Great review from jonny as ever. Super pace and style. As for the Calli Caddy, not sure. Looks like it could be a great couples get away mobile, buy definitely not a family camper, no matter how many passengers it can carry. I also agree, I think VW have missed a trick with it, and it is very business like to look at, which frankly isn't what campers are about. If I were a traveling salesman/journeyman odd job, it'd be perfect in grey with grey. But that's not what these are about, get some colours slapped on it and some slightly funky seating materials. Would I spend £32k? Probably not, but then I might, as I often talk the talk, buy don't have time to walk the walk. I think a maxi caddy in a more top spec non-camper variant, with a kit built conversion would probably be better equipped as a base vehicle. Maybe even a 4motion if they are still available. Good try VW, 7.5/10 from me.
@@panathaninf, agreed! We bought a Citroen Berlingo and camped 16 nights in France. Only 3 in campsites. We bought a boot jump and it’s great! MCS campers near Warrington. £800
It used to be called VW Caddy Tramper and available in colours like lime. orange amongst others with stripey seats, but this has now been rebranded as a California and had the price jacked up I guess.
Had one for 2 years. Sleeps 2 ok. Not tried dressing inside but would recommend side driveway awning (Decathlon one is ideal which I think they styled for the Berlingo). Tried tailgate awning but entering cabin with tailgate up is not ideal. Far better side entry & can be closed & you can dress /undress in awning & portable toilet if need be. For quick overnight stop something like Collapz shower / toilet tent ideal - swift setting up in seconds. No sunroof as extra stowage in roof. Sunroof will be unbearable if really hot as cannot open & not easy to block out. Otherwise a great van / car. 2.0 diesel great economy on a long run 54-60 mpg. If hooking up to electric with your mod cons (air fryer, induction hob) , rear cooker becomes redundant.
When I was first looking at day-van set-ups I really liked the idea of this but now that I've bought a T6.1 I'm so glad I did. Managed to get an ex demo highline t32 for roughly the same price as the well-equipped version of this thing. Yes I've already spent a load of money on insulation, an extendible bed, curtains etc. but it's sooo worth it for the additional space. On top of that the bed I've got is a steel frame and propper sturdy, it doesn't flex like this one seems to. The after-market stuff honestly seems much higher quality than the kit this thing comes with from the factory and obviously allows you to customise and make it your own (which is half the fun in my opinion). Just my opinion but I think even a cheap transporter with some good aftermarket kit will be heads and tails better than this, but I get that some people don't want the headache of self modifying and like the warranty.
So VW have noticed the trend of people making micro campers out of a £1,500 van and £500 worth of parts and thought “I reckon we can sell one of those for about thirty five grand”. Yeah, OK VW.
Berlingo with RED campers boot jump. Power.. split charge relay to leisure battery to power inverter for off grid power. Storage cupboards in rear side windows. Vango airhub awning. Great setup.
Please review a Dacia Jogger with the sleep pack. I've got the petrol one after looking pretty seriously at the Caddy Cali. I love it and have saved somewhere in the region of £13K in the process. Maybe look at the hybrid? Loving your work Jonny as always - was getting Grand Designs vibes in the verdict section at the end! Thought you were going to start waxing lyrical like Kevin McCloud.
Very thorough and helpful review, but here is what I wonder: For very occasional forays with my biking gear, would it be cheaper and almost as convenient to simply pack the gear included in the Cali in a more impromptu and removable way? Camp bed/blow-up bed, camp stove, storage cubes, etc.? That way, for the remaining 95% of the time, you have a completely empty van/MPV without all the built-ins taking up valuable space?
@@TheLateBrakeShow I won’t lie, at minute 11 or 12 I was starting to question my decision making 😂😂 …. Not you, but I suspect the engine note of the Ferrari might top that of the VW 😂
I've got a converted maxi that I did myself, bed it much bigger and far more storage, albeit only fits two people. For 32k I'd be buying a good 2nd hand van and either convert it myself or pay for it to be done. This is the worst of all worlds.
The truth is with this recent economy Everyone needs more than there salary to be financially stable. The the best thing to do with your money is to lnvest it rightly because money left for saving always end up used with no returns..
Really great review. Still don’t really get the Caddy Cali as a proposition though. A family car that can also sleep 1.5 people in it isn’t useful. If you actually have a family you have to put a tent up too. And you could pretty much just take a tent for 4 people and sleep in that whilst also have room to get dressed and cook while it’s raining outside. There is no room in the boot for normal travelling around or dogs and the front seats don’t swivel around to make it social to sit in. So what is it for?
It suits a single man with an out door RC model car hobby interest travelling from London to Halifax track, Brookland to the south.. I have big reservations concerning its price and lack of character. That nose in particular looks very bland. No chrome detailing (VW motif couldn't be more awful). Its seating also doesn't look particularly comfortable. That glass roof should have an option to cut out light.
For people who are tired of sleeping in the back of their Tesla Model 3. The irony that some Tesla owners have lower standards than some VW owners is beyond hilarious to me.
It’s for Friday getaway, 5-9 lifestyle. People with lives! It’s the same price as a mediocre car that you can daily drive, daily park and has the benefit of not needing to pitch and dry a tent when camping is the means to the end of a weekender not the activity itself.
Oi! Oi! Johnny, this could be a good one? The Dacia Jogger Camper edition, with the rear seats out and a £1500 camper kit in. Would be a great viewing if you can work your charm. Oi! Oi!
It’s made for couples. Some here missing the point assuming it’s made for families. Loads of couples want to get away for a weekend in a camper that isn’t some converted van
We've got a slightly larger van, a Nissan Elgrand. Unbelievable engine, loads of kit with a really impressive V6 engine. We removed the 3rd row of seats and installed side benches that become a full width bed. At the end of the benches are two slide out drawers, one with storage and the other with a double stove. Leisure battery with roof-top solar panel. It works amazingly as a day van and occasional camper. When we camp, the van becomes the living/kitchen area and we have a tent on the back for sleeping so we can drive away without packing up the beds every day. All in, around £13k. I'm not saying I pity California owners, because I suppose if you have the money then why not? But I struggle to see where the value is.
I would buy a nice £10k car and spend the £25k on hotels ! Let’s not forget you need to pay campsite fees too ! And a bucket for emergencies or does it come with a magnetic toilet roll holder as well ! Thanks but no thanks Jonny !
Can't see the benefits of that, seating for 5 but only 4 berth. Can't get in or out of bed without opening a door. Why bother with windows where the bags hang? The kitchen looks like it's been designed by someone who's never used one. I've seen better home made caddy van conversions for a fraction of the price.
Is the Mercedes Marco Polo not a dealer-suppied camper conversion as well? Great review, I have that EXACT fridge in black haha, has never let me down.
I've patiently watched it all now. Personally, I wouldn't consider it. It's not value for money. It's just an uninspiring, glorified under performing van. Honda apparently has a better design team who know about attention to detail, use of colour, texture and form to reduce visual mass. You stated £32,000 to £35,000. Heaven help us. Where's the value.?? 😳
They’ve based it on the Amdro Bootjump. I’ve got one for my Berlingo and although basic, it does the job brilliantly and it’s great if you are into stealth camping too. It’s a great way to start but I’d definitely recommend looking around before buying the VW version as there are some very clever versions out there and more competitively priced too
What sort of fool would spend over 30 grand on a horrible, boring, austere van with a folding prison bed in the back? . . . For the money, you could get an amazing second-hand 'vehicle' and all of the camping gear you could possibly need and plenty of change left over as well.
I looked over one. It’s not a camper, it’s a day-tripper. 5 seats but sleeps only 2? Frighteningly cheap and wobbly kitchen that is effectively an exterior kitchen. Annex tent=extra money. Nein Danke.
29:29 Nice mugs :p To the point; I love these kind of small campervans; they're ideal for roadtripping around a country and still having a decent bed; all the pros of camping and only a few of the cons. Would love to own something similar at one point.
Also; this car might be even better as an BHEV or pure EV; you'd be able to camp on remote places without a plug socket, only using what you brought in the on board batteries. Bring some decorative lighting, plug it in an on-board 220v power socket (see: F150) and you're golden.
I’ve had a commerce pro caddy since may last year, so one of the first in the Uk, it’s stood up to 50,000 miles so far, and been a nice drive, but the infotainment system is utter garbage, in fact the whole electrical system is. The SOS system crashes daily and numerous things work sometimes and not others, it even thinks it has electric drive some days. The adaptive cruise and traffic sign recognition thinks the van is on the continent and will read signs and convert to KM’s, and just for fun as your going for an overtake of a slower vehicle on adaptive cruise, will slam the brakes on as you are approaching it, the whole idea is to stop you undertaking on adaptive. Also Volkswagen and their “shrug the shoulders” are utterly hopeless at sorting it, and couldn’t give a toss, after all you’ve bought the crappy thing now! So get a caddy if you want to pay through the nose for a half baked mediocre product, this will be my last Volkswagen. Which is a shame, their stuff used to be ok.
Honestly, it’s a bit naff and screams VW cost cutting. For people without any imagination. Mind you, would absolutely rent one for a tour of the Scottish highlands
I have a 2003 nissan xtrail! The back seats fold completely flat and my girlfriend and I take regular overnight trips and have plenty of bedspace, but no kitchen obviously, that's what takeaway is for! Love the show!
Nice little Van Jonny .like the bed set up although maybe headroom is a little limited.curtain kit looks a bit of an after thought 🤔,back is good with the pull out cooking station. I have a vauxhall astra G van that I quickly threw together as a micro camper. Basically a bed on wheels 😁 I insulated the walls and ceiling ,dressed the walls in a bit of carpet ..single mattress ,and a few USB charging points ..it does the job well .. I'd love the VW panoramic in mine though 😄. £33k for that VW actually isn't too bad ..not that I could afford one . I would like a van with sliding doors though ,much easier than climbing through the rear hatch and over the front seats ,but hey all part of the fun I guess ..😄
We go camping quite often in the back of our 1980 Chrysler Avenger (V8 swapped) wagon. The Avenger wagons have a special bed mode much like this. Move the front seats all the way forward then the back seats have a special double hinge that lets you extend the sleeping area to 2100x1100. It's big enough to fit a double air matress in and it sleeps the two of us... just.
I think it’s great vehicle as it is for those who don’t want to stand out and draw attention from possible thieves. Perfect for stealth camping for those who travel a lot and don’t want the inconvenience or costs of a campsite. Works/family van in the week and fishing trips at the weekend 😊
As a camper it's more of an existing for a night in a van than a campervan, no heater? No fridge? You have to be outside to fold the bed down, so if it's raining you get wet.. not to mention how you get undressed etc. not sure I can see the point of this..
that "bed" does not look sturdy and why would you want the 2nd row if only 2 people can camp in it???? (the tent is a total afterthought that does not count)
Leslie, as you rightfully said we are focusing on the new vehicle releases here. You have a valid point though. It would be tempting to drop £20k on a larger camper and then £10k on an everyday eco car.
It's cool for a couple of nights camping, but in the second hand market there are small van conversions that aren't much bigger and offer a lot more utility, like shower and toilet. You don't get the piece of mind of a new vehicle with a warranty, but you also don't get the depreciation of a new car this way.
I like the idea of the maxi camper, but think you’re better doing or having a van life style conversion done from a commercial base model if you’re going to use it a lot.
“Love campers”do a caddy maxi conversion with a rock and roll bed like its bigger sibling, what i like about the company is with there conversion you don’t have to stand outside to make the bed up theres room enough inside to make bed time set up easy and to get undress with out stepping into foul weather and to add to your connivence a more practical kitchen why Volkswagen didnt think of this more practical solution is beyond me when a small company can.
Great review as always. I had a maxi and they really are a great thing. You can get a pop top roof fitted as well by a specialist. BTW, nice white mug on the table in 2 of the shots. One of your team is clearly a lucky chap!😂
I would like it even simpler if possible. Let's look at the scenario where all the camping stuff can be removed easily so you can have a combi caddy. Use it as a daily car and then if you want to work remotely, do a few dives perhaps at the sea side or enjoy a weekend of hiking, you pop the bed, a carry box (thule) + bike rack. On Sunday, change it back to a daily. I think an off road (4x4) like the audi allroad look?
Great review and I get it. Boot camping/Truck camping or trailer tenting. But for the money I’m not sure it’s worth it over a normal Caddy maxi and a tent. Trailer tents seem to be consigned to the last era. Caddy/Berlingo is a great car theory. For single/dual layby camping with occasional campsite showers it’s a worthy contender for the wealthy. Great review and summary but it’s just short of missing the boat for getting out there as a family on a budget as real camping luxuries are short or not there. I’d use the same budget for a transporter window bus, same length, and take more kit for basic camping luxury, like chairs,,,,😀😀😀😀
Nice little camper, and not the ridiculous premium of the other models over their van platform. But save yourself a fortune and wait 18 months. We’ve reached or exceeded peak car prices now, with the 40% vehicles should have depreciated about to catch up with everyone. Or alternatively, buy a box bodied camper the lockdown crowd bought, they’re already cheap-as-chips.
This is a fantastic, detailed review, but as an industrial designer I'm not impressed by the conversion. It feels aftermarket and not factory: VW cheaped out and didn't even do so in a smart/elegant way. There are tons of great bespoke conversions out there and you can get a custom one done for yourself for less $$$. It is SO boring, too... where are the colours, 'quirks and features', etc? It's a no from me, Jen...
VW have made these for years but only sold them in the UK in 2014 - probably because they're not good in rainy weather. They sold about 80 in 2014 and I love mine. However, mine has windows in the side doors and I'm not sure why this fails to have any windows that open except for the front. I'd live the new bed though as mine is a bit saggy now after fitting me and 2 dogs on it for 50,000 miles!
Been waiting for a review on this side of things for a while, though I wondered if you might've had one lined up of the FAWWWDSSS TRAAAYYYYYNNNNSIT first, or another rival, etc etc. TRAAYNNSIT, FAWWWDS. (Speaking of that... the FAWDS Tourneo Connect is the same vehicle now)
I get the appeal, a smaller camping van. A bit niche but I think they will find some customers. I think I'd go for a bigger second-hand or just go with a separate tent.
Great video as always. You also reminded me that somewhere in a cupboard at my mum's house I have one of those little egg fridges. Used to keep a few beers cool in my room and use the neon light to create a bit of a vibe in the evenings! 😄 Will have to hunt it down...
Good review as always. But this car to me from some of your outside driving shots looked like a tall hearse… Not really an exciting proposition for ‘van life’
14:22 It looks like they held a contest to find the Glummest Man in Germany, then put the winner in charge of picking out the paint and decal package for this vehicle.
To be honest I would avoid the petrol version as fully loaded you need a good 2l diesel especially for fuel consumption & pull on the road. 17” wheels improve ride & handling . Hope above helps - for sure if you look hard you can get a very low mileage one around 33k. I managed to pick up a pre-reg for 33k 2 years ago with list just avoiding the higher tax rate. Today list for it is around 44k. Bear in mind it is classed as campervan & road tax is £345 - dealers don’t really tell you that. If buying used check initial list with extras below 40k as otherwise you will be hit with remaining years of the premium tax.
Nice enough van, I suppose. But it would have been useless compared to my (fully insulated and carpeted) little Merc Citan that I took to do the NC500 a couple of years ago in the depths of winter. Imagine trying to get a brew on in heavy rain and icy cold winds, never mind a little fryup like I used to do. I genuinely think it would be impossible with the rear tailgate wide open. Useless. It’s basically a fair weather only van.
thanks for the review the upprice for the cali is not worth at all. the bed sucks, the kitchen sucks and the price is a fucking joke. sounds toxic? oh well, yeah. greedy soab VW. i build better myself for 30% AND got more space. the cali is just a cheap but pricy uninspired and not thoughtthru cashgrab.
So funny seeing the Honda Element at 15 minutes in, because that's what I drive!!! The last year the Element was made was in 2011, so all of us Element Enthusiasts are doing everything we can to keep our Elements running because there is nothing comparable out there on the market in the U.S. I was watching this European movie and saw this vehicle which I thought looked a little like an Element and with similar features that us Element people like, and it turned out to be a VW Caddy, and that is how I ended up here! Though I have to say, you're better off going with the basic version Caddy instead of the California and just doing your own camper conversion, like they did in this video: ruclips.net/video/uvXiHLKvMCI/видео.html. Anyway, it cracked me up seeing that you were cmparing it to a Honda Element, as those were my thoughts exactly. Except you cannot really compare the durability of a Honda Element (there are many still on the road with 300,000, 400,000 and even 500,000 miles!) with the (lack of) durability of a VW, which would be my only reservation - particularly at those prices.
Johnny Does a great review ! but buy an old van plywood and some cushions or put a box on pickup thirty plus grand for a small van the worlds gone 🥜 nuts let me off 😂
Hey Jonny, I’m a fan I’m looking to add some gear to my Tarraco to make into a camper! Additions will be fiamma canopy, rear kitchen drawer set with a tail gate wrap to provide a private shower/Portaloo space, leisure battery, fridge, solar and the space with the middle seats folded flat provides a double bed 1.83m x 1.33m wide at the shoulder so will sleep two quite easily
Personally I don't like the strong Ford vibe of the MK5 Caddy. The MK3 & 4 looked much better. I think the Caddy Cali's bed is too high. I would much prefer a van conversion that this -although the window bags are a great touch.
On the import side I've just had my Nissan Elgrand written off, loved it - really great car, really big and awful on the juice fo local driving. It was getting on a bit, so had the cabin rattles as it twisted/bounced over UK roads - also nothing went wrong with it, the plus of the big lazt engine. I've jsut now got a Mitsubishi Delica D5 - 2008. its a bit smaller, bit more modern design, electric everything works. I like its a bit more of a 4x4 design (outlander bits basically). bit better on juice being a 2.4 4cyl - but not sold on the CVT gearbox yet. But smart interior with lots of things going on and plenty of scope to funky it up - in Jap they go full 4x4 lift them, bit tyres etc.
Good review but this is a very limited 'van'. It would suit a single person into outdoorsy stuff who just wanted to travel somewhere for recreation and then have somewhere to sleep overnight without having to pitch a tent or rent a room .. but as a van to actually live out of - pretty useless. Yes, it's more convenient than trying to rig up some sort of overnight sleep setup of your own in a small van/estate but way more expensive and a big compromise on the cargo space of the caddy which restricts its usefulness as a family car. This is going to be a really niche product - maybe the 'California' badging will help spur sales from wannabe Cali owners who don't have upwards of 70k to splurge on the real thing. Look at the channel Allys Mountain Walks to see a much better implemented Caddy van conversion.
The tailgate on these new caddy's makes my OCD go mental, almost makes me want to vomit. The barn door version not so much, but in future all caddy's of this shape will have VW Badge removal with wiper delete kits on them to fix there complete design cock up. It reminds me of the Land Rover Discovery Tailgate design from a few years back. Awful.
Very nice review,, it looks ideal as a daily practical car with the ability as occasional camper. It may not look the best but it would probably be the most suitable van to meet my needs and doesn't look as stealable as a T6.
Looking for a replacement for my Sharan. This is not it. Had many nights camping in the Sharavan and from it and, despite being accused of being a soccer mom's car, I really loved it. Seems much more versatile than this adaptation.
This Caddy really lacks any added value to a normal car combined with a separate tent or folding campers. A 1,07m wide bed is totally unsuitable for 2 persons. I don’t want to think of sleeping so close to whoever for 2 weeks in 37 degrees French summers. Let alone how to handle the atmosphere in or around this car after 3 days of rain. And why would i want to ride the whole year with a bed in my car while i only use it a few times per year. I’d rather spend this 30-40k on a dedicated car and a folding camper or a secondhand normal sized VW campervan. Or just put a mattress in a normal van for that weekend away.
Good luck faffing around in this flimsy overpriced offering up in the Scottish highlands with midges attacking from all sides 😂 trying to set up your bed or using that ‘cooker’ lol No no no! Buy a proper camper-van or Motorhome.
What an awful conversion that VW Caddy is, especially the bed. Claustrophobiic, no head room with the bed that high. If it was a 1960s vehicle it would have an elevated Fibre glass roof, or a straight up or pitched riser, venetian louvres on the windows for privacy and a rear bench seat that pivoted on a single hinge to become a low-of level bed The essence of camping is keep it simple and whatever you install make it dual purpose.
No this is wrong on so many levels, the expense the lack of space, it's a joke of an excuse for a camper van..... It's £40k with all the bits...NO NO NO
This makes no sense, buy a normal Caddy with crew conversion and spend a few hundred quid on a tent…….you’ll only buy this if you’re caught up in the VW camper madness.
wonder how much weight that fold out bed can handle, those fold out "legs" on the front of it don't look all that strong. also noticed the polo workshop manual when you went to bed, I prefer a good novel myself but each to their own LOL.
No no. you are spelling the name of your show wrong.........trust me, even the Daily Mail are spelling Brakes as breaks these days.......English language is falling apart.
I want to purchase a camper van now that I'm retired. Of course, I need to go less expensively. On the other hand, I have heard of smallish camper vans that have little showers and toilets. Do you know about camper vans like that. I don't want to be driving around a traditional camper that is soooooo large. This is for just me.
No idea why Volkswagen bother with this. Bed up, it's got less space than a 2-person tent. And you've gotta have a door open to do pretty much anything other than sit or sleep. Even a regular Caddy van with a roof tent probably makes better sense, and for a much lower price. I also can't get over the rear lights on this generation of Caddy - tiny little things, and very hard to see on a sunny day.
FYI: A 48" wide bed is called a "three quarter full" and typical of van and boat mattresses. A true full is 52". Two adults who like each other can definitely fit comfortably.
Thanks Jonny that was a nice review especially as you really understand the lifestyle vehicle culture and i wouldn't invest any serious money in a diesel now.
Pretty much exactly the same as my Skoda Yeti set up. I have a double bed platform just like this (with pull out drawers with cooking facility) with a custom made natural fiber futon, and an alternate memory foam single bed version which allows space to sit up and change clothes etc,. which is a MAJOR drawback of this kind of microcamper.
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Great review from jonny as ever. Super pace and style.
As for the Calli Caddy, not sure. Looks like it could be a great couples get away mobile, buy definitely not a family camper, no matter how many passengers it can carry.
I also agree, I think VW have missed a trick with it, and it is very business like to look at, which frankly isn't what campers are about. If I were a traveling salesman/journeyman odd job, it'd be perfect in grey with grey. But that's not what these are about, get some colours slapped on it and some slightly funky seating materials.
Would I spend £32k? Probably not, but then I might, as I often talk the talk, buy don't have time to walk the walk.
I think a maxi caddy in a more top spec non-camper variant, with a kit built conversion would probably be better equipped as a base vehicle. Maybe even a 4motion if they are still available.
Good try VW, 7.5/10 from me.
Stealth camping
@@panathaninf, agreed! We bought a Citroen Berlingo and camped 16 nights in France. Only 3 in campsites. We bought a boot jump and it’s great! MCS campers near Warrington. £800
It used to be called VW Caddy Tramper and available in colours like lime. orange amongst others with stripey seats, but this has now been rebranded as a California and had the price jacked up I guess.
Had one for 2 years. Sleeps 2 ok.
Not tried dressing inside but would recommend side driveway awning (Decathlon one is ideal which I think they styled for the Berlingo). Tried tailgate awning but entering cabin with tailgate up is not ideal. Far better side entry & can be closed & you can dress /undress in awning & portable toilet if need be.
For quick overnight stop something like Collapz shower / toilet tent ideal - swift setting up in seconds.
No sunroof as extra stowage in roof. Sunroof will be unbearable if really hot as cannot open & not easy to block out.
Otherwise a great van / car. 2.0 diesel great economy on a long run 54-60 mpg.
If hooking up to electric with your mod cons (air fryer, induction hob) , rear cooker becomes redundant.
When I was first looking at day-van set-ups I really liked the idea of this but now that I've bought a T6.1 I'm so glad I did. Managed to get an ex demo highline t32 for roughly the same price as the well-equipped version of this thing. Yes I've already spent a load of money on insulation, an extendible bed, curtains etc. but it's sooo worth it for the additional space. On top of that the bed I've got is a steel frame and propper sturdy, it doesn't flex like this one seems to. The after-market stuff honestly seems much higher quality than the kit this thing comes with from the factory and obviously allows you to customise and make it your own (which is half the fun in my opinion). Just my opinion but I think even a cheap transporter with some good aftermarket kit will be heads and tails better than this, but I get that some people don't want the headache of self modifying and like the warranty.
So VW have noticed the trend of people making micro campers out of a £1,500 van and £500 worth of parts and thought “I reckon we can sell one of those for about thirty five grand”. Yeah, OK VW.
A caddy micro camper is not new for vw, they already exist a few years. The news is that this one is built on the latest version of the caddy.
I want one
Berlingo with RED campers boot jump. Power.. split charge relay to leisure battery to power inverter for off grid power. Storage cupboards in rear side windows. Vango airhub awning. Great setup.
:)
We had the Caddy KAMPER in 2004 here in Australia ____Fully imported from Europe from VW. This California reminds me of it! Good one, Jonny!
Please review a Dacia Jogger with the sleep pack. I've got the petrol one after looking pretty seriously at the Caddy Cali. I love it and have saved somewhere in the region of £13K in the process. Maybe look at the hybrid? Loving your work Jonny as always - was getting Grand Designs vibes in the verdict section at the end! Thought you were going to start waxing lyrical like Kevin McCloud.
Tutto questo dovrebbe essere raccontato almeno in tutti gli istituti tecnici d'italia!
Fantastic Work Jonny
An EV version of this will sell like hot cakes….okay maybe not hot cakes….okay, maybe it would just be me. But they should still make one.
Deep joy that this level of actual proper useful detailed review exists. Keep doing what you do Jonny. 👍
Chris, many thanks. So glad you appreciate it!
Hear, Hear
Very thorough and helpful review, but here is what I wonder: For very occasional forays with my biking gear, would it be cheaper and almost as convenient to simply pack the gear included in the Cali in a more impromptu and removable way? Camp bed/blow-up bed, camp stove, storage cubes, etc.? That way, for the remaining 95% of the time, you have a completely empty van/MPV without all the built-ins taking up valuable space?
When you have the choice of a Harry’s garage Ferrari video, or a car pervert VW camper van, and watch Jonny Smith first … 😂
Oh Jimmy....
@@TheLateBrakeShow I won’t lie, at minute 11 or 12 I was starting to question my decision making 😂😂 …. Not you, but I suspect the engine note of the Ferrari might top that of the VW 😂
At minute 26 I thought you’d morphed in to Kevin McLoud 🤣🤣. ‘My fear with the Caddy Cali ….’
Same dilemma (and outcome) for me. Stick your GTB. Smith and a camper wins every time.
I've got a converted maxi that I did myself, bed it much bigger and far more storage, albeit only fits two people.
For 32k I'd be buying a good 2nd hand van and either convert it myself or pay for it to be done. This is the worst of all worlds.
Many people don’t have the skills to do their own conversion. I think this caddy looks great
Also ; it's amazing how your videos are both extremely professional yet feel sooo natural
Many thanks, that is the best praise we could wish for!
The truth is with this recent economy Everyone needs more than there salary to be financially stable. The the best thing to do with your money is to lnvest it rightly because money left for saving always end up used with no returns..
*I traded with him, The profit are secured and over a 100% return on investment directly sent to your wallet.*
Really great review. Still don’t really get the Caddy Cali as a proposition though. A family car that can also sleep 1.5 people in it isn’t useful. If you actually have a family you have to put a tent up too. And you could pretty much just take a tent for 4 people and sleep in that whilst also have room to get dressed and cook while it’s raining outside. There is no room in the boot for normal travelling around or dogs and the front seats don’t swivel around to make it social to sit in. So what is it for?
Could be for couples who want to use it as a daily driver. Perfect for me, the wife and the cat
It suits a single man with an out door RC model car hobby interest travelling from London to Halifax track, Brookland to the south..
I have big reservations concerning its price and lack of character. That nose in particular looks very bland. No chrome detailing (VW motif couldn't be more awful).
Its seating also doesn't look particularly comfortable. That glass roof should have an option to cut out light.
I know a few mountain bikers who have converted similar sized vans and use them every weekend.
For people who are tired of sleeping in the back of their Tesla Model 3. The irony that some Tesla owners have lower standards than some VW owners is beyond hilarious to me.
It’s for Friday getaway, 5-9 lifestyle. People with lives! It’s the same price as a mediocre car that you can daily drive, daily park and has the benefit of not needing to pitch and dry a tent when camping is the means to the end of a weekender not the activity itself.
Oi! Oi! Johnny, this could be a good one? The Dacia Jogger Camper edition, with the rear seats out and a £1500 camper kit in. Would be a great viewing if you can work your charm. Oi! Oi!
It’s made for couples. Some here missing the point assuming it’s made for families. Loads of couples want to get away for a weekend in a camper that isn’t some converted van
I’m in California where they don’t sell this.
We've got a slightly larger van, a Nissan Elgrand. Unbelievable engine, loads of kit with a really impressive V6 engine. We removed the 3rd row of seats and installed side benches that become a full width bed. At the end of the benches are two slide out drawers, one with storage and the other with a double stove. Leisure battery with roof-top solar panel. It works amazingly as a day van and occasional camper. When we camp, the van becomes the living/kitchen area and we have a tent on the back for sleeping so we can drive away without packing up the beds every day. All in, around £13k. I'm not saying I pity California owners, because I suppose if you have the money then why not? But I struggle to see where the value is.
I would buy a nice £10k car and spend the £25k on hotels ! Let’s not forget you need to pay campsite fees too ! And a bucket for emergencies or does it come with a magnetic toilet roll holder as well ! Thanks but no thanks Jonny !
Wise logic there.
Can't see the benefits of that, seating for 5 but only 4 berth.
Can't get in or out of bed without opening a door. Why bother with windows where the bags hang?
The kitchen looks like it's been designed by someone who's never used one.
I've seen better home made caddy van conversions for a fraction of the price.
The biggest California is BS too, small badly designed, OK for rich hipsters who weight nothing and slim as a cigarette paper.
Can you really call it 4 berth when 2 of them are in a tent? On that basis they could stick a 6 person tent in and then call it an 8 berth campervan.
@@HiruS22 👍
Is the Mercedes Marco Polo not a dealer-suppied camper conversion as well? Great review, I have that EXACT fridge in black haha, has never let me down.
Marco Polo isn't still on sale I don't think. It is also bigger.
I'd be interested in a review of the Dacia Jogger with the camping option when it's available.
I've patiently watched it all now. Personally, I wouldn't consider it. It's not value for money. It's just an uninspiring, glorified under performing van.
Honda apparently has a better design team who know about attention to detail, use of colour, texture and form to reduce visual mass.
You stated £32,000 to £35,000. Heaven help us. Where's the value.?? 😳
They’ve based it on the Amdro Bootjump. I’ve got one for my Berlingo and although basic, it does the job brilliantly and it’s great if you are into stealth camping too. It’s a great way to start but I’d definitely recommend looking around before buying the VW version as there are some very clever versions out there and more competitively priced too
Would be even more wretched if electric...
What sort of fool would spend over 30 grand on a horrible, boring, austere van with a folding prison bed in the back? . . . For the money, you could get an amazing second-hand 'vehicle' and all of the camping gear you could possibly need and plenty of change left over as well.
I looked over one. It’s not a camper, it’s a day-tripper. 5 seats but sleeps only 2? Frighteningly cheap and wobbly kitchen that is effectively an exterior kitchen. Annex tent=extra money. Nein Danke.
29:29 Nice mugs :p To the point; I love these kind of small campervans; they're ideal for roadtripping around a country and still having a decent bed; all the pros of camping and only a few of the cons. Would love to own something similar at one point.
Also; this car might be even better as an BHEV or pure EV; you'd be able to camp on remote places without a plug socket, only using what you brought in the on board batteries. Bring some decorative lighting, plug it in an on-board 220v power socket (see: F150) and you're golden.
Came here to point out the mug!
Since you asked Johnny, we’ve got a 2006 Toyota alphard v6 import
I converted it to a camper , with sink , cooker full electrics
I love it
Alphard is mega!
You’ve had that funky fridge for years? it’s still got the card on the plug, surely you’re telling fibs 😂. Great review though. Love these campers
Jonny always leaves the cards and stuff on items. He's weird like that.
I’ve had a commerce pro caddy since may last year, so one of the first in the Uk, it’s stood up to 50,000 miles so far, and been a nice drive, but the infotainment system is utter garbage, in fact the whole electrical system is. The SOS system crashes daily and numerous things work sometimes and not others, it even thinks it has electric drive some days. The adaptive cruise and traffic sign recognition thinks the van is on the continent and will read signs and convert to KM’s, and just for fun as your going for an overtake of a slower vehicle on adaptive cruise, will slam the brakes on as you are approaching it, the whole idea is to stop you undertaking on adaptive.
Also Volkswagen and their “shrug the shoulders” are utterly hopeless at sorting it, and couldn’t give a toss, after all you’ve bought the crappy thing now!
So get a caddy if you want to pay through the nose for a half baked mediocre product, this will be my last Volkswagen. Which is a shame, their stuff used to be ok.
Jonny, how old is that fridge ? its still got the cardboard plate on the 13amp plug !! take it off mate ;)
Honestly, it’s a bit naff and screams VW cost cutting. For people without any imagination. Mind you, would absolutely rent one for a tour of the Scottish highlands
I would love to see a proper review of that Honda Element Jonny! Looks like a really interesting car
I have a 2003 nissan xtrail! The back seats fold completely flat and my girlfriend and I take regular overnight trips and have plenty of bedspace, but no kitchen obviously, that's what takeaway is for!
Love the show!
Nice little Van Jonny .like the bed set up although maybe headroom is a little limited.curtain kit looks a bit of an after thought 🤔,back is good with the pull out cooking station.
I have a vauxhall astra G van that I quickly threw together as a micro camper. Basically a bed on wheels 😁
I insulated the walls and ceiling ,dressed the walls in a bit of carpet ..single mattress ,and a few USB charging points ..it does the job well ..
I'd love the VW panoramic in mine though 😄.
£33k for that VW actually isn't too bad ..not that I could afford one .
I would like a van with sliding doors though ,much easier than climbing through the rear hatch and over the front seats ,but hey all part of the fun I guess ..😄
We go camping quite often in the back of our 1980 Chrysler Avenger (V8 swapped) wagon. The Avenger wagons have a special bed mode much like this. Move the front seats all the way forward then the back seats have a special double hinge that lets you extend the sleeping area to 2100x1100. It's big enough to fit a double air matress in and it sleeps the two of us... just.
Your Avenger sounds awesome. Jonny remembers the bed mode in the Avenger estate.
Still not as lonely as a Bedford Bambi...
Who the hell wants a California! I'm English, I want a Surrey!
im steaming, but the favourite night time reading statement blew my minds like your stuff, keep up the good work, prescribed....
I think it’s great vehicle as it is for those who don’t want to stand out and draw attention from possible thieves. Perfect for stealth camping for those who travel a lot and don’t want the inconvenience or costs of a campsite. Works/family van in the week and fishing trips at the weekend 😊
Difficult to stealth camp with California written on the side
As a camper it's more of an existing for a night in a van than a campervan, no heater? No fridge? You have to be outside to fold the bed down, so if it's raining you get wet.. not to mention how you get undressed etc. not sure I can see the point of this..
that "bed" does not look sturdy and why would you want the 2nd row if only 2 people can camp in it???? (the tent is a total afterthought that does not count)
A custom bed that converts to 2 benches and a table screwed in, is a better option. Could sit out the rain and have a cuppa.
Great to see Matty’s Element make an appearance. I love my own E and the opportunities that car camping brings.
Where did you buy it? Lhd? They are like rocking horse sh*t!
@@sholehan It's quite obviously RHD. 1 it was shown in the video & 2 its a Jap import and they drive on the same side as the UK
Brought to you by Newcastle Brown Ale!
Rather spend 32 grand on a secondhand camper van and have the space.
But I know your only showing us what's the market, keep them vids coming Jonny
Leslie, as you rightfully said we are focusing on the new vehicle releases here. You have a valid point though. It would be tempting to drop £20k on a larger camper and then £10k on an everyday eco car.
If you haven't already I reckon youshould do a video on the Honda Element love the look of it
It's cool for a couple of nights camping, but in the second hand market there are small van conversions that aren't much bigger and offer a lot more utility, like shower and toilet. You don't get the piece of mind of a new vehicle with a warranty, but you also don't get the depreciation of a new car this way.
I like the idea of the maxi camper, but think you’re better doing or having a van life style conversion done from a commercial base model if you’re going to use it a lot.
4motion van with flip camper has larger bed, sink, fridge. Easier curtain setup. Maybe looks a bit different. Stealth adventure camping. Couple only.
“Love campers”do a caddy maxi conversion with a rock and roll bed like its bigger sibling, what i like about the company is with there conversion you don’t have to stand outside to make the bed up theres room enough inside to make bed time set up easy and to get undress with out stepping into foul weather and to add to your connivence a more practical kitchen why Volkswagen didnt think of this more practical solution is beyond me when a small company can.
Johnny teasing us all with the Honda element... quick video on that would be cool
A pop-up roof would be a nice option instead of the pano.
Nice to see the brown ale...
Great review as always. I had a maxi and they really are a great thing. You can get a pop top roof fitted as well by a specialist. BTW, nice white mug on the table in 2 of the shots. One of your team is clearly a lucky chap!😂
I would like it even simpler if possible. Let's look at the scenario where all the camping stuff can be removed easily so you can have a combi caddy. Use it as a daily car and then if you want to work remotely, do a few dives perhaps at the sea side or enjoy a weekend of hiking, you pop the bed, a carry box (thule) + bike rack. On Sunday, change it back to a daily. I think an off road (4x4) like the audi allroad look?
You can easily remove the bed, table and chairs. The kitchen drawers are bolted in.
Didn’t know Ringo had a California.
Great review and I get it. Boot camping/Truck camping or trailer tenting. But for the money I’m not sure it’s worth it over a normal Caddy maxi and a tent. Trailer tents seem to be consigned to the last era. Caddy/Berlingo is a great car theory. For single/dual layby camping with occasional campsite showers it’s a worthy contender for the wealthy. Great review and summary but it’s just short of missing the boat for getting out there as a family on a budget as real camping luxuries are short or not there. I’d use the same budget for a transporter window bus, same length, and take more kit for basic camping luxury, like chairs,,,,😀😀😀😀
Nice little camper, and not the ridiculous premium of the other models over their van platform. But save yourself a fortune and wait 18 months. We’ve reached or exceeded peak car prices now, with the 40% vehicles should have depreciated about to catch up with everyone. Or alternatively, buy a box bodied camper the lockdown crowd bought, they’re already cheap-as-chips.
This is a fantastic, detailed review, but as an industrial designer I'm not impressed by the conversion. It feels aftermarket and not factory: VW cheaped out and didn't even do so in a smart/elegant way. There are tons of great bespoke conversions out there and you can get a custom one done for yourself for less $$$. It is SO boring, too... where are the colours, 'quirks and features', etc? It's a no from me, Jen...
VW have made these for years but only sold them in the UK in 2014 - probably because they're not good in rainy weather. They sold about 80 in 2014 and I love mine. However, mine has windows in the side doors and I'm not sure why this fails to have any windows that open except for the front. I'd live the new bed though as mine is a bit saggy now after fitting me and 2 dogs on it for 50,000 miles!
Been waiting for a review on this side of things for a while, though I wondered if you might've had one lined up of the FAWWWDSSS TRAAAYYYYYNNNNSIT first, or another rival, etc etc.
TRAAYNNSIT, FAWWWDS.
(Speaking of that... the FAWDS Tourneo Connect is the same vehicle now)
It's all good but if it rains you have zero space to do anything! There's a reason seasoned people either have a larger van or a tent.
I get the appeal, a smaller camping van. A bit niche but I think they will find some customers. I think I'd go for a bigger second-hand or just go with a separate tent.
Great video as always. You also reminded me that somewhere in a cupboard at my mum's house I have one of those little egg fridges. Used to keep a few beers cool in my room and use the neon light to create a bit of a vibe in the evenings! 😄 Will have to hunt it down...
Good review as always. But this car to me from some of your outside driving shots looked like a tall hearse… Not really an exciting proposition for ‘van life’
14:22 It looks like they held a contest to find the Glummest Man in Germany, then put the winner in charge of picking out the paint and decal package for this vehicle.
Ha!
To be honest I would avoid the petrol version as fully loaded you need a good 2l diesel especially for fuel consumption & pull on the road. 17” wheels improve ride & handling .
Hope above helps - for sure if you look hard you can get a very low mileage one around 33k.
I managed to pick up a pre-reg for 33k 2 years ago with list just avoiding the higher tax rate. Today list for it is around 44k.
Bear in mind it is classed as campervan & road tax is £345 - dealers don’t really tell you that.
If buying used check initial list with extras below 40k as otherwise you will be hit with remaining years of the premium tax.
Nice enough van, I suppose. But it would have been useless compared to my (fully insulated and carpeted) little Merc Citan that I took to do the NC500 a couple of years ago in the depths of winter. Imagine trying to get a brew on in heavy rain and icy cold winds, never mind a little fryup like I used to do. I genuinely think it would be impossible with the rear tailgate wide open. Useless. It’s basically a fair weather only van.
Micro? It’s near as long as a Transporter? And no toilet? buy a Romahome (which is better) and a tonne of change with no VW scene tax
Great common sense video.... Quite a niche vehicle tbh. I would want to be able to remove seats and use it as a van.
thanks for the review
the upprice for the cali is not worth at all. the bed sucks, the kitchen sucks and the price is a fucking joke. sounds toxic? oh well, yeah. greedy soab VW. i build better myself for 30% AND got more space.
the cali is just a cheap but pricy uninspired and not thoughtthru cashgrab.
£32k can buy a lot of hotel rooms or Glampsites. Just spend £20k on a nice used car to get to the glampsites in style.
Absolutely agree, although I suppose this caters as a new family car as well.
So funny seeing the Honda Element at 15 minutes in, because that's what I drive!!! The last year the Element was made was in 2011, so all of us Element Enthusiasts are doing everything we can to keep our Elements running because there is nothing comparable out there on the market in the U.S. I was watching this European movie and saw this vehicle which I thought looked a little like an Element and with similar features that us Element people like, and it turned out to be a VW Caddy, and that is how I ended up here! Though I have to say, you're better off going with the basic version Caddy instead of the California and just doing your own camper conversion, like they did in this video: ruclips.net/video/uvXiHLKvMCI/видео.html. Anyway, it cracked me up seeing that you were cmparing it to a Honda Element, as those were my thoughts exactly. Except you cannot really compare the durability of a Honda Element (there are many still on the road with 300,000, 400,000 and even 500,000 miles!) with the (lack of) durability of a VW, which would be my only reservation - particularly at those prices.
Johnny Does a great review ! but buy an old van plywood and some cushions or put a box on pickup thirty plus grand for a small van the worlds gone 🥜 nuts let me off 😂
Hey Jonny, I’m a fan
I’m looking to add some gear to my Tarraco to make into a camper!
Additions will be fiamma canopy, rear kitchen drawer set with a tail gate wrap to provide a private shower/Portaloo space, leisure battery, fridge, solar and the space with the middle seats folded flat provides a double bed 1.83m x 1.33m wide at the shoulder so will sleep two quite easily
Personally I don't like the strong Ford vibe of the MK5 Caddy. The MK3 & 4 looked much better.
I think the Caddy Cali's bed is too high. I would much prefer a van conversion that this -although the window bags are a great touch.
Totally useless vehicle. By a van or Caddy MPV and put a Campal or similar boot jump in it. Loads cheaper
Perfect if you work back to back shifts some way from home, for example as a NHS person, and have family.
That 'Nice guy' mug was a very nice touch 😂
On the import side I've just had my Nissan Elgrand written off, loved it - really great car, really big and awful on the juice fo local driving. It was getting on a bit, so had the cabin rattles as it twisted/bounced over UK roads - also nothing went wrong with it, the plus of the big lazt engine. I've jsut now got a Mitsubishi Delica D5 - 2008. its a bit smaller, bit more modern design, electric everything works. I like its a bit more of a 4x4 design (outlander bits basically). bit better on juice being a 2.4 4cyl - but not sold on the CVT gearbox yet. But smart interior with lots of things going on and plenty of scope to funky it up - in Jap they go full 4x4 lift them, bit tyres etc.
Good review but this is a very limited 'van'. It would suit a single person into outdoorsy stuff who just wanted to travel somewhere for recreation and then have somewhere to sleep overnight without having to pitch a tent or rent a room .. but as a van to actually live out of - pretty useless.
Yes, it's more convenient than trying to rig up some sort of overnight sleep setup of your own in a small van/estate but way more expensive and a big compromise on the cargo space of the caddy which restricts its usefulness as a family car.
This is going to be a really niche product - maybe the 'California' badging will help spur sales from wannabe Cali owners who don't have upwards of 70k to splurge on the real thing. Look at the channel Allys Mountain Walks to see a much better implemented Caddy van conversion.
The tailgate on these new caddy's makes my OCD go mental, almost makes me want to vomit. The barn door version not so much, but in future all caddy's of this shape will have VW Badge removal with wiper delete kits on them to fix there complete design cock up. It reminds me of the Land Rover Discovery Tailgate design from a few years back. Awful.
Very nice review,, it looks ideal as a daily practical car with the ability as occasional camper. It may not look the best but it would probably be the most suitable van to meet my needs and doesn't look as stealable as a T6.
Looking for a replacement for my Sharan. This is not it. Had many nights camping in the Sharavan and from it and, despite being accused of being a soccer mom's car, I really loved it. Seems much more versatile than this adaptation.
This Caddy really lacks any added value to a normal car combined with a separate tent or folding campers. A 1,07m wide bed is totally unsuitable for 2 persons. I don’t want to think of sleeping so close to whoever for 2 weeks in 37 degrees French summers. Let alone how to handle the atmosphere in or around this car after 3 days of rain. And why would i want to ride the whole year with a bed in my car while i only use it a few times per year. I’d rather spend this 30-40k on a dedicated car and a folding camper or a secondhand normal sized VW campervan. Or just put a mattress in a normal van for that weekend away.
Good luck faffing around in this flimsy overpriced offering up in the Scottish highlands with midges attacking from all sides 😂 trying to set up your bed or using that ‘cooker’ lol
No no no! Buy a proper camper-van or Motorhome.
What an awful conversion that VW Caddy is, especially the bed. Claustrophobiic, no head room with the bed that high.
If it was a 1960s vehicle it would have an elevated Fibre glass roof, or a straight up or pitched riser, venetian louvres on the windows for privacy and a rear bench seat that pivoted on a single hinge to become a low-of level bed
The essence of camping is keep it simple and whatever you install make it dual purpose.
No this is wrong on so many levels, the expense the lack of space, it's a joke of an excuse for a camper van..... It's £40k with all the bits...NO NO NO
This makes no sense, buy a normal Caddy with crew conversion and spend a few hundred quid on a tent…….you’ll only buy this if you’re caught up in the VW camper madness.
wonder how much weight that fold out bed can handle, those fold out "legs" on the front of it don't look all that strong. also noticed the polo workshop manual when you went to bed, I prefer a good novel myself but each to their own LOL.
No no. you are spelling the name of your show wrong.........trust me, even the Daily Mail are spelling Brakes as breaks these days.......English language is falling apart.
I want to purchase a camper van now that I'm retired. Of course, I need to go less expensively. On the other hand, I have heard of smallish camper vans that have little showers and toilets. Do you know about camper vans like that. I don't want to be driving around a traditional camper that is soooooo large. This is for just me.
No idea why Volkswagen bother with this. Bed up, it's got less space than a 2-person tent. And you've gotta have a door open to do pretty much anything other than sit or sleep. Even a regular Caddy van with a roof tent probably makes better sense, and for a much lower price. I also can't get over the rear lights on this generation of Caddy - tiny little things, and very hard to see on a sunny day.
Just had to pause the vid and surf the net for one these honda elements i need one now not sure why🤔
The one in the video is actually about to be for sale. Details in description. They are mighty rare in the UK...
FYI: A 48" wide bed is called a "three quarter full" and typical of van and boat mattresses. A true full is 52". Two adults who like each other can definitely fit comfortably.
Thanks Jonny that was a nice review especially as you really understand the lifestyle vehicle culture and i wouldn't invest any serious money in a diesel now.
Many thanks for watching. Much appreciated 👍🏽
"Van life has ballooned in popularity..."
*house life has ballooned in price
Pretty much exactly the same as my Skoda Yeti set up. I have a double bed platform just like this (with pull out drawers with cooking facility) with a custom made natural fiber futon, and an alternate memory foam single bed version which allows space to sit up and change clothes etc,. which is a MAJOR drawback of this kind of microcamper.
Yeti micro camper sounds fantastic Ben. How much was the conversion?
I might sound weird; but i love the interior; it's so beautifuly simple :)