VW California Beach 2021 review - Is the reborn Kombi camper a good alternative to towing a caravan?

If you want to get stuck into a bit of outdoor adventure, but you’re not keen on sleeping in a swag or a tent, and you really don’t like the idea of towing a camper-trailer or caravan, then maybe a camper van will work for you.
This is VW’s T6.1 California Beach camper van - it looks pretty retro cool (especially with its optional two-tone paint job), it has a fair few features as standard and may offer you a low-key gentle introduction to a van-based adventure lifestyle.
But does the Beach, based on VW’s mid-size Transporter van and a refreshed version of a classic, represent a camper which is actually more style than substance?
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[@MarkBriers369]

Agree! The price tag takes it out of the region of value for money for what you could alternatively purchase for the cost.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

A camper van review not focusing on the interior is a massive fail

[@HammerRocks]

Great review Crafty. This rig's not bad. But I agree, it's on the pricey side and needs more ground clearance, and 33' AT tyres IMO 🤣 This is obviously targeted for the on-road campervanning market, and not really the overlanding market. Competing instead with the likes of Winnebago and all the various converted HiAce's' everywhere. Ideal for those family who go and kit out a full blown 4WD only to stay on holiday parks. Good to see Carsguide back on KZbin.

[@carsguide]

Thanks Hammer. Always appreciate your feedback. - Crafty

[@johnrothery3683]

We bought a full sized brand new Bailey motorhome for less than the price of this one. I saw a beautiful red one a few weeks ago. Looked really good. But, I would never pay that money for a small converted van. John Rothery (Tauranga)

[@jaykazama9132]

Love it. But that price! Might as well get a 4x4 to go off-road, and have a camper trailer/van or swag instead.

[@glynhodgson-fo4wl]

It’s all about the versatility of the vehicle, its many things, sleeps 4, can remove rear seats use as van, add VanEssa camping equipment, use as a daily driver! There are no other factory built vehicle like it. Just wish we them here in NZ

[@hypequeen9588]

Love the look and features but I just can’t get over the price!

[@outdoors5352]

You can buy a full Trakka conversion with stove, fridge and storage for the same price.

[@nadiabell2213]

Definitely a huge price tag I’ll stick with our vw multivan and a camp trailer

[@donjohns4878]

Love it but too pricey. My mate picked up an older one for about $32K, not the Californian but similar. Liked the ocean footage on the drive, where was that?

[@carsguide]

The coastal drive and beaches in the Northern Illawarra, NSW. Thanks for watching and commenting, mate. Appreciate you taking the time. - Crafty

[@jrhamp]

Why VW does not sell these in the US..

[@EnShinNoi]

If I won the Powerball I'd consider it. It's a cool looking van and would get plenty of use.

[@jaseciantar2760]

The Californian in the UK has a full kitchen and shower wardrobes etc.. this is just an overpriced People mover

[@acde9355]

The Australian-rebuilt RHD version is relatively better to suit the road condition of RHD countries. Maybe we should export it to the UK?

[@d333my]

There are 3 versions of the California in the UK, including this one. Beach, Coast, and Ocean.

[@jasondow8885]

The ocean has the kitchen

[@AJ29430]

My 2007 Getz, swag and a camp oven does the same as this and all for $4,000

[@RemusKingOfRome]

$100,000 !!!! for this !! I'd rather buy a LDV V80 for $30,000 then convert the interior myself. These Euro vans are total RIPOFF!

[@Akash-z]

VW prices are its single most disadvantage ? Hope the company relook the price

[@BerettaTV]

Definitely worth the money if you can afford it

[@yolotoko2393]

how much is this?

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

Ironically, the California is not available in the US!

[@Brahmdagh]

A bit off topic but I'll still through it out there. Does anybody know what Mitsubishi is planning with Pajero Sport/Pajero? I am pretty excited given the fact that the new outlander looks outlandish.

[@coop7764]

Wheres the fridge? Hardly a campervan🙆

[@jasondow8885]

Before the covid such vehicles including caravan where a LOT CHEAPER! So again GREED IS REASON for mind blowing prices taking advantage in this pandemic, this was available for just over 60k a year ago 😳

[@GrantDonnelly]

more like the result of supply and demand

[@jenlewis6146]

I bought a raffle ticket to win one but it has nothing inside that appeals to me, I wanted a real, liveable van.

[@Mr1952brownie]

Yup it’s expensive but you do get what you pay for

[@larjkok1184]

Or you get ripped off.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Michael No you don‘t actually, it‘s way overpriced

[@JogBird]

far better to get an mb sprinter and build out yourself, or go to an upfitter, this is obscenely overpriced

[@phillipkrelle5661]

Seven seats for that money and i would consider it if i had the cash.

[@lynnnayda1228]

Too dear

[@N-SOJU]

Too expensive for what it is, Hyundai need to bring in the Starex Campervan / H350 Solati Camper Van / Porest RV motor home !!!

[@grahamoliver8439]

OK as a people mover but as a camper? Storage? Cooking? Fridge? Not much of a review of a "camper" really! But thanks anyway.

[@bunsenburner2693]

What a ripoff! better off getting a hilux and sleeping in the traybed with the dog.

[@Shadowstreem409]

Hundred thousand ,don’t think so

[@JoeyDavies777]

We get ripped off in Australia. What a joke.

[@kelvpoon]

102k...

[@damonbugden2648]

Your joking, _100+K for a pop top with a bed. This is not a camper

[@AridersLifeYT]

Yep it’s 50k overpriced

[@KoshBosch]

Not for 100k.

[@jonathangroenewald3906]

Way, over priced!! You can buy a larger Jayco, Kea or Avida Camper for that price, on a larger Fiat, Renault or Merc platform, with an ensuite.

[@lukeaus]

Completely overpriced.

[@francisss6631]

100K. hahaha. Tell them they're dreaming. The way prices are going, we'll all be driving Chines vehicle soon.

[@Bambotb]

This is just a freaking gem man...nothing compares to it at this price

[@nikemie1]

What a ridiculous price.

[@planestrainsdogsncars4336]

100 grand to drive around in a cacophony of rattles......only for a camping masochist .

[@bossofthemoss450]

Over priced and under spec’d