Motorhome news: World premiere of the new VW California 6.1 campervan

The new VW California 6.1 campervan range will be on show for the first time at the Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf, Germany.

In a world first, the three models – Beach, Coast and top-of-the-range Ocean – will be unveiled at the show, which starts on 30^th August and runs until 8^th September.

Highlights of the new 6.1 include a redesigned front exterior on the Ocean, which has a chrome-plated radiator grille and new LED daytime running lights; it’s the chrome elements that distinguish the Ocean from the Beach and Coast models.

Inside, in the Coast and Ocean there are new, compact-style kitchen units equipped with new details such as a double USB socket, aluminium handles on all the doors and push buttons to open up the kitchen surface to use the sink, cooker and fridge. Instead of shutters in the rear cupboard, there are sliding doors.

The beds, VW say, provide greater comfort. The higher bed has a sprung base, and the double rear bench seat that folds out to make a bed can be transformed into a lounge. The ambience in that area can be enhanced by another new detail, the sunrise function that uses LEDs in the roof and living area to dim up the lights to the desired level of brightness, over a period of time.

This sunrise function is controlled via the new control panel. Previously a monochrome display, in the new VW California 6.1 this is a large full colour touchscreen. A range of functions are controlled from here, including the operation of the pop-up roof, air heating, and a level indicator that shows the angle that the campervan is parked.

Another key point in the new range is the electro-mechanical power steering, which enables the use of assisted steering systems. These include Lane Assist, Park Assist and Trailer Assist.

The range is expected to go on sale this autumn.