The ultimate ‘van life’ buy: Volkswagen launch a brand new Kombi across Australia – complete with a mini kitchen and a pop out tent
- Volkswagen Australia have confirmed Transporter T6.1 will come Down Under
- It’s the latest campervan created by the automotive group with updated safety
- The California Beach design will have the ‘spirit’ of the original 1970s van
- But it will also have autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control
Volkswagen Australia has launched a brand new campervan – named the ‘California Beach’ model – in an ode to the original 1970s van with upgraded safety features and more space.
The announcement, which was made on Wednesday, will come as a joyous surprise to those looking to embark on a ‘van life’ adventure next summer with the vehicle set to roll into stores in late 2020.
‘With the introduction of the T6.1 California Beach, we are finally answering fan and customer demand for a factory-backed, turn-key weekender, Head of Commercial Vehicles at Volkswagen Australia, Ryan Davies, told Car Advice.
‘We’re ecstatic to be bringing the Kombi Van back to Oz.’
Volkswagen Australia has launched a brand new campervan – named the ‘California Beach’ model – in an ode to the original 1970s van
The announcement, which was made on Wednesday, will come as a joyous surprise to those looking to embark on a ‘van life’ adventure next summer with the vehicle set to roll into stores in late 2020
The original Kombi – beloved by thousands of Australians who continue to tour the country with them – was axed in 2013 as safety regulations increased and all new vehicles had to have airbags and anti-lock brakes.
From there the successful automotive company founded in Germany launched its Transporter range, which was sturdier and came with a better engine and fuel capacity.
Volkswagen Australia is waiting until the second half of 2020 to share more details about the Transporter California Beach range, although there are a few key features it will certainly include.
Volkswagen Australia is waiting until the second half of 2020 to share more details about the Transporter California Beach range (pictured)
Thousands of Australians have embarked on ‘van life’ experiences since the Kombi came back into fashion (pictured)
A pop-out mini kitchen will come as standard, along with a manually-operated pop-top that harks back to the original Kombi van the brand is known for
Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and crosswind assist will all be available according to Cars Guide Australia.
It will have a turbo-diesel engine and seven-speed automatic system, making it easier to travel lengthy distances, with the option of four or five seats depending on how many people you want to fit into it.
A pop-out mini kitchen will come as standard, along with a manually-operated pop-top that harks back to the original Kombi van the brand is known for.
While pricing is yet to be revealed there is a version of the California available in New Zealand that is being sold for NZD$139,000 (AUD$128,500).
But Cars Guide understand that the target price for the Australian option will be less than that, with the current Transporter range available from $37,490 to $60,190 plus on-road costs.