Great review from jonny as ever. Super pace and style. As for the Calli Caddy, not sure. Looks like it could be a great couples get away mobile, buy definitely not a family camper, no matter how many passengers it can carry. I also agree, I think VW have missed a trick with it, and it is very business like to look at, which frankly isn't what campers are about. If I were a traveling salesman/journeyman odd job, it'd be perfect in grey with grey. But that's not what these are about, get some colours slapped on it and some slightly funky seating materials. Would I spend £32k? Probably not, but then I might, as I often talk the talk, buy don't have time to walk the walk. I think a maxi caddy in a more top spec non-camper variant, with a kit built conversion would probably be better equipped as a base vehicle. Maybe even a 4motion if they are still available. Good try VW, 7.5/10 from me.
@@panathaninf, agreed! We bought a Citroen Berlingo and camped 16 nights in France. Only 3 in campsites. We bought a boot jump and it’s great! MCS campers near Warrington. £800
It used to be called VW Caddy Tramper and available in colours like lime. orange amongst others with stripey seats, but this has now been rebranded as a California and had the price jacked up I guess.
Had one for 2 years. Sleeps 2 ok. Not tried dressing inside but would recommend side driveway awning (Decathlon one is ideal which I think they styled for the Berlingo). Tried tailgate awning but entering cabin with tailgate up is not ideal. Far better side entry & can be closed & you can dress /undress in awning & portable toilet if need be. For quick overnight stop something like Collapz shower / toilet tent ideal - swift setting up in seconds. No sunroof as extra stowage in roof. Sunroof will be unbearable if really hot as cannot open & not easy to block out. Otherwise a great van / car. 2.0 diesel great economy on a long run 54-60 mpg. If hooking up to electric with your mod cons (air fryer, induction hob) , rear cooker becomes redundant.
I have a 2003 nissan xtrail! The back seats fold completely flat and my girlfriend and I take regular overnight trips and have plenty of bedspace, but no kitchen obviously, that's what takeaway is for! Love the show!
So VW have noticed the trend of people making micro campers out of a £1,500 van and £500 worth of parts and thought “I reckon we can sell one of those for about thirty five grand”. Yeah, OK VW.
Berlingo with RED campers boot jump. Power.. split charge relay to leisure battery to power inverter for off grid power. Storage cupboards in rear side windows. Vango airhub awning. Great setup.
Really great review. Still don’t really get the Caddy Cali as a proposition though. A family car that can also sleep 1.5 people in it isn’t useful. If you actually have a family you have to put a tent up too. And you could pretty much just take a tent for 4 people and sleep in that whilst also have room to get dressed and cook while it’s raining outside. There is no room in the boot for normal travelling around or dogs and the front seats don’t swivel around to make it social to sit in. So what is it for?
It suits a single man with an out door RC model car hobby interest travelling from London to Halifax track, Brookland to the south.. I have big reservations concerning its price and lack of character. That nose in particular looks very bland. No chrome detailing (VW motif couldn't be more awful). Its seating also doesn't look particularly comfortable. That glass roof should have an option to cut out light.
For people who are tired of sleeping in the back of their Tesla Model 3. The irony that some Tesla owners have lower standards than some VW owners is beyond hilarious to me.
It’s for Friday getaway, 5-9 lifestyle. People with lives! It’s the same price as a mediocre car that you can daily drive, daily park and has the benefit of not needing to pitch and dry a tent when camping is the means to the end of a weekender not the activity itself.
Very thorough and helpful review, but here is what I wonder: For very occasional forays with my biking gear, would it be cheaper and almost as convenient to simply pack the gear included in the Cali in a more impromptu and removable way? Camp bed/blow-up bed, camp stove, storage cubes, etc.? That way, for the remaining 95% of the time, you have a completely empty van/MPV without all the built-ins taking up valuable space?
FYI: A 48" wide bed is called a "three quarter full" and typical of van and boat mattresses. A true full is 52". Two adults who like each other can definitely fit comfortably.
Really balanced review Jonny, thank you. Personally I’d find it too restrictive even solo camping. For mid twenties, I’ve got a T5 with scenic pop top and new full camping conversion which delivers everything I want and I can stand up! Just another point of view. 👍👍
Hey Jonny, I’m a fan I’m looking to add some gear to my Tarraco to make into a camper! Additions will be fiamma canopy, rear kitchen drawer set with a tail gate wrap to provide a private shower/Portaloo space, leisure battery, fridge, solar and the space with the middle seats folded flat provides a double bed 1.83m x 1.33m wide at the shoulder so will sleep two quite easily
Great video as always. You also reminded me that somewhere in a cupboard at my mum's house I have one of those little egg fridges. Used to keep a few beers cool in my room and use the neon light to create a bit of a vibe in the evenings! 😄 Will have to hunt it down...
@@TheLateBrakeShow I won’t lie, at minute 11 or 12 I was starting to question my decision making 😂😂 …. Not you, but I suspect the engine note of the Ferrari might top that of the VW 😂
I've got a converted maxi that I did myself, bed it much bigger and far more storage, albeit only fits two people. For 32k I'd be buying a good 2nd hand van and either convert it myself or pay for it to be done. This is the worst of all worlds.
On the import side I've just had my Nissan Elgrand written off, loved it - really great car, really big and awful on the juice fo local driving. It was getting on a bit, so had the cabin rattles as it twisted/bounced over UK roads - also nothing went wrong with it, the plus of the big lazt engine. I've jsut now got a Mitsubishi Delica D5 - 2008. its a bit smaller, bit more modern design, electric everything works. I like its a bit more of a 4x4 design (outlander bits basically). bit better on juice being a 2.4 4cyl - but not sold on the CVT gearbox yet. But smart interior with lots of things going on and plenty of scope to funky it up - in Jap they go full 4x4 lift them, bit tyres etc.
I bet you don't take the clear film off new LCD screens either Jonny 😄 Nice useful size vehicle without all the gear for us that don't know what a porta-potty is.
For the money, I'll keep on with my rusty Mazda Bongo project, which as an 8 seater, 4 berth with pop top for £3k. The Caddy is a good idea for a couple and wanting it just to work without the fear of it leaking water, coolant, or oil!
Can't see the benefits of that, seating for 5 but only 4 berth. Can't get in or out of bed without opening a door. Why bother with windows where the bags hang? The kitchen looks like it's been designed by someone who's never used one. I've seen better home made caddy van conversions for a fraction of the price.
We've got a slightly larger van, a Nissan Elgrand. Unbelievable engine, loads of kit with a really impressive V6 engine. We removed the 3rd row of seats and installed side benches that become a full width bed. At the end of the benches are two slide out drawers, one with storage and the other with a double stove. Leisure battery with roof-top solar panel. It works amazingly as a day van and occasional camper. When we camp, the van becomes the living/kitchen area and we have a tent on the back for sleeping so we can drive away without packing up the beds every day. All in, around £13k. I'm not saying I pity California owners, because I suppose if you have the money then why not? But I struggle to see where the value is.
I would buy a nice £10k car and spend the £25k on hotels ! Let’s not forget you need to pay campsite fees too ! And a bucket for emergencies or does it come with a magnetic toilet roll holder as well ! Thanks but no thanks Jonny !
Great review as always. Good point re - yes you could build your own, but would you ever get around to it. Maybe you could bung one of those roof tents on the top of the Caddy for family weekends away.
Honestly, it’s a bit naff and screams VW cost cutting. For people without any imagination. Mind you, would absolutely rent one for a tour of the Scottish highlands
Oi! Oi! Johnny, this could be a good one? The Dacia Jogger Camper edition, with the rear seats out and a £1500 camper kit in. Would be a great viewing if you can work your charm. Oi! Oi!
Is the Mercedes Marco Polo not a dealer-suppied camper conversion as well? Great review, I have that EXACT fridge in black haha, has never let me down.
It’s made for couples. Some here missing the point assuming it’s made for families. Loads of couples want to get away for a weekend in a camper that isn’t some converted van
I've patiently watched it all now. Personally, I wouldn't consider it. It's not value for money. It's just an uninspiring, glorified under performing van. Honda apparently has a better design team who know about attention to detail, use of colour, texture and form to reduce visual mass. You stated £32,000 to £35,000. Heaven help us. Where's the value.?? 😳
They’ve based it on the Amdro Bootjump. I’ve got one for my Berlingo and although basic, it does the job brilliantly and it’s great if you are into stealth camping too. It’s a great way to start but I’d definitely recommend looking around before buying the VW version as there are some very clever versions out there and more competitively priced too
As a camper it's more of an existing for a night in a van than a campervan, no heater? No fridge? You have to be outside to fold the bed down, so if it's raining you get wet.. not to mention how you get undressed etc. not sure I can see the point of this..
OMG HAHA , up until 14.52m I was talking to myself saying ,It is a less attractive Honda StepWGN with a, imo less versatile interior. at over 3x the cost. As a long time aircooled vw fan, BugJAm ,RTTS etc, The vw scene tax is stupidly real. I managed to get a 2002 steppie for 3.5k and it is stupidly solid compared to a type 4 or even 5.Steppie droop is a thing though haha.
Great review Jonny, but ‘soft close’ doors?!?! They sounded just like any other trade van. Noticed in the opening sequence how noisy they were before you mentioned the soft close!
When I was first looking at day-van set-ups I really liked the idea of this but now that I've bought a T6.1 I'm so glad I did. Managed to get an ex demo highline t32 for roughly the same price as the well-equipped version of this thing. Yes I've already spent a load of money on insulation, an extendible bed, curtains etc. but it's sooo worth it for the additional space. On top of that the bed I've got is a steel frame and propper sturdy, it doesn't flex like this one seems to. The after-market stuff honestly seems much higher quality than the kit this thing comes with from the factory and obviously allows you to customise and make it your own (which is half the fun in my opinion). Just my opinion but I think even a cheap transporter with some good aftermarket kit will be heads and tails better than this, but I get that some people don't want the headache of self modifying and like the warranty.
29:29 Nice mugs :p To the point; I love these kind of small campervans; they're ideal for roadtripping around a country and still having a decent bed; all the pros of camping and only a few of the cons. Would love to own something similar at one point.
Also; this car might be even better as an BHEV or pure EV; you'd be able to camp on remote places without a plug socket, only using what you brought in the on board batteries. Bring some decorative lighting, plug it in an on-board 220v power socket (see: F150) and you're golden.
Having camped with the family for five seasons (in a large tent with awning etc), I’d love to see a review of this what it’s tanking down with rain. It seems to be very much a good weather camping solution, for one.
It is. I can cope in mine (older version) when it's cold but relentless rain is a nightmare as I have dogs. Luckily I use it mostly in Europe - I'm in Lisbon today! At home it's just our car.
I’ve had a commerce pro caddy since may last year, so one of the first in the Uk, it’s stood up to 50,000 miles so far, and been a nice drive, but the infotainment system is utter garbage, in fact the whole electrical system is. The SOS system crashes daily and numerous things work sometimes and not others, it even thinks it has electric drive some days. The adaptive cruise and traffic sign recognition thinks the van is on the continent and will read signs and convert to KM’s, and just for fun as your going for an overtake of a slower vehicle on adaptive cruise, will slam the brakes on as you are approaching it, the whole idea is to stop you undertaking on adaptive. Also Volkswagen and their “shrug the shoulders” are utterly hopeless at sorting it, and couldn’t give a toss, after all you’ve bought the crappy thing now! So get a caddy if you want to pay through the nose for a half baked mediocre product, this will be my last Volkswagen. Which is a shame, their stuff used to be ok.
I totally agree that it is, in general, frankly quite boring to look at - I don't hate the wheels, but they are not amazing either. A splash of colour would help a long way. Otherwise it seems like a good option for those in need for this type of car. Also: That Matra Rancho pillow!!! 😍 👌
We go camping quite often in the back of our 1980 Chrysler Avenger (V8 swapped) wagon. The Avenger wagons have a special bed mode much like this. Move the front seats all the way forward then the back seats have a special double hinge that lets you extend the sleeping area to 2100x1100. It's big enough to fit a double air matress in and it sleeps the two of us... just.
Nice little Van Jonny .like the bed set up although maybe headroom is a little limited.curtain kit looks a bit of an after thought 🤔,back is good with the pull out cooking station. I have a vauxhall astra G van that I quickly threw together as a micro camper. Basically a bed on wheels 😁 I insulated the walls and ceiling ,dressed the walls in a bit of carpet ..single mattress ,and a few USB charging points ..it does the job well .. I'd love the VW panoramic in mine though 😄. £33k for that VW actually isn't too bad ..not that I could afford one . I would like a van with sliding doors though ,much easier than climbing through the rear hatch and over the front seats ,but hey all part of the fun I guess ..😄
I looked over one. It’s not a camper, it’s a day-tripper. 5 seats but sleeps only 2? Frighteningly cheap and wobbly kitchen that is effectively an exterior kitchen. Annex tent=extra money. Nein Danke.
I think it’s great vehicle as it is for those who don’t want to stand out and draw attention from possible thieves. Perfect for stealth camping for those who travel a lot and don’t want the inconvenience or costs of a campsite. Works/family van in the week and fishing trips at the weekend 😊
that "bed" does not look sturdy and why would you want the 2nd row if only 2 people can camp in it???? (the tent is a total afterthought that does not count)
Great video as always. I've always fancied a cali the price has always put me off. This is really appealing, I guess the only thing letting the "family car" side down is the lack of boot space. Is there any at all? Didn't seem like much. But then you could just buy a mahousive roof box I guess.
Leslie, as you rightfully said we are focusing on the new vehicle releases here. You have a valid point though. It would be tempting to drop £20k on a larger camper and then £10k on an everyday eco car.
It's cool for a couple of nights camping, but in the second hand market there are small van conversions that aren't much bigger and offer a lot more utility, like shower and toilet. You don't get the piece of mind of a new vehicle with a warranty, but you also don't get the depreciation of a new car this way.
As a camper it makes no sense, just get a decent camping set up and estate of some description. At least you don’t have to pack up everyday to go anywhere.
I like the idea of the maxi camper, but think you’re better doing or having a van life style conversion done from a commercial base model if you’re going to use it a lot.
“Love campers”do a caddy maxi conversion with a rock and roll bed like its bigger sibling, what i like about the company is with there conversion you don’t have to stand outside to make the bed up theres room enough inside to make bed time set up easy and to get undress with out stepping into foul weather and to add to your connivence a more practical kitchen why Volkswagen didnt think of this more practical solution is beyond me when a small company can.
Great review as always. I had a maxi and they really are a great thing. You can get a pop top roof fitted as well by a specialist. BTW, nice white mug on the table in 2 of the shots. One of your team is clearly a lucky chap!😂
I would like it even simpler if possible. Let's look at the scenario where all the camping stuff can be removed easily so you can have a combi caddy. Use it as a daily car and then if you want to work remotely, do a few dives perhaps at the sea side or enjoy a weekend of hiking, you pop the bed, a carry box (thule) + bike rack. On Sunday, change it back to a daily. I think an off road (4x4) like the audi allroad look?
No idea why Volkswagen bother with this. Bed up, it's got less space than a 2-person tent. And you've gotta have a door open to do pretty much anything other than sit or sleep. Even a regular Caddy van with a roof tent probably makes better sense, and for a much lower price. I also can't get over the rear lights on this generation of Caddy - tiny little things, and very hard to see on a sunny day.
Great review and I get it. Boot camping/Truck camping or trailer tenting. But for the money I’m not sure it’s worth it over a normal Caddy maxi and a tent. Trailer tents seem to be consigned to the last era. Caddy/Berlingo is a great car theory. For single/dual layby camping with occasional campsite showers it’s a worthy contender for the wealthy. Great review and summary but it’s just short of missing the boat for getting out there as a family on a budget as real camping luxuries are short or not there. I’d use the same budget for a transporter window bus, same length, and take more kit for basic camping luxury, like chairs,,,,😀😀😀😀
I want to purchase a camper van now that I'm retired. Of course, I need to go less expensively. On the other hand, I have heard of smallish camper vans that have little showers and toilets. Do you know about camper vans like that. I don't want to be driving around a traditional camper that is soooooo large. This is for just me.
I wish you could do a review on a 2011 ford KUGA 2.5 turbo as i have one and it has proven to be almost a future proof car and very punchy. I I don't see many about at all., and the only reviews are from eastern Europe with no subtitles on RU-vid.
VW have made these for years but only sold them in the UK in 2014 - probably because they're not good in rainy weather. They sold about 80 in 2014 and I love mine. However, mine has windows in the side doors and I'm not sure why this fails to have any windows that open except for the front. I'd live the new bed though as mine is a bit saggy now after fitting me and 2 dogs on it for 50,000 miles!
Been waiting for a review on this side of things for a while, though I wondered if you might've had one lined up of the FAWWWDSSS TRAAAYYYYYNNNNSIT first, or another rival, etc etc. TRAAYNNSIT, FAWWWDS. (Speaking of that... the FAWDS Tourneo Connect is the same vehicle now)
Personally I think it’s a expensive one man camper. Would of been funny to watch two people stop in it, chops and Jonny on a weekend away. Personally I’d much prefer to chuck 30 grand at a t6 and spec it to my taste and have something useable that caddy. Not for me, great review though Jonny.
Nice little camper, and not the ridiculous premium of the other models over their van platform. But save yourself a fortune and wait 18 months. We’ve reached or exceeded peak car prices now, with the 40% vehicles should have depreciated about to catch up with everyone. Or alternatively, buy a box bodied camper the lockdown crowd bought, they’re already cheap-as-chips.
This is a fantastic, detailed review, but as an industrial designer I'm not impressed by the conversion. It feels aftermarket and not factory: VW cheaped out and didn't even do so in a smart/elegant way. There are tons of great bespoke conversions out there and you can get a custom one done for yourself for less $$$. It is SO boring, too... where are the colours, 'quirks and features', etc? It's a no from me, Jen...
I get the appeal, a smaller camping van. A bit niche but I think they will find some customers. I think I'd go for a bigger second-hand or just go with a separate tent.
Good review but this is a very limited 'van'. It would suit a single person into outdoorsy stuff who just wanted to travel somewhere for recreation and then have somewhere to sleep overnight without having to pitch a tent or rent a room .. but as a van to actually live out of - pretty useless. Yes, it's more convenient than trying to rig up some sort of overnight sleep setup of your own in a small van/estate but way more expensive and a big compromise on the cargo space of the caddy which restricts its usefulness as a family car. This is going to be a really niche product - maybe the 'California' badging will help spur sales from wannabe Cali owners who don't have upwards of 70k to splurge on the real thing. Look at the channel Allys Mountain Walks to see a much better implemented Caddy van conversion.
