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 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.
- 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.