{"id":1628,"date":"2024-07-27T08:00:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T22:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/?p=1628"},"modified":"2024-04-09T21:34:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T11:34:23","slug":"review-2024-volkswagen-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/review-2024-volkswagen-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2024 Volkswagen California"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/motorscout.com.au\/model\/volkswagen-california\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>2024 Volkswagen California<\/strong><\/a> is more than just a vehicle; it\u2019s an invitation to explore the great Australian outdoors. Whether you\u2019re chasing sunsets along the coast or venturing into the rugged hinterlands, this camper van promises comfort, convenience, and a dash of wanderlust.<\/p>\n<h2 data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:33\">Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n<h4 data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:9\">Pros<\/h4>\n<ul data-sourcepos=\"9:1-13:0\">\n<li data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:238\"><strong>The ultimate adventure machine:<\/strong>\u00a0This isn&#8217;t just a van; it&#8217;s a mobile home with everything you need for a comfortable escape. From the fold-out bed to the built-in kitchenette, the California is all about making memories on the go.<\/li>\n<li data-sourcepos=\"10:1-10:207\"><strong>Packed with features:<\/strong>\u00a0The California boasts a surprising amount of tech and amenities. Think driver-assistance features, a panoramic sunroof, and even an optional pop-up tent for extra sleeping space.<\/li>\n<li data-sourcepos=\"11:1-11:169\"><strong>Fuel efficiency:<\/strong>\u00a0The diesel engine option offers decent fuel economy, especially for a campervan, making those long road trips a breeze (on the wallet, at least).<\/li>\n<li data-sourcepos=\"12:1-13:0\"><strong>Safety first:<\/strong>\u00a0Volkswagen prioritizes safety, and the California comes equipped with a suite of airbags, stability control systems, and other features to keep you and your loved ones protected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 data-sourcepos=\"14:1-14:9\">Cons<\/h4>\n<ul data-sourcepos=\"16:1-19:0\">\n<li data-sourcepos=\"16:1-16:157\"><strong>Price tag:<\/strong>\u00a0Let&#8217;s be honest, the California isn&#8217;t cheap. While the starting price is under $100,000 AUD, it can quickly climb with additional features.<\/li>\n<li data-sourcepos=\"17:1-17:171\"><strong>Size matters:<\/strong>\u00a0This is no nimble city car. The California&#8217;s size can be intimidating for new drivers, and navigating tight spaces might require some extra planning.<\/li>\n<li data-sourcepos=\"18:1-19:0\"><strong>Limited off-road capability:<\/strong>\u00a0While it can handle gravel roads, the California isn&#8217;t meant for serious off-road adventures. Stick to smoother terrain for a more comfortable journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-sourcepos=\"20:1-20:25\">How Much Does it Cost?<\/h2>\n<p data-sourcepos=\"22:1-22:410\">The starting price for the <strong>2024 Volkswagen California<\/strong> in Australia is around $93,790 AUD for the base &#8220;Beach&#8221; trim. This includes the 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, automatic transmission, and all the essentials for van life. However, if you want the bells and whistles, like the panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system, or the aforementioned pop-up tent, expect the price to climb closer to the $120,000 AUD mark.<\/p>\n<h2>Features and Benefits<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sleeping Quarters<\/strong>: The California\u2019s rear bench folds flat into a comfortable bed. Dream under the stars or wake up to ocean views\u2014the choice is yours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sunroof Bliss<\/strong>: The pop-up roof lets in natural light and fresh air. Perfect for morning coffee with a view.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Swivel Seats<\/strong>: The front seats rotate, creating a cozy lounge area. Ideal for sipping wine and planning your next adventure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clever Storage<\/strong>: From surfboards to hiking gear, the California\u2019s storage compartments keep your essentials organized.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Safety Tech<\/strong>: ABS, stability control, and multiple airbags ensure peace of mind on winding roads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Running Costs<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fuel Efficiency<\/strong>: The California sips diesel, averaging around 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Servicing<\/strong>: Regular maintenance won\u2019t break the bank, thanks to Volkswagen\u2019s widespread service network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison to Competitors<\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>California<\/strong> faces stiff competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and the <a href=\"https:\/\/motorscout.com.au\/model\/toyota-hiace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota HiAce<\/a> Campervan. While the Marco Polo flaunts luxury, the California wins on practicality. The HiAce? Well, it\u2019s the reliable old mate you\u2019ve known forever.<\/p>\n<h2 data-sourcepos=\"46:1-46:36\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<h4 data-sourcepos=\"46:1-46:36\">Geared for adventure<\/h4>\n<p data-sourcepos=\"48:1-48:346\">The<strong> 2024 Volkswagen California<\/strong> is more than just a campervan; it&#8217;s a rolling statement of freedom and adventure. Packed with features, comfortable for long journeys, and surprisingly fuel-efficient for its size, the California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors. However, the price tag might deter some budget-conscious travelers.<\/p>\n<h2 data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:24\">Rating: 8.5\/10<\/h2>\n<p data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:307\">The <strong>2024 Volkswagen California<\/strong> is a fantastic choice for those seeking a comfortable, feature-rich, and adventure-ready campervan. While the hefty price tag might be a barrier for some, the California offers exceptional value for those who prioritize a seamless transition from driving to luxurious camping.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2024 Volkswagen California is more than just a vehicle; it\u2019s an invitation to explore the great Australian outdoors. Whether you\u2019re chasing sunsets along the coast or venturing into the rugged hinterlands, this camper van promises comfort, convenience, and a dash of wanderlust. Pros and Cons Pros The ultimate adventure machine:\u00a0This isn&#8217;t just a van;&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/review-2024-volkswagen-california\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: 2024 Volkswagen California<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2,5],"tags":[1500,1501,1502,1499,1503,1504],"class_list":["post-1628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-cars-to-buy","category-buying-your-new-car","category-choosing-the-right-car","tag-2024-volkswagen-california","tag-2024-volkswagen-california-review","tag-best-price-on-2024-volkswagen-california","tag-volkswagen-california","tag-volkswagen-california-price","tag-volkswagen-california-review","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1628"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1631,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1628\/revisions\/1631"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}