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 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Engine power | 118 kW (159 hp) |
| CO₂ (WLTP) | 122 g/km |
| Kerb weight | 2,390 kg |
| Displacement | 2,122 cc |
| Top speed | 186 km/h |
| Length | 4,958 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,904 mm |
| Height | 1,987 mm |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine power, CO₂ and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages across the 15 European countries that registered the Volkswagen California in 2025 (1,803 cars). Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
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 |
| Finland | 3 |
| Romania | 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). 6 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 | – | – | 184 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 | – | – |
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.
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.
- How much power does the Volkswagen California have?
- The Volkswagen California produces 118 kW (159 hp).
- What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen California?
- The Volkswagen California is 4,958 mm long, 1,904 mm wide and 1,987 mm tall.
- How much does the Volkswagen California weigh?
- The Volkswagen California has a kerb weight of about 2,390 kg.
- What are the CO2 emissions of the Volkswagen California?
- The Volkswagen California emits 122 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
- How many seats does the Volkswagen California have?
- The Volkswagen California has 4 seats.