Volkswagen Caddy California 2021: ready-to-run campervan priced at $54,990

The highly-anticipated 2021 Volkswagen Caddy California has been priced at $54,990 (before on-road costs), offering a ready-made package for those looking to explore Australia on four wheels.

With an expected arrival date of July 2021, buyers will now have a far cheaper alternative to the Caddy’s larger T6.1 California Beach sibling at $82,990 before on-road costs.

Sitting on Volkswagen’s ubiquitous MQB platform, the Caddy has gained a reputation for its car-like road manners with the practicality of a van form factor.

The Caddy California comes fitted with handy inclusions such as a fold-out bed stretching 1980mm long and 1070mm wide that is easy to set up and pack away.

Those who like to embrace the fresh air without inviting in the mosquitoes will also welcome the additional ventilation grids with integrated fly screens.

Volkswagen has made several subtle but meaningful tweaks to make the Caddy California more liveable space, such as the heat-insulating front side windows and tinted glass encompassing the rear – along with a stowable table and two chairs.

They’ve also thrown in some dimmable LED lights inside the cabin and rear tailgate to help set the mood along with an optional panoramic roof so you can see the stars in comfort.

Upfront in the driver’s seat you’ll spot the digital instrument cluster that sits alongside an 8.25-inch display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual-zone climate control thankfully also included.

Adaptive cruise control is another welcome addition on long road trips and is one of many driver assistance features included along with lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and parking sensors at the front and rear.

The Caddy California is fitted with the more powerful two-litre turbodiesel engine making a healthy 90kW of power 320Nm of torque matched with a seven-speed DSG that drives the front wheels.

While the Caddy California won’t arrive in Australia until July, buyers can pre-order their new holidaymaker online or at their local dealership.