Volkswagen revives Kombi camper

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to buy a campervan version of the latest T6 Volkswagen Transporter van from their local dealer later this year.

Volkswagen Australia has announced that the entry-level Volkswagen California Beach camper, released in Europe around mid-2019, will be available in Australia in the second half of 2020.

The new bare-bones, factory-built camper variant will be part of an updated ‘T6.1’ Transporter range of commercial vans and people-movers due to arrive around the same time. However, like the smaller Volkswagen Caddy-van based Caddy Beach sold briefly in Australia from late-2018, the California Beach T6.1 will be best suited to quick week-end getaways rather than lengthy ‘Big Lap’ adventures.

While final specifications and pricing are yet to be announced, it’s unlikely the entry-level California Beach sold in Australia will be available with the side-mounted interior kitchenette fitted to up-spec California versions in Europe, which includes a twin-burner gas cooker, small sink with running water and a fridge box.

However, it should get the European version’s swiveling front seats, slide-out dining table and rear bench seats that convert into a double bed.

Euro-spec California Beach models also get a pop-top roof with canvas sides and raised double bed, along with built-in storage cabinets.

The Volkswagen California Beach sold here is likely to include a similar ‘camping’ specification as Mercedes’ factory built, Vito-based, Marco Polo camper van, although Volkswagen Group Australia's Public Relations & Brand Experience Manager, Kurt McGuiness, hinted that buyers would be able to pre-order some additional accessories like a water tank and external shower.

“If there is a market for future customisations or other models from the [Volkswagen Transporter] camper range we will definitely consider it,” he said.

Australian-spec variants should also benefit from a range of other Transporter T6.1 updates including revised front exterior and interior design, upgraded infotainment technology and driver assistance aids including Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert and Crosswind Assist.

The new VW Transporter T6.1 van range is also available with a new 110kW TDI340 turbo-diesel engine, paired with dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Ryan Davies, said the arrival of the new California Beach will give “Australian Kombi Camper fans what they've been asking for”.

"With the introduction of the T6.1 California Beach, we are finally answering fan and customer demand for a factory-backed, turn-key weekender – we're ecstatic to be bringing the Kombi van back to Oz," he said.