Volkswagen unveils Crafter-based campervan
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 9th Aug 2018
VOLKSWAGEN has revealed a motorhome based on the new, second-generation Crafter large van, dubbed the Grand California and set for a public reveal at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon later this month.
Due for a global launch in 2019, Volkswagen Group Australia PR and brand experience manager Kurt McGuiness told GoAuto that there are no plans for the Grand California to be offered in Australia, but the brand is interested in adding camper-style vehicles to its range, as evidenced by the Caddy Beach revealed last month.
The Grand California packages camping and adventure features including a kitchen, bathroom, dining table and bed space for up to four people.
Interior ambience is boosted by skylights above the double bed and living area, pop-open camper windows at the back and sides with cassette blinds and fly screens, and white interior trim.
Features to help with cooking in the Grand California include a 70-litre pull-out fridge/freezer, a twin-hob gas cooker, a sink and a range of storage options including drawers, pull-out storage compartments and shelves.
A dining table can sit up to four people, nestled between a two-person bench seat and the front-row seats which can swivel around.
Campers will not be confined to campsite toilet blocks, thanks to a standard bathroom featuring a toilet, shower with adjustable water temperature, a fold-out wash basin, shelves to store toiletries, cupboard with integrated toilet paper holder, towel holders, a skylight for ventilation and motion-sensing lights.
A double bed is included as standard and buyers can also option a high bunk bed for children with an integrated skylight, while other options include a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit at the back, an awning, a rear bicycle rack, and a camping table and chairs that can be stowed fully.
The standard gas heater can be altered to run on electric power generated by gas or diesel, while a roof-mounted solar panel, satellite dish for TV and Wi-Fi hotspot can also be fitted.
Grand Californias will be offered with the driver assistance and infotainment systems from the Crafter, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.
Volkswagen has not detailed the powertrain, but given its sizeable weight it will most likely be the 130kW/410Nm twin-turbo 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, matched to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. 4Motion all-wheel drive will also be on offer.
The Grand California is offered in single- or two-tone paintwork, with single hues including Candy White, Reflex Silver or Indium Grey, and the two-tone schemes adding the more colourful Cherry Red, Deep Ocean Blue and Mojave Beige Metallic.
More details on the Grand California will be revealed at the Caravan Salon, which kicks runs from August 24 to September 2.
