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big Moments and great Adventures with the volkswagen grand california

The Grand California 600 comes with an optional 104W system at the front of the roof, to supply the second battery and help it to remain self-sufficient depending on how strong the sun is.

No doubt that during the development process of the new Crafter van, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Design Team led by Albert-Johan Kirzinger, were ‘California Dreamin’!

The platform, body shape and styling of the high roof crafter panel van was an obvious base for a mobile leisure version and that’s exactly what transpired in the shape of the grand california. This flagship, premium model slots into the 6-metre (3.5 tonne) class and unlike the smaller california based on the Transporter, comes complete with bathroom. Accommodating four people, there is a large sleeping area in the rear

With larger skylight, aluminium ladder and two reading lights in the Grand California 600, it can hold up to 150kg of weight and ample space for two children. The slatted base can be pulled out at the touch of a button and the optional over-cab bed includes a larger skylight with mosquito nets and blinds.

section, as well an innovative star gazing, high bunk bed over the cab area. fully integrated inside the bodyshell, the grand california is now one of a trio of camper van offerings from volkswagen, joining the long established regular california and the compact caddy california, launched in recent years. every aspect of the grand’s design is well thought out and built to a high standard that will ensure durability and long life service. The white cabinet trim in the grand california has enabled Albert to create a living area with a bright, spacious atmosphere. This is boosted by the pop-open camper windows both at the back and on the sides and the large skylights above the double bed in the rear and the living area. Noticeable too is that all of the camper windows are fitted with cassette blinds and flyscreens. for the driver’s cab there is also a new blackout concept. one interesting feature is that there are no light switches to be found in the bathroom – the lights come on automatically via motion detectors. Up to 110 litres of fresh water can be carried, while the waste water tank holds 90 litres. The ‘black’ content cassette is easily accessible from the exterior side pod.

The installation of the bathroom is a big bonus, incorporating a sink, mirror, shower, storage and toilet, all within a waterproof, drainable shell. it also comes with a standard connection at the back

There is plenty of space for storing luggage under the rear bed. Access via the rear wing doors is an extra-handy feature. Comfort is just one of the great features of the compact rear bed. When tried out a pleasant experience was recorded. The main light above the upper cabinets, a working light above the kitchen and dining area lighting create a homely feel.

Five air vents evenly spread the warm air generated by the 6kW system throughout the interior. The system also stores 10 litres of warm water for the kitchen and wet room.

The wet room is sure to impress with its well thought-out functional design. For instance, the basin can be folded up while you are using the shower or toilet. All your bits and pieces are secured on the shelves to stop them from falling down. The folding mirror can be secured in place. The motion sensor switches on the indirect lighting and vanity lights automatically. There is also a quadruple storage solution for towels. And to protect the wet room from overflowing water, it comes with two drains including a dirt trap and odour trap. Heating and water heating: This can be optionally upgraded to run on diesel and electric. This means that only one gas cylinder is needed which saves weight.

for an external shower (with adjustable water temperature) making life on the campsite just perfect. An electrically powered step, which moves out in front of the sliding door, makes getting in and out easier, while a two-part mosquito net in the door is likewise part of the standard specification. with two swivel seats at the front and a double bench seat in the living area, a large detachable dining table provides ample room for the four people to sit down to dine together. The kitchen fittings include a pull-out 70-litre fridge with freezer compartment (accessible from outside as well as via the sliding door), a twin-hob gas cooker, a sink and diverse drawers, pull-out storage compartments and tip-up shelves.

The younger folk will love the slide-out overhead bunk bed, usefully it’s not too intrusive when extended out, allowing for others to enjoy some ‘quiet time’. This quality period can be done outside too, thanks to the awning, camping table and foldable chairs (stowed inside the back doors) provided. on the other side of one of the doors is the bike rack. Just be careful when closing this door, mind your head! solar panels are a useful addition on campervans, helping to generate enough electricity to supply the mobile household’s needs when parked up. sure enough vwcv is on the ball here, with an optional sun panel on the roof. To ensure all of the electronic entertainment items can be fully operational, there are plenty of plugs and sockets to keep them charged. grand california does not come short on safety spec either, with numerous driver assistance systems. They including front Assist surroundings monitoring system with city emergency braking function, Lane Assist to help the driver stay in lane, blind spot Monitor for changing lane, rear Traffic Alert for reversing out of parking spaces and Park Assist for steering into them, the sensor-controlled side protection system, Adaptive cruise control and the rear view reversing camera. while on tour, the crafter proved effortless to drive, just a bit of wind noise from this high roofed rectangular box while on the motorway. Not an issue when cruising away from the primary routes. didn’t feel any shakes, rattles or hums, no more than when driving any van. Just the tones and tunes from the accompanying happy campers!

The only thing that could be changed from an internal design perspective would be to replace the gearshift lever and surround casing with a dial switch on the dash, thereby freeing up more space for cross cab access. when officially launched at the caravan salon in germany in 2018, grand california appropriately marked 30 years of the ‘california’ movement, which three generations later have chalked up nearly 200,000 unit sales. well done to Albert and his crew! Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

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Make/Model: volkswagen grand california 600

engine : 2.0-litre Turbo eU6d

Power: 177Ps @3,600 rpm

Torque: 410Nm @1,500-2,000 rpm Transmission: 8-speed auto overall length: 6.0m overall height: 2.97m fuel Tank: 75 litres

Adblue: 18 litres

gvw: 3.5 tonnes

Unladen weight: 3,079 kg Payload: 421 kg Price (from): €93,000 (including €11,120 vrT & €15,292 vAT)