The Volkswagen California T7 has once again stolen the spotlight as Britain's go-to vehicle for staycations. With over 10,000 units sold in 2026 alone, its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to perfectly blend family-friendly features with driving comfort.
Starting from £64,432, the new California T7 boasts an impressive range of powertrains, including a 150hp TDI diesel, a 204hp TSI petrol, and a 245hp plug-in hybrid. All versions feature four-wheel drive and Volkswagen's twin-clutch DSG automatic gearbox, with no manual option available. The plug-in hybrid, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 19.7kWh battery, boasts an electric-only range of 52.2 miles, resulting in low CO2 emissions of just 70g/km and corresponding first-year road tax benefits.
Every T7 California comes equipped with a pop-up roof designed to comfortably sleep four adults in a two-up, two-down configuration. The entry-level Beach Camper, priced at £64,432, features five seats and a basic slide-out gas hob. The mid-range Coast model, seating four, offers a more comprehensive kitchen setup including robust cupboards, a basin, and a small integrated fridge. The range-topping California Ocean adds premium features such as an electric-opening roof, LED matrix headlights, heated seats, and ambient interior lighting, with test models reaching up to £91,102.
The shift from the Transporter van chassis to the Multivan platform has significantly improved driving dynamics, offering a refined experience on the road. Despite its substantial size and weight, the California T7 provides smooth progress, aided by light steering, a responsive DSG gearbox, and parking assistance features like sensors and a reversing camera. The hybrid battery also enhances pulling power, making the vehicle feel acceptably brisk even when fully loaded.
For families embracing the camping lifestyle, the California T7 is designed for ease of use. Once parked, the vehicle can connect to a campsite power supply for interior lights and appliances (note: this does not recharge the hybrid battery). The extendable awning can be manually wound out, and the roof elevated, with the Ocean model featuring an electric-opening mechanism for the upper double bed. While accessing the upper bunk requires some agility, its sprung mattress offers more comfort than a typical tent, and the VW’s touchscreen-controlled central heating system ensures warmth, even on cooler nights.