3 года назад

Surely, in all campers and motorhomes you take a dump in a bucket; it's just that some are a different shape !

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Or use the nice heated facilities on any good-quality campsite? Then you don't have to empty your own waste

@ondmon818 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 Yea, we do - only use toilet if no other choice. Usual vw gang are wild camping.

@ondmon818 3 года назад

@@thetessellater9163 , Aye but ours is sealed!

@tomxaak 3 года назад

Who is this van for? I mean it looks great and I'd probably want one (although not sure what I'd do with it). Clearly, it's not for families. Is it for individuals or couples and their road trips? I can imagine this would have been great having when I was 20 :) Of course, I wouldn't have the money for anything like this back then. In Europe afaik you can't just stop somewhere and camp there, in most countries this is forbidden. And with the missing facilities, it wouldn't be possible anyway. And in official camping places for multi-day stays, you might just as well set up a base at the camping ground and use a normal car to drive around without having to pack/unpack everything. It is a very nice van. I just don't get the use case for it. Scuba divers etc would be better off with a simple transporter. Really scratching my head here :)

@sergejgleithmann7950 3 года назад

This car isnt't just a camper. You can use for daily shopping as well as it fits in normal parking decks or garages. In europe there is a high density of camping grounds, so you will always find a legal place. In skandinavia it is even more liberal as you can camp almost everywhere. And delivery times for the cali are expanding (up to one year) due to high request at the moment, so vw seems gettin much right.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Why not for families? We use our VW camper for all our family trips (with 7 and 13-year old). Just add an awning and you have plenty of room. Kids like travelling in it better than any car (space, visibility) and the sliding seat makes it so versatile for load carrying. Plus it's the same footprint as an estate car for shopping, school run, etc, but residual values are immense compared with most cars. When camping, it's much better for days out than a car as you still have your kitchen with you for cold drinks, sandwiches, etc without paying rip-off prices in tourist hotspots.

@lungarotta 3 года назад

No toilet?

@MotorhomeCampervan 3 года назад

Many campervans of this size do not come with a toilet room. Some have a Porta Potti in a cupboard but you really need a larger base van than the VW T6 to be able to get a toilet/washroom.

@jimmyjohnstone5878 2 года назад

Not in that size van. Not a toilet compartment anyhow. No space...

@jimf4748 3 года назад

£70,000 and no loo, shower room or full cooker. I'll stick to my Autosleeper thanks - they know how to do van conversions.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Yes, Auto-Sleepers make some nice van conversions but they haven't been in the VW market for a few years now. Their last entry in this sector was the Mercedes-based Wave, which also lacked a shower, toilet, full cooker, etc

@margaretbell5028 3 года назад

Might as well push the boat out and get a Winnebago import, some have bathrooms I hear, just not as handy if you want to visit Devon villages or park anywhere.

@davidsawyer1526 3 года назад

So its now even more like the Mercedes Marco Polo

@timbutcher7232 3 года назад

Why?

@davidsawyer1526 3 года назад

@@timbutcher7232 Sorry, throw away comment but changed tambor doors to sliding solid. Push buttons for opening up the kitchen surfaces. Glass top over sink/cooker now in two parts. Same sprung base on roof bed as the Merc. Guess there is a swapping of ideas.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

@@davidsawyer1526 The camping chair and outdoor table storage is still far better in the Cali, which is a more practical vehicle to live in.

@davidsawyer1526 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 Im sure. My point was that the VW improvements have been in Marco for three years. Im not looking to score points

@peterv3642 3 года назад

@@davidsawyer1526 No, no, that's fine. The Marco Polo is a great product, too, but some folk reckon it must be better because of the star on the front. Both the Cali and the MC have been around a long time, each gradually improving

@obiden3322 3 года назад

80 k and you still poop in a Tesco bag. Where can I get one

@obiden3322 3 года назад

You can reverse park while doing a poop and scrambling eggs all at the same time. Any one want to buy a Tesco's carrier bag!

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Not sure why you would "poop in a Tesco bag". Carry a Porta Potti in the boot and use that if you want to, or use campsite facilities. When you're out in your BMW or Land Rover do you poop in a bag?

@stevezodiac491 2 года назад

Tescos.

@Beentryingtochangethisforages 3 года назад

If I’d paid that sort of money I’d be asking you politely to stop leaning on my wing mirror!

@peterv3642 3 года назад

No wing mirrors were harmed in this review...

@manfacilitymetalworks1296 3 года назад

Nearly 70,000 for a camper. Bloody hell. Sod that.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

A high spec T6.1 panel can be well over £40k...

@timbutcher7232 3 года назад

You can get £9k off with Drive the Deal. Also, depreciation is smaller than any other new vehicle - appreciation at the minute!

@manfacilitymetalworks1296 3 года назад

Still a lot of debt to get into for a few weekends away though?

@peterv3642 3 года назад

@@manfacilitymetalworks1296 Or the same price as a mid-range Land Rover, which is just a car.

@timbutcher7232 3 года назад

@@manfacilitymetalworks1296 Not if its your only vehicle. It makes a great daily driver - 4 seatbelts and a massive boot that fits in most car parks as its under 2m...it also parks itself, auto cruise control, LED headlights, Lane Assist etc etc

@vanagon1966 3 года назад

3 reasons why I wouldn't buy a vw california.. 1st chest fridge..you loose a 3rd of your valuable work top your constantly having to move stuff every time you go into fridge.. 2nd the slide out bed. you have to move everything from the floor when making the bed..if you have a dog you have lost 50% of the floor space for it to lay and sleep.. 3rd the biggest put off the wrong side sliding door..opening onto oncoming traffic at almost every place you stop to enjoy a cup of tea.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Yes but (1) chest fridge is used in other models too and it has advantages (it holds more for the space taken up and less 'coolth' is lost when you pen the door, so it's more efficient (2) You don't have to move everything off the floor, although some floor space is lost. We owned a Cali before our current camper and still had room for a portable loo and dog on the floor at night (3) The ideal is to have twin sliding doors but that's very rare (Ford Nugget does - see my video on that). If you take your UK-converted VW abroad, the door will be on the 'wrong' side than - and arguably you're more likely to have an accident abroad. The Cali isn't perfect but no camper is...

@vanagon1966 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 yes you can get more in a chest fridge but the problem is your stacking everything on top. you cant organize food properly like a conventional fridge..your constantly taking things out to get to the item you want . well that was the problem i had in my old Westfalia..

@timbutcher7232 3 года назад

@@vanagon1966 There is a basket in it, so you do have 2 'layers'. You can get a 2-sliding door Beach.

@margaretbell5028 3 года назад

1) The fridge needs to be packed intelligently, the raised rack works for items needed quickly/regularly the rest is for longer term storage. The slide out table is always ready to add to the work space, just takes a moment to set up. 2) We have only slept downstairs on rare occasions when we avoided using the pop bed because of very high winds or in slightly dodgy areas. The upper bed is great and leaves the ground floor in the spacious lounge mode. 3) There is full walk through access to the front cab area, just use the passenger door if necessary, never a problem in the real world. If in doubt hire, there are a number of companies out there who only use the California.

@d1ppaz 2 года назад

@Paul moles Believe it or not your drivers door also opens up on to oncoming traffic

@kingneptune8937 3 года назад

Some of the after mark conversion are as good and in some cases better & your able to save £20k.

@GerryReid 3 года назад

It looks exactly the same as last year's model which was also the same as the previous years, you're talking up something which is stagnant

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Some are as good, but many aren't, and, if you spec the base vehicle up to the same level (in some areas not even possible), you'll end up spending similar money. Remember this is a 199PS DSG with all the toys... My own 'van is a CMC HemBil Urban, but I've owned a Cali, too, as have several key motorhome journalists

@kingneptune8937 3 года назад

Pete I'm clad you agree that some are ! If people wanted to save more cash they could by a second hand van less than a year old and save 20% ish then fit it out.

@kingneptune8937 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 There's a 2020 VW van on auto trader with 7000 miles top of the range storyline 204bhp for £39k , £10k to £15k fit out for more options than you could shake a stick at.

@neilmartin3013 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 how do you find the build quality and conversion quality/useability of the cmc?

@kevinreilly9482 3 года назад

No good to small and impractical

@peterv3642 3 года назад

All depends what you want. We've used a California with two kids and (with an awning) found it to be superbly practical with far more storage than many bigger 'vans. Anything bigger would not work for the daily driver role, which a SWB VW (at the same length as a BMW 5-Series) does brilliantly

@brianmcmanus4286 3 года назад

Why in the name of all that is holy don't they sell these in...California.

@MotorhomeCampervan 3 года назад

I think that is one for VW to answer!

@dwdrum11 3 года назад

Lovely but way way overpriced, you could buy an ex demo or low mileage 2 year old auto sleeper and an ex demo Audi A4 and still have change, plus you have a loo and a shower! A friend of mine has one and I cannot see where it’s a £70k vehicle. The basic panel vans are hugely overpriced, we’ve switched to transit customs as the vw numbers just don’t stack up any more.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

You always get more by buying used but the California isn't the best-selling campervan in the UK without good reason. Yes, it's expensive but so would that Audi A4 be if bought new (a Skoda would be better value) but some will always pay the extra for an Audi, just as many will think £70k ok for one of the best campers around

@Johndoe10007 3 года назад

Where is the toilet 🚽 or shower ???? 70k and you can’t take a piss , nah no way

@peterv3642 3 года назад

No shower in a camper of this size but you can carry a portable loo. If you want more facilities you need a larger van, like the Grand California maybe

@rustycage670 3 года назад

very cheap lol

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Take into account the residual value and cheap holidays and it's actually very good value

@rustycage670 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 I'd rather buy a campervan, cheaper or same price depending.,and brings everything you need. The California looks great but really expensive. 👍👍

@peterv3642 3 года назад

@@rustycage670 All depends what you want. Price is comparable to the Mercedes Marco Polo and many other VW T6.1 campers when spec'd up to this level and some (not all) conversions of the VW are poor in comparison

@rustycage670 3 года назад

@@peterv3642 I've been dreaming 🤣🤣 of the westfalia james cook with the off road package, looks amazing.. Off road unbeatable, love it, beautiful... If I had the money that would be my choice..

@peterv3642 3 года назад

@@rustycage670 Have you seen our video of the RP Motorhomes Rebel Overlander 4x4? That sounds like your sort of 'van!

@Swimfinz 3 года назад

Overpriced.

@peterv3642 3 года назад

Why? It's easy to spend more on a third-party conversion of a VW van that won't have anything like the resale value. I owned a secondhand Cali for three years - after which it was worth virtually what I paid for it! Cheapest motoring I've ever had...

@quentinlargcoie 3 года назад

Looks rather bland and corporate inside

@peterv3642 3 года назад

It's very automotive, as you'd expect of something made entirely by VW. If you want something more traditional, the real wood furniture in a Rolling Homes is rather lovely