The Story
Citroën has launched the Holidays campervan to challenge the long-dominant Volkswagen California in the factory-built camper market. Based on the Spacetourer bus and built in France before conversion in Slovenia, the Holidays undercuts its German rival significantly at £56,000 compared to the California Ocean’s nearly £65,000 starting price. The conversion includes heating, a twin-hob cooker, fridge, cold shower, and sleeping space for four across a downstairs area and a manually extendable roof.
Why It Matters
The Volkswagen California has dominated the factory campervan segment for over 75 years, with more than 200,000 units sold since the badge launched in 2004. The Citroën Holidays represents the first genuine price-competitive alternative from a major automaker, offering similar four-person sleeping and dining configurations at a substantially lower cost. While the VW benefits from the MQB platform shared with the Multivan for improved ride and handling, the Citroën delivers comparable functionality with notably rougher edges.
CarMotion Daily’s Take
The Holidays fills a genuine gap in the market for buyers wanting a brand-new factory camper without the California premium, though buyers should expect some compromises in refinement. Its simple single-spec approach and practical feature set—including swiveling front seats and a workable kitchenette—make it an accessible entry point to the campervan lifestyle. However, the electrically operated roof, larger water tanks, and integrated awning of the California Ocean justify the premium for those seeking a more polished camping experience.
📝 Source & Copyright Notice
This story was first reported by Autocar. For the full article with original photography and complete coverage, visit the source: Read the full story at Autocar →