VOLKSWAGEN is hoping to cash-in on the lingering effects of the recession by opening the order bookfor a vehicle aimed at attracting a record number of `staycationers' during 2010.

The company has introduced a raft of significant improvements to its Caravelle people carrier and California campervan models to cater for the needs of families staying in the UK for their vacations this year rather than venturing abroad at a time of higher prices and uncertainty over airlines.

It is widely predicted that more families than ever before will explore unspoilt areas of the UK.

Orders for the new vehicles are being taken now with the first deliveries expected in February.

The newcomers get new-look frontal styling in-line with the Polo and Golf and come with many of the latest features from Volkswagen's luxury passenger cars including a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, an optical parking system in conjunction with parking sensors and the latest touch-screen navigation systems that include a 30Gb hard drive to store navigation and music.

Standard specifications have been enhanced for all models with added safety features and interior refinements such as improved front seats, new instruments including a gear change indicator and more intuitive controls plus new CD sound systems.

New options include DAB digital radio, rear-assist reversing cameras and a new range of alloy wheels. There is a Sleep Pack for the Caravelle that includes curtains and a bed extension.

There is now passenger airbag deactivation, seatbelt reminder, daylight running function for the main headlights, front fog lights with a new cornering function, emergency brake lights that flash under heavy braking, hill-hold control and Volkswagen's latest generation of Electronic Stabilisation with Rain Brake Support.

New optional safety features include a tyre-monitoring indicator to warn of tyre pressure loss and 'lane change assist' to alert the driver to traffic in the vehicle's blind spot.

Both models have four-cylinder, 2.0-litre common rail diesel engines with a choice of 140bhp or twin-turbo 180bhp outputs. Both engines generate more power and torque than the five-cylinder engines they replace and there are lower running costs thanks to longer service intervals and improved economy whilst also being quieter.

The new seven-speed DSG transmission is available with both engines in the Caravelle and the higher output unit for the California. DSG will also be available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive later in 2010.

Prices for the California SE range start at £39,950. The Caravelle comes in two trim levels, SE in short and long wheelbase guise from £31,400 and £32,400 plus the range-topping Executive in short wheelbase from £34,100.

An entry-level Startline model will be reintroduced later.

There is also a new Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance offer available until the end of March.