And you get a full week to evaluate the car too.

Given the surge in popularity of "lifestyle" vehicles here in the States, you'd think Volkswagen would sell the Caddy California here. Instead, the closest we'll get to it is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Not that we're complaining about an electrified take on a classic vehicle that holds a special place in many an American's mind. Regardless, the Caddy is one of those lesser-known vehicles we wish we got here.

For those who do get it, VW will let you get it for free. At least, as long as you promise to buy something. VW will let you 'Try Before You Buy' a Caddy California in the UK for £499 (roughly $533) for a week, but if you decide to buy the thing, that rental fee gets given back to you as a discount on any future Caddy California purchase that you make within the following three months.

If you're out of the loop on the clever Caddy, it's basically a small European van in the same vein as our Ford Transit Connect. This particular California version of the Caddy has a foldable bed with a mattress pre-installed, seating for five (far more than the bed will sleep), and an entirely removable second row. There's also an available tent you can attach to the rear of the vehicle to accommodate more people on a weekend away.

While it's no Rivian Camp Kitchen, the California trim of the Caddy adds a pull-out single-burner stove with an integrated gas bottle. VW includes dedicated storage for camp chairs and a table too. Basically, it's all you need to go camping in a single vehicle.

That's all good and well, but we're more interested in the 'Try Before You Buy' program and why it exists. David Hanna, head of sales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, explains: "The Caddy California is our newest entry into the camping segment and means we can now provide a camper for every budget and adventure. We know it's a one-of-its-kind model that people won't have experienced before, so we want to offer customers the chance to find out just how special it is for themselves. This innovative scheme ensures that our customers choose the right van for their needs."

Of course, there's plenty of marketing potential for VW, but the real benefit is for prospective buyers. Long-term rentals via dealerships are exceedingly rare, with loaner cars like this usually reserved for media. VW has yet to say if it'll expand the program, but if it does, you'll hear about it here.