Is the cheapest Volkswagen California any good? New VW Caddy Micro Camper full review

This is the cheapest Volkswagen California - VW Caddy Micro Camper review. Van life has ballooned in popularity in recent years, so VW has decided to launch their own baby Cali based upon the new Caddy van. In this episode Jonny Smith drives, eats and sleeps in the £32,000 Caddy Cali in order to find out whether it is a worthy addition to the T6 and Crafter California range.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
It may be a micro camper, but perhaps the skill of the Caddy Cali is that it makes a brilliant family car on the days when you aren't adventuring and looking to camp over.
The Honda Element in this video is now for sale via owner Matty for £6500 ono. Please email him with serious enquiries to: [e-mail]
To read Jonny's blogs and have access to watch these episodes early, why not join our Patreon gang? / thelatebrakeshow
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Filmed and edited by: Matty Graham of www.pixel-click.com
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
MUSIC RIGHTS:
Sam Brash - PGPABZL4RWUKDSAN
Morgan Taylor - P4XPA0EKC1OOP7FC
Neon Beach - Q37YZYP8EWA9IGL0
Moments Morning Bliss - RJ0OU9XUWITAMIRY
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:15 Dimensions
2:17 Price
2:28 Engines
2:39 Rear seats
3:25 Power sockets
4:28 Setting up bed
6:23 Curtains and tinted glass
7:04 Boot area
8:13 Kit bag stowage
9:18 Annex tent
10:45 Drive away annex
10:58 Road driving
11:35 Engine options and MPG
14:11 Exterior design
14:55 Secondhand Vanlife
15:40 Sleeping
20:30 Next morning
22:30 Breakfast picnic
24:50 More driving impressions
26:06 Verdict
#vwcalifornia #newcampervan #vanlife #thelatebrakeshow

[@thesalopgardener]

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]

Stealth camping

[@jamesbrook16]

@@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

[@51StPi]

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.

[@PoobahUK]

Deep joy that this level of actual proper useful detailed review exists. Keep doing what you do Jonny. 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Chris, many thanks. So glad you appreciate it!

[@beano6452]

Hear, Hear

[@greggScutum]

Also ; it's amazing how your videos are both extremely professional yet feel sooo natural

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks, that is the best praise we could wish for!

[@timwebster2537]

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.

[@nielsdebakker3283]

A caddy micro camper is not new for vw, they already exist a few years. The news is that this one is built on the latest version of the caddy.

[@stephenevans7884]

I want one

[@jamesturner9114]

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.

[@davidrowe8747]

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?

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Yet another great video from Johnny. Some people would just do the walk around & talk but Johnny is showing you how everything goes up down in & out etc. cheers Johnny.👍🏆🇬🇧

[@petesplaneta9340]

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?

[@vladx2]

Could be for couples who want to use it as a daily driver. Perfect for me, the wife and the cat

[@sonicstep]

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.

[@Lazydonkey_]

I know a few mountain bikers who have converted similar sized vans and use them every weekend.

[@patreekotime4578]

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.

[@Cous1nJack]

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.

[@bertielee3037]

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!

[@stephenballantyne]

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.

[@andrewmillar131]

Nice to see the brown ale...

[@front2427]

im steaming, but the favourite night time reading statement blew my minds like your stuff, keep up the good work, prescribed....

[@mattrussell250]

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...

[@frazersparling8547]

Great review Jonny, keep up the good work!

[@edwardohara4045]

I bumped into you at Birmingham intl a few weeks ago, good to see you back at it!

[@ehmoo]

That 'Nice guy' mug was a very nice touch 😂

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Since you asked Johnny, we’ve got a 2006 Toyota alphard v6 import I converted it to a camper , with sink , cooker full electrics I love it

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Alphard is mega!

[@ivankuljis1780]

We had the Caddy KAMPER in 2004 here in Australia ____Fully imported from Europe from VW. This California reminds me of it! Good one, Jonny!

[@shakirabdulaziz3286]

I would love to see a proper review of that Honda Element Jonny! Looks like a really interesting car

[@jameschapman4824]

Back in the day we actually used a maxi as a sleeper with a tent attached so the tent was the living room, and the car was the sleeping area. Mind you that was when we both were carrying a little bit less timber LOL. Great review

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

When you have the choice of a Harry’s garage Ferrari video, or a car pervert VW camper van, and watch Jonny Smith first … 😂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Oh Jimmy....

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

@@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 😂

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

At minute 26 I thought you’d morphed in to Kevin McLoud 🤣🤣. ‘My fear with the Caddy Cali ….’

[@mattrussell250]

Same dilemma (and outcome) for me. Stick your GTB. Smith and a camper wins every time.

[@robertwilson6844]

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!😂

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

Excellent review! The Caddy seems to include the basics, and will probably last. I like that they have used bed springs that let the mattress breathe, and the window ventilation is also a must. It's obvious that things have been kept utilitarian, but it does what it says on the tin - great! Here, in Norway, you would probably want it with 4 Motion, and a diesel heater if going anywhere but the coast in summer.

[@joewyatt2407]

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

[@kimerincowley]

Great to see Matty’s Element make an appearance. I love my own E and the opportunities that car camping brings.

[@sholehan]

Where did you buy it? Lhd? They are like rocking horse sh*t!

[@MrOvershoot]

@@sholehan It's quite obviously RHD. 1 it was shown in the video & 2 its a Jap import and they drive on the same side as the UK

[@richy69ify]

Great review. Another one that put a smile on my face :)

[@sjamesy]

I'd be interested in a review of the Dacia Jogger with the camping option when it's available.

[@deanamy5948]

Super nice little camper! Great review 😊

[@alvin.holbrook]

I won't say these would sell like crazy in North America, but I certainly think there is a market. Thanks for making me jealous, Late Brake Show!

[@whispie.]

Great video making skills. The filming, the editing, etc.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks for watching. 🙏🏼

[@Avenga76]

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.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Your Avenger sounds awesome. Jonny remembers the bed mode in the Avenger estate.

[@rhidiandavies1991]

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.

[@paulleggett9735]

Love the "wish you were here" style soundtrack.

[@JasonWD]

We have a camperized Element. The bed is aluminium 80/20 extrusions with 3 layer greenhouse plastic panels and 3D printed brackets. The element is an amazing form factor and I love the drop gate in the back!

[@bnrynlds]

Excellent Rancho cushion there Jonny.

[@kateandrews8506]

Another Good video Jonny. I looked at one of these but eventually decided to buy a small caravan to tow with my existing vehicle. I don’t regret my decision but I hope the Caddy Cali does well.

[@tommtb4898]

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.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Many people don’t have the skills to do their own conversion. I think this caddy looks great

[@bobbymcdonald4365]

Great Review at just the right pitch too, food for thought. just got to track one down, now.

[@bradders3535]

I sadly had to sell it when moving back to the UK, but we used to camp in a 1995 Ford Falcon XR6 wagon in Australia. Blow up mattress in its huge boot was good enough to last us two years of adventure without ever wanting anything bigger

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

Fantastic Work Jonny

[@StuBar2]

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.

[@Willyfarns]

Johnny teasing us all with the Honda element... quick video on that would be cool

[@lptomtom]

Great review, as always! The sound mix is all over the place though, I kept fiddling with the volume throughout the video

[@Trickydicky99]

Loving the mug 😁

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Many... MANY... decades ago, when I was but a lad, for some reason I had a near obsession with having a Mini 850 van converted to be a camper...! I actually had it all planned out - the sides would be bottom-hinged so would drop down on to support-legs, with an 'awning-style' fabric providing protection for a wider body, plus the roof would pop-up to provide some much-needed height. Oh the memories...! 😉

[@gsum1000]

We had one of these about 10 years ago when it was known as the Tramper. It came with a removable bed, lots of pouches for storage, a simple awning and a cooler box but it didn't have the camp kitchen. The quality of the fittings and accessories was excellent. Ours was the 2 litre TDi and was an eye catching fluorescent green. There is no way on Earth that two adults could share the bed unless you form a sandwich. Other than that these vans are excellent. Alloy wheels are essential as far as I'm concerned. The steels look horrible and are prone to rust.

[@robenglish416]

Love the content! Kudos to VW for building a California conversion of the Caddy, but if I could I would get the Honda Element, just because it so quirky!

[@10rGreenninja]

If you haven't already I reckon youshould do a video on the Honda Element love the look of it

[@tommysutton9361]

Id have one of them, great idea. Although i would use the rear awning as a changing and storage area and have a roof tent for the kids.

[@seanfennessey1851]

Excellent review.

[@spinosauruswearingboots4156]

I’ve done some car camping in my 04 Ford Galaxy over the last couple of years. The conclusions I’ve come to are and the reason I shall upgrade to a van is. At the end of the day it’s still a car, blacking out the windows, sound deadening and heat retention you can’t escape from the metal box with windows. If the bed is off the floor you get great storage but reduced headroom with the bed on the floor it’s the opposite. When it’s wet outside the wish to stand up and stretch is a total fantasy. For longer trips I’ve needed a roof box and had to store stuff when stopped outside the car. For me it’s been a great introduction and a step up from a tent but a larger van is the way forward for longer trips etc.

[@greggScutum]

I might sound weird; but i love the interior; it's so beautifuly simple :)

[@Newgrassrock]

I am absolutely jealous of your new castle.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

I love the grand california. That’s an awesome van. This little California is nice too. It’s good for if you live in a flat maybe but you like to camp every now and then

[@teapot27]

what a good honest believable review

[@MRX5000X]

I’m in California where they don’t sell this.

[@kevthompson1982]

Love the fact your drinking a bottle of my local tipple!

[@compostcorner5934]

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 ..😄

[@more.power.]

Thanks Jonny love your channel .

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Tim ✊🏽

[@daviebevan]

Very good review🙏

[@timwood7808]

I enjoy camping (tent) and really enjoyed this review Johnny, but couldn't imagine buying the Caddy Cali.... I'm sure your money would be better spent on a decent used T6/7. Keep up the good work mate. Do love that Wangford bridge.

[@P.Galore]

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.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I LIKE what you have shown about the Volkswagen California. An agile person could do well with this on a cross-USA run, let alone the shorter distances in the UK and on the Continent. Check out the Asian camp experts like Yo Yo Camp or Aya Camp to see how the add-on tent can extend the usefulness of this design.

[@LadyFarrow1]

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 😊

[@geraldbaldwin6039]

Difficult to stealth camp with California written on the side

[@boogiewoogieadventures308]

Great review 👍

[@neilowen9468]

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. 👍👍

[@lollypop9580]

Thank you really for the effort Mister Smith. You convinced me that this Cali is not for us. 👍

[@everydaybiker]

Very nice.. Great review, as always. I feel the cady cally would be a very different prospect if it were sh1tting it down the whole weekend

[@luckyluc8890]

Really great review! And I think the caddy fills a gap in vw's current cali lineup

[@primafacie6442]

Brilliant warts and all review, unlike many others that just tell you it drives like a golf 👍🏽

[@billymathias]

Nice cup there Smith

[@jep1912]

Perfect for downsizing from your 4 bed semi, when inflation hitting the stinky stuff, really hits the fan.

[@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330]

Perfect if you work back to back shifts some way from home, for example as a NHS person, and have family.

[@glynhodgson-fo4wl]

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

[@simonbarber8674]

Nice bus , wish I had the money, we have a 2009 berlingo with a boot jump I made for the rear , so the same set up really , car and camper love it .

[@Audibleknight]

Great review as always. This vehicle feels like a half effort camper/van hybrid. As a van life option though it's very odd. The gas only options, the bed laying on top of the back seats, no pop top roof, no retractable awning. If someone was serious about van life would probably opt for a multipurpose van or ID buzz as a base instead. I guess it might be for those people who like you said talk the talk and want to have the option to say that they could do it.

[@davepotato101]

Great video, been looking at vans for ages couldn't bring myself to spend tens of thousands, so I hunted down a Honda stepwagon in Japan and imported it myself only for it to turn I week before the first lockdown, lol It's frigging amazing though so much better than a VW and cost me less than the options on this

[@mambonummer5]

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.

[@mambonummer5]

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.

[@FourtyFourCab]

Came here to point out the mug!

[@CalumRaasay]

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.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Marco Polo isn't still on sale I don't think. It is also bigger.

[@frankmaxwell5193]

A custom bed that converts to 2 benches and a table screwed in, is a better option. Could sit out the rain and have a cuppa.

[@stevegascoigne1482]

I agree on the steelies. Alternative.. Dacia Jogger/Duster with a roof tent.

[@andyyefimovich2815]

Well done!!!

[@jigneshgc]

Now this is a camper review in the true sense

[@razorheadbarbers7616]

You’ve had that funky fridge for years? it’s still got the card on the plug, surely you’re telling fibs 😂. Great review though. Love these campers

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Jonny always leaves the cards and stuff on items. He's weird like that.

[@michaelwd5419]

Great review, what about using it in cold weather ? Any heating system, how would You GP about it ?

[@IAN1000IAN]

Another brilliant review , can I ask what watch you are wearing please?

[@JaneMack-ec2sr]

Very nice review,, it looks ideal as a daily practical car with the ability as occasional camper. It may not look the best but it would probably be the most suitable van to meet my needs and doesn't look as stealable as a T6.

[@MattMiss79]

Great review. Want to get one now. Would be great if the front seats could swivel around to make a seating area. That would be a bonus.

[@iananderson3799]

I have seen that option.

[@andradaastrology]

Hi! Great review! Just have mine and i want to buy a tent now for it ! which one do you recommend?

[@iainweller452]

I think it’s a good buy, for a few days away or over night it’s perfect 👍

[@stotheh]

Brought to you by Newcastle Brown Ale!

[@louistyson8840]

The seats fold flat like the Honda in my ID19 (DS) but I’ll be honest usually use the T5 to sleep in, maybe 2cv van when finished!

[@sholehan]

Matra Rancho cushion is amazing! :-)

[@georgimihalkov4781]

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.

[@HawkMillFarm]

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.

[@gadjules7334]

That mug slogan is amusing :D

[@ArnageLM]

Do like this proposition!

[@lesliewoodmobile]

Rather spend 32 grand on a secondhand camper van and have the space. But I know your only showing us what's the market, keep them vids coming Jonny

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

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.

[@TheSillif]

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.

[@SimonCurrey]

4motion van with flip camper has larger bed, sink, fridge. Easier curtain setup. Maybe looks a bit different. Stealth adventure camping. Couple only.

[@andrewthomason3857]

14:22 It looks like they held a contest to find the Glummest Man in Germany, then put the winner in charge of picking out the paint and decal package for this vehicle.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ha!

[@MdvK13979]

A pop-up roof would be a nice option instead of the pano.