Volkswagen California
The Volkswagen California is a diesel-powered vehicle featuring a 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine producing 103 kW of power. It measures 4,992 mm in length and accommodates four seats, with a kerb weight of 2,432 kg and a top speed of 186 km/h. In Norway, the model saw minimal adoption with just one registration recorded in 2019.
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Kerb weight | 2,333 kg |
| Displacement | 2,118 cc |
| Top speed | 186 km/h |
| Length | 4,961 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,905 mm |
| Height | 1,987 mm |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Volkswagen California cars registered for the first time across 15 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| Spain | 925 |
| Poland | 258 |
| Denmark | 181 |
| Netherlands | 145 |
| Italy | 86 |
| Luxembourg | 56 |
| Czechia | 50 |
| Slovenia | 49 |
| Slovakia | 30 |
| Portugal | 10 |
| France | 4 |
| Romania | 3 |
| Finland | 3 |
| Croatia | 2 |
| Bulgaria | 1 |
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Volkswagen California (from registration data). 7 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 200 km/h | – | – |
| 1.9 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 151 km/h | – | – |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 185 km/h | – | – |
| 2.4 l · 5-cyl | – | – | 142 km/h | – | – |
| 2.5 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 168 km/h | – | – |
| 2.5 l · 5-cyl | – | – | 169 km/h | – | – |
| 2.8 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 169 km/h | – | – |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
Other Volkswagen models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 84% of Volkswagen Californias pass their MOT test first time, based on 8,348 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
No recorded recalls for the Volkswagen California in EU Safety Gate or NHTSA (US).
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Volkswagen recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Volkswagen California?
- The Volkswagen California has a rated top speed of 186 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen California?
- The Volkswagen California is 4,961 mm long, 1,905 mm wide and 1,987 mm tall.
- How much does the Volkswagen California weigh?
- The Volkswagen California has a kerb weight of about 2,333 kg.
- How many seats does the Volkswagen California have?
- The Volkswagen California has 4 seats.