Once you’ve got over the fact that the VW California looks a bit like a transit van, it’s easy to see why it is such a bestseller.

A real home from home, you can quite literally throw a few things in the back and set off on your adventure. Our destination was Scotland – Dumfries and Galloway to be exact – which we managed to do (there and back) on just the one tank of fuel.

And, while it wasn’t exactly California Dreaming, the weather was pretty damn good and it didn’t rain for at least three days, which has to be something of a record for recent Augusts.

If you’re upgrading to the VW California from a tent, then it will seem like utter luxury. If, however, you’re already a caravanner or own a larger motorhome, you may struggle to adapt to the limited space. But the ability to drive freely on the motorway enjoying the benefits of a 2.5-litre engine is a real bonus – especially if you’re fed up tootling along at 60 in the slow lane towing a caravan.

Inside, there is a fridge, two large cupboards under the sink and gas cooker and a fold out table.

A drawer under the rear seats houses camping equipment, including leads for the electric hook-up, a hose to fill the van’s drinking water tank and a crank to wind out the optional awning.

There was also a set of ramps to make sure the van remained level on sloping campsites.

At the back, there is a reasonably large wardrobe and an overhead storage bin. Another cupboard holds the gas bottle and wastewater valve.

A couple of deckchairs hide in a compartment in the tailgate to join the table stowed in the side sliding door.

By sliding the rear seats forward and lowering the backs, your bed is made and is surprisingly inviting. An additional bed is in the electric roof, but climbing up is a job and a half, although it would be good for kids.

Standard safety features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stabilisation Programme, loads of air bags, remote central locking and an alarm. Other useful features include all-wheel drive, air-conditioning with dust and pollen filter, heated and swivelling front seats and blackout screens and curtains for night use.

Having crawled in and out of tents on all previous camping holidays, I loved the California – especially the ‘central heating’, very useful if you’re test-driving a campervan in Scotland. It will never have the iconic status of the campervans of the 1960s and I managed to resist painting ‘make love not war’ on the side of the van. It has, however, got a bit more space, reliability and comfort while still giving you that wonderful feeling of life on the open road.

Factfile

Vehicle: VW California

Engine: 2.5 litre/2460cc

On the road: £40,680

Top speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 13.3 seconds

CO2 emissions: 243g/km