Volkswagen Kampervan review: clever fit-out makes for a great tourer
A clever interior fit-out, loads of luxuries and an economical diesel engine make this touring wagon one to consider for that great lap of Australia.
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Volkswagen has unleashed the ultimate grey nomad adventure machine.
The second-generation, Aussie-developed Kampervan takes the Crafter delivery van and kits it out with camping accessories and electronics with the help of caravan manufacturing giant Jayco.
But the good life doesn’t come cheap. The cheapest model starts at about $172,000 drive-away and the off-road version will cost about $180,000 on the road.
Metallic paint is another $2385 and a two-tone paint finish – reminiscent of the legendary Kombi – is $4060.
The off-road model includes rugged tyres, underbody protection, lifted suspension and a snorkel for driving through creeks. It’s also double the price of the Crafter van it’s based on.
But Volkswagen argues its competitively priced for those looking for a home-away-from-home camper capable of traversing some fairly rugged terrain.
“We think this is a super, super sharp price point for this segment,” said Michael Cenci, Volkswagen Australia product manager for Caddy and Crafter.
“If you were to go and spec up a campervan to the All-Terrain standard through another provider such as Trakka you’re probably looking at around $210,000 to $220,000 minimum.”
Included in the price is a kitchen with gas cooktop, fridge and a microwave oven, as well as a bathroom with shower and flushing toilet.
A queen-size bed accommodates two and there’s a toddler bed and four-person dining table as well as a portable external table with chairs.
A power retractable step makes it easy to climb aboard, while there’s a separate airconditioning system for the living quarters. There’s even a small diesel heater tapping into the vehicle’s main fuel tank for chilly nights.
That system operates on a separate power source that can be charged via solar panels.
Entertainment is taken care of with a TV and on-board Wi-Fi, although Volkswagen stopped short of fitting StarLink satellite internet, the latest gadget for remote travellers.
The Kampervan is powered by a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel making 130kW and 410Nm.
The roof is lined with cabinets and storage is plentiful throughout, including a sizeable tray that slides out from under the raised queen bed.
The bed has a sprung mattress that folds down its centre.
Taller people will find their heads just grazing the roof as they stroll through the living area, but it’s still an impressively spacious place.
There’s a 120-litre water tank and 80-litre grey water tank as well as a bathroom with a flushing toilet and shower fed by a gas hot water system. As is the norm, it’s close quarters.
The kitchen includes a double gas cooker, microwave and 90-litre fridge that slides out, allowing easy access from inside or out.
But it’s the electrical system that is among the most impressive components of the Kampervan.
It has two 12V batteries, one to power lights and other ancillaries and the other to start the vehicle.
There’s also a 400Ah 12V lithium-ion battery (with 4.8kWh of capacity) that runs a separate 230V AC circuit providing up to 3000W.
That means anything you’d plug into a home power point can be used in the various outlets around the Kampervan.
And Volkswagen says it’ll run the airconditioning unit for up to seven hours or the rest of the van for more than three days if you’re content with natural ventilation.
You can choose to charge the batteries off the engine when the vehicle is running or from external power at a caravan park or garage. There’s also a fixed solar panel on the roof and another solar blanket that stretches across the windscreen.
On the road the Kampervan is surprisingly normal to drive, in a big vehicle way.
It feels heavy, most noticeably in acceleration, although the diesel engine is well suited to the task, easily cruising at 100km/h.
There’s some wind and road noise at speed but nothing that a panoramic view won’t fix.
Change direction quickly and you’ll be reminded how much real estate is above your head, as the van has a tendency to lean.
But it’s also pleasingly well behaved with a solid cornering stance and stable manner, aided by the latest driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and crosswind assist.
Really, though, the Kampervan does its best work when stationary, the clever interior fit-out making for a fantastic miniature home.
Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan Style
PRICE From about $172,000 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 yrs/unlimited km, $2600 for 5 yrs/100,000km
SAFETY Four airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver fatigue monitoring
ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW/410Nm
THIRST About 10L/100km on test
SPARE Full size
VERDICT
Four stars
Nicely kitted out campervan packs plenty in for couples and small families looking for an easy-to-drive adventure machine.
Originally published as Volkswagen Kampervan review: clever fit-out makes for a great tourer
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