---
title: "Newest VW California Camper Van Is the All-in-One Beach Cruiser"
description: "We're begging Volkswagen to bring its California campers to the U.S. This one has a stove, fridge, and sleeps four. We even like the color."
date: "2023-03-01"
modified: "2023-03-01"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/vws-latest-california-camper-is-an-all-in-one-pop-up-with-a-kitchen-and-more"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Volkswagen News"
tags:
  - "Van"
  - "Volkswagen"
---

# Newest VW California Camper Van Is the All-in-One Beach Cruiser

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/01/22654-UpdateofaniconNewCalifornia6.1withdigitalcontrolofthecamperfunctions.jpg>)

[Volkswagen](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/volkswagen-news>) released this week a new version of its short-wheelbase [camper van](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-immaculate-vw-t1-pickup-resto-mod-is-a-camper-thats-ready-for-anything>) ahead of their other van, [you know](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/2023-vw-id-buzz-first-drive-review-specs-photos-driving-performance>). A trim of the Transporter 6.1, it's called the Surf. It is, for all intents and purposes, a little home on four wheels. Minus the toilet.

It has a small kitchen, a pop-up top, and fold-down seats to sleep up to four. It's powered by a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine powering to the front wheels through a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.

The Surf is not the fanciest Transporter 6.1 camper van out there, but it still costs a pretty penny. Prices start at a hair over $82,000 (£68,234). That is if you can even buy one. As we've reported in the past, VW [doesn't have much interest](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41119/vw-says-it-still-wont-sell-camper-vans-in-america-despite-rv-craze-heres-why>) in selling its camper vans stateside. It would cost too much to federalize them and the market is surprisingly small, even in Europe.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01/vw-camper-van-inline-A.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01/vw-camper-van-inline-B.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01/vw-camper-van-inline-C.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01/vw-camper-van-inline-D.jpg>)

Just because we may never see one stateside, doesn't mean[ it's not super cool](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/vw-id-buzzs-first-vanlife-ready-camping-rig-is-here>). Its kitchen features a two-burner stove, and the interior with its swiveling driver and passenger seats is an interesting place to be. It's a little home on wheels that would be perfect for weekend getaways with a small family or a group of friends. America is the road trip capital of the world, and not having this here still seems like a miss, whatever VW says.

Other features include a sensor suite to help you tow a trailer, a little stainless steel sink to wash up in, and heated seats for a more comfortable driving experience. If you live in the U.K., the Surf is available to order now.

*Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)