New Transporter goes camping

Volkswagen revealed its sixth-generation (T6) Transporter van in April and now it has unveiled the lavish new California camper version.

While the T6 commercial van will be launched in Europe next month and goes on sale in Australia from October, it's not yet clear whether the fourth-generation California will come here.

Volkswagen says the California remains the only factory-built camper van on the market, and offers "a host of improvements and new features for buyers who want the ultimate home from home".

Like its T6 donor vehicle, which we understand is essentially a reskinned version of the T5 with unchanged interior packaging to accommodate its vast following of aftermarket converters, the California brings big advances in technology and efficiency.

For a start there's a new engine range with fuel efficiency gains of up to 15 per cent and power outputs ranging between 75 and 150kW, DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive options.

There are also new infotainment and adaptive suspension systems, and new safety systems include Driver Alert, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking.

Opening the engine line-up in the UK is the California Beach, powered by a 75kW 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel, while a 150kW 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine powers the flagship California Ocean.

Both four-seat models can sleep four occupants thanks to a pop-up roof (electro-hydraulically operated in Ocean models) that integrates a 1.2x2.0-metre double bed and LED lighting.

Ocean models also feature a fully-equipped kitchen complete with 42-litre fridge, twin-burner stove and stainless steel sink. There's also a clever multi-function holder for the rear compartment that combines a cup, ashtray and towel holder.

Continuing the spirit of Volkswagen's original Kombi, the California motor home first emerged in 1998, after which the T4 version found 39,000 homes and the outgoing T5 attracted more than 50,000 sales, making it the world's most popular (and only) factory camper van.

Like the 11-year-old T5 models they replace, VW's new T6 Transporter and California – which mark the 65th anniversary of the Volkswagen van – will again be produced at Volkswagen’s Hanover plant in Germany.

The replacement for Germany's top-selling van arrives in Australia in October, followed in 2016 by people-mover and cab/chassis ute derivatives of the T6.

Volkswagen Group Australia imported a limited number of T5 Transporter-based Multivan Beach (badged here as the Kombi Beach) and California camper models from 2006.