Automotive

Volkswagen goes tiny but expandable with new Mini-Camper van

Volkswagen goes tiny but expandable with new Mini-Camper van
Volkswagen teases the expandable tent system of its new Caddy Mini-Camper
Volkswagen teases the expandable tent system of its new Caddy Mini-Camper
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Volkswagen teases the expandable tent system of its new Caddy Mini-Camper
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Volkswagen teases the expandable tent system of its new Caddy Mini-Camper
Volkswagen is positioning the new Mini-Camper as a versatile vehicle solution for young, adventurous couples and families
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Volkswagen is positioning the new Mini-Camper as a versatile vehicle solution for young, adventurous couples and families
The Mini-Camper includes a folding bed and outdoor table/chair set
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The Mini-Camper includes a folding bed and outdoor table/chair set
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Following up on the full-size Grand California it launched in 2018 and the updated midsize California it launched last year, Volkswagen now turns its vehicle-camping mastery to its smallest van. A new-generation Caddy calls for a new-generation Caddy Beach camper, and in this case, a new name: the Mini-Camper. One of the smallest, cutest camper vans we're likely to see until the eBussy Camper comes rolling into the real world, the new Caddy Mini-Camper sleeps adventure-loving couples and turns into a larger "glamping lodge" on demand.

Volkswagen introduced the new fifth-generation Caddy back in February, and at the time, we figured a Caddy Beach might follow at the 2020 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. Of course, a whole lot has happened since February 20th, casting future products of all types into doubt. So it's good to see Volkswagen teasing the new Caddy Mini-Camper during the same month of July it previously teased the T6.1 California and Crafter-based Grand California.

A small van like the Caddy is already positioned as an inherently versatile vehicle, combining some of the volume and utility of a proper van with nimble handling and easy parking more similar to a passenger car. With the new Mini-Camper variant, VW adds to that versatility in creating a vehicle that commutes like a minivan for everyday use but holidays as a light camper optimized for "spontaneous micro-adventure."

Volkswagen is positioning the new Mini-Camper as a versatile vehicle solution for young, adventurous couples and families
Volkswagen is positioning the new Mini-Camper as a versatile vehicle solution for young, adventurous couples and families

The new Mini-Camper looks to maintain a similar layout as the outgoing Caddy Beach, relying on a folding rear bench to create a two-person bed. Volkswagen says the bed has been redesigned for versatility, and while it doesn't offer further explanation, that versatility could follow the California Beach 6.1 in offering a lounge chair setting between bench and bed so that occupants can enjoy a more relaxed sit at the campsite.

The near-2m (6.6-ft)-long reworked disc spring bed will be complemented by the available panoramic glass roof offering 15 square feet (1.4 sq m) of display space for viewing twinkling stars or cloud-smeared blue sky. Occupants will be able to black out that roof, along with the van's windows, to ensure a proper night of sleep, even when the van sits exposed to the full strength of the early-morning sun.

That basic configuration will be great for cozy couples, but the new camper is also designed with sporty young families in mind. To accommodate more people, Volkswagen will offer an expandable tailgate tent system it describes as a "glamping lodge." We're not sure about that, but the design definitely steps beyond the basic hatch tent, appearing to work like POD Tents and other modular tent systems to create large indoor spaces, like the L-shaped expansion pictured at the top of the page.

The Mini-Camper will also carry an outdoor dining table and chairs on the lift-gate.

The Mini-Camper includes a folding bed and outdoor table/chair set
The Mini-Camper includes a folding bed and outdoor table/chair set

Another feature the California 6.1 could potentially lend to the Mini-Camper is its clever fold-out kitchen. With last year's updates, the California Beach expanded its role from pure sleeper van (bed but no kitchen) to more of a full-blown camper van. Its innovative little kitchen packs away neatly in the driver's side rear sidewall and folds out when it's time to cook. The Mini-Camper could benefit equally from that style of kitchen, whether offered standard or as an option.

We'll learn more about that kitchen or lack thereof when VW hosts the full Mini-Camper world premiere. It won't happen during the 2020 Caravan Salon, which is scheduled to proceed on adjusted September dates. Volkswagen does not appear on the list of Caravan Salon exhibitors and makes no mention of the show in today's Mini-Camper teaser, saying only that the full reveal will be held virtually in September.

Volkswagen won't be the only one adjusting its 2020 RV show schedule. Erwin Hymer Group, part of the world's largest RV conglomerate, announced in May that its brands will not attend any European trade fairs for the remainder of 2020. Last year, the Hymer and Eriba brands filled an entire Düsseldorf show hall, with additional EHG brands spread around other parts of the show. Hymer also had the show's most talked-about debut.

Source: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

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8 comments
8 comments
Malcolm Jacks
Is the mini camper an electric or petrol . and would like specs of rear opening as i have a trike and need to know if it would go though the rear opening. Many thanks Malcolm Jacks.
KaiserPingo
Not impressed.
Had that system on my Lada Niva in the 80's.
Kim
And everyone laughed at my 2001 Pontiac Aztec with the tent ⛺️ package. Guess Pontiac was ahead of their time, I loved my Aztec awd. Great suv for 🏕.
Username
I think roof top tents are a better solution than this alien birthing chamber!
dugnology
Habitrail for Humans.
Nelson Hyde Chick
Kim, the Aztec was a good idea, it just never caught on because of execution, it was just too damn ugly.
canarydawn
Chris, I noticed you've written about electric/hybrid RVs. Do you see ANY hope of access for North America (as in USA)? It' really stinks seeing all that's available to the rest of the world that is progressing while we're in a complete STALL in the USA just watching the rest of the world pass us by. Specifically full size hybrid large enough for a bathroom, but even smaller is better than nothing.
alm
vw should go so tiny as to disappear totally after their decepit device, otherwise next time drivers will be electrocuted by e bussy!