The new camper from Volkswagen created quite a buzz at the Geneva motor show last week. Based on the iconic VW Camper from the late 1940s, the new Bulli takes on a slightly different style both inside and out.
There have been various models since the original Camper, including the Microbus concept, which the Bulli takes styling tips from, but Bulli was the first name given to the Camper back in 1930. And now it returns...
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| A new era... the four-door Bulli (autogreenmag.com) |
In keeping with the common theme of being 'green', the Bulli runs off an electric motor with power coming from a battery located under the floor. This drives the front wheels whereas the original Camper was a real-wheel-drive van so those who get to drive both vehicles may notice a difference. Volkswagen claim that it will take 11.5 seconds to reach 60mph and will then carry on for about 186 miles on just one charge. However, continuous usage of things like the heater, air-con, radio or other electronic gadgets could mean a smaller range and therefore an earlier than expected top-up on power for the driver.
For the tech fans out there, the new camper comes fitted with an Apple iPad. It seems VW have splashed-out on a gadget that would be classed as a distraction in any other type of car, but as this is a vehicle you can drive and sleep in, it would be alright. It is mounted on the dashboard in the front and is able to control the Bluetooth and satellite-navigation systems, that also come with the car.
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| The six-seater interior (inopowers.com) |
Just like the original Camper, occupants are able to spend the night in the Bulli but they can do more than just recline the seats. All are able to be folded flat to make a double bed; but, any more than two people wanting to stay and it would become quite a squeeze. Also, for bulky luggage, the rear bench seats can fold away to leave a flat 1,600-litre boot. Normal boot space, with all seats in place, is 370-litres worth. Compared with the original, the Bulli is much wider as both rows of seats inside can seat three people rather than just two, and it is shorter than the Microbus concept of 2001.
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| 1966 VW Camper Split Screen (carandclassic.co.uk) |
However, many critics have said that the original spirit of the Camper has been lost on the design of the Bulli. The Camper was the epitome of summer fun when young people could just pack up and drive as it was a self-contained home on wheels that had everything needed for a trip away. Many would be seen with battered old suitcases tied to the roof-rack and the spare-wheel bolted to the front. Some would be rusting or in great need of a paint job. And they weren't exactly fast, often being seen in the slow-lane on the motorway... But for many it was a sense of freedom and the opportunity to get away. It was a popular choice for festival goers, keen campers and summer surfers because of its practicality.
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| Home from home... a table, curtains, seating and storage (carandclassic.co.uk) |
The new Bulli, it seems, would only appeal to school-run mums and maybe even the odd wacky taxi driver as it's just a two-tone six-seater people-carrier, like a Fiat Multipla with a big VW badge and shiny wheels. For a true Camper reincarnation, the Bulli needs a cooker, a fridge or at least a couple of fold-away tables because that is the true essence of a campervan. Instead it's just got some seats with the ability to fold and make a bed. Occupants wouldn't even be able to camp-out and use the gadgets it does have as they'd be left with no power in the morning to continue with their journey. It's fair to say that this is a totally new car from Volkswagen, and not a re-make of the Camper because none of the classic original design features have been carried over.
It has not been decided when the Bulli will go on sale, as VW say they are monitoring public reaction and debuting at the Geneva motor show was part of the test. If it's popular though, it could provide a basis of a new direction for the company to aim.
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