The VW Grand California has had a refresh; more tech, less power, still pricey

It’s been five years since we life-tested the VW Grand California, and now the van-based motorhome has had an update. Cue: less powerful engine line-up and more fancy technology. Hmm.

First up, engines: the 175bhp generated by the 2.0-litre diesel engine is knocked back to 161bhp for the sake of the planet and air quality. That’s in both the FWD and 4WD packages, though thankfully torque remains unchanged at 302lb ft.

It’s all to do with meeting Euro VI emissions standards, meaning Happy Campers (still) qualify for ULEZ exemption. Happy days? It's hard to say right now.

Inside, the tech guns have well and truly come out. There’s a new 10in infotainment screen on the dash (up from eight), pew! It’s got the latest VW’s offering in driver assistance swagger including drowsiness alert and road sign recognition, pew! The App Connect thing is all integrated, pew!

And that’s just in the driving environment. In the living area, there’s a new five-inch touchscreen –  just like the one on the regular California – for controlling the heating and lighting (presumably betterer). Plus, the app also has camper-specific settings, so you can remotely keep an eye on water and battery levels.

Looks-wise, it remains ever Crafter-based (albeit with a new badge). There are two versions of the Grand Cali; the family-focussed 600 with a small bed over the driving cabin, and the solo/couple-targeting 680, featuring a fold-out double bed within the dinette.

All the usual mod cons - 70l fridge freezer, dinette for four humans, wetroom with a shower and cassette toilet, heated leather steering wheel (you get the picture) are there to make the camping experience as creature-comfortable as being out in the stormy vales of Blighty gets. The refreshed VW Grand California’s prices start from an equally grand £84,046.