Volkswagen California
The Volkswagen California was produced from 2003. It is 4,992 mm long and seats 4. Engines range from 1,500 to 2,500 cc with 4 to 5 cylinders, and the top speed is 186 km/h. For new registrations in the EU/EEA in 2025, CO₂ emissions are 177 g/km for the diesel version, 162 g/km for the petrol version, and 22 g/km for the plug-in hybrid petrol version (WLTP).
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Production | From 2003 |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Engine power (EU/EEA average) | 118 kW (159 hp) |
| CO₂ (WLTP, EU/EEA 2025) | Diesel 177 g/km, plug-in hybrid (petrol) 22 g/km, petrol 162 g/km |
| Kerb weight (EU/EEA average) | 2,390 kg |
| Displacement (engines) | 1,500–2,500 cc |
| Cylinders (engines) | 4–5 |
| Top speed | 186 km/h |
| Length | 4,997 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 2,303 mm |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine power and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages of the Volkswagen California registered in the EU/EEA in 2025 (1,803 cars), engine power from 14 countries, kerb weight from 15 countries. Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
Engine power is the type-approved engine power (EEA field Ep). For hybrids and plug-in hybrids it is the power of the combustion engine, not the system power, and for electric cars it can differ from the peak power the manufacturer advertises.
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Volkswagen California cars registered for the first time across 16 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| Spain | 925 |
| Poland | 258 |
| Denmark | 181 |
| United Kingdom | 152 |
| Netherlands | 145 |
| Italy | 86 |
| Luxembourg | 56 |
| Czechia | 50 |
| Slovenia | 49 |
| Slovakia | 30 |
| Portugal | 10 |
| France | 4 |
| Finland | 3 |
| Romania | 3 |
| Croatia | 2 |
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
European engine versions of the Volkswagen California by displacement, from the Dutch register (RDW). 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 · 5-cyl | – | – | 169 km/h | – | – |
| 2.5 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 172 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.
- 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 4,997 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 2,303 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?
- It depends on the drivetrain. For the Volkswagen California registered in the EU/EEA in 2025: Diesel 177 g/km, plug-in hybrid (petrol) 22 g/km, petrol 162 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
- How many seats does the Volkswagen California have?
- The Volkswagen California has 4 seats.