In theory, going away for a few days in the new Volkswagen California Beach sounds like a lot of fun.

But add to that the British ‘summer’ and a lively two-year-old and the image becomes a little less idyllic.

However, we set off on our adven-ture, full of optimism, singing ‘we all live in a yellow campervan’...until we arrived at the campsite in the pouring rain.

I drove the basic model that didn’t include a stove and fridge but did have two double beds – one of which was in the electrically powered pop-up roof.

Key features in the new California include a distinctive new front design, more aerodynamic door mirrors plus new safety features, including daytime running function for the headlights, the latest generation ESP (Electronic Stab-ilisation Programme) and the optional ‘lane change assist’ which alerts you to any other traffic in or approaching the vehicle’s blindspot.

To reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the new California now has Volkswagen’s latest four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, common rail TDI engine. This is available with two power outputs – 140 PS or a twin-turbo 180 PS BiTDI version.

The new engine is much quieter and more refined, with lower emis-sions that comply with the Euro5 standard, yet it delivers more power and higher levels of torque at lower revs than the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre TDI engines. This means the new engine is more flexible with greater pulling power.

The vehicle’s other equipment includ-es two deckchairs stored in the rear tailgate, a table stored in the side sliding door, parking and auxiliary heaters with remote control, double glazing for the living area, its own battery power plus an AC inverter with a 230V socket that can power electrical equipment up to 150W without having to connect to the external 230V mains hook-up.

Standard specification is also high, with electric windows, air conditioning, remote central locking with an alarm, a radio/CD with an AUX-IN socket, alloy wheels and Isofix mounting points for child seats on both rear seats.

There is also a wide choice of options, including a side awning, leather upholstery, the latest satellite navigation and audio systems, Blue-tooth and iPod connectivity, a bike rack for the rear tailgate or roof bars to fix items to the rising roof and fixed or detachable towbars.

It’s also a lot easier to park than it looks, thanks to a front and rear parking distance control system.

Factfile

Car: Volkswagen California Beach

On the road: £35,155

0-62mph: 16.9 seconds

Top speed: 101mph

Fuel: 40.4mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 184g/km