T7 Cali Initial thoughts.....

[DevonGuy]

We had comparison quotes with same deposit, duration etc TDI and Phev. Phev was about £40 per month less as I recall on a 5 year term. Ocean spec.

 

[Californication69]

eHybrid is looking like £47k GFV

 

[pjm-84]

Ouch now at 112.....play hard ball if you're looking to buy.....most certainly a buyer's market

Now up to 150 in stock...spec built

 

[stationmaster]

Now up to 150 in stock...spec built

Where do you get the 150 in stock T7 California data from?

 

[Californication69]

Probs VWCV website.

 

[pjm-84]

I threw money at the T5.1 to remove the van like drive....T7 not for me and based on the number of stock vehicles and discounts, maybe not finding their market.

Search available stock | Volkswagen Vans UK

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

 

[Californication69]

Only 6 blue Oceans and no 4Motion.
So just basic stock.

 

[Readz]

In my opinion it’s a day out van. One thing it may possibly do is keep the market good for 2nd hand 6 and 6.1 vans.

 

[Californication69]

In my opinion it’s a day out van. One thing it may possibly do is keep the market good for 2nd hand 6 and 6.1 vans.

And one that everyone is allowed to have.
It was similar to mine 18 months ago.

But priority’s change, and it’s (T7 Ocean) just right for me and the wife for the next 5 years.
Will let you know in 6 months if it’s a good sleep out or not !
I’ve lost 3 stone so I’m thinking the two of us in the downstairs bed will be absolutely fine.
Wife’s only 8 stone and like a rake, so it’ll be like sleep next to a doctors university test Skeleton

 

[PK1958]

I haven't any issues camping in the T7. Enough storage space for us. We use small suitcases and storage boxes in the boot for stuff. In fact one cupboard is empty. The bed is only a tad narrower. Got a 2 ring induction hob for cooking which we do outside.

 

[Readz]

And one that everyone is allowed to have.
It was similar to mine 18 months ago.

But priority’s change, and it’s (T7 Ocean) just right for me and the wife for the next 5 years.
Will let you know in 6 months if it’s a good sleep out or not !
I’ve lost 3 stone so I’m thinking the two of us in the downstairs bed will be absolutely fine.
Wife’s only 8 stone and like a rake, so it’ll be like sleep next to a doctors university test Skeleton

Enjoy, we’re actually all really jealous

 

[DelB53]

So I have a 2010 T5 Cali which is also my daily driver. I always take it to VW Preston for its annual service as it seems a shame not to get the VW stamp now it's had one all it's 'life!'

Whilst there this time, I had a good snoop about the new T7 Cali. Initial thoughts and findings are:

It's a good looking van
Lovely seats /cab area
Where has all the storage gone? (Very little under new fancy individual back seats.)
What's the point in the back seats being able to turn around?
Is the overhead locker smaller? Not as much space there either.
Tap is really plastic-y and fitting feel cheap.
One hob. Really! I used two all the time and my Cobb outside!
What's the point in the second opening door as the this has jepordised all the storage in the cupboards. Maybe great on the continent where we can dine and cook outside in regular lovely weather...... Not so much in Skegness!
Fridge - prefer it how it was. Better situated near wardrobe.
Pop top - love it. New 'canvas' is gorgeous.
Back gas bottle cupboard really don't like it in the new one. Give me the older version anyday!

After speaking with a dealer he said 'newbies' to the Cali think it's the best thing ever. Those who've owned other versions don't! They know how much storage has been lost and how practical the older versions are in comparison for our climate.

What are your thoughts?

Totally agree

So I have a 2010 T5 Cali which is also my daily driver. I always take it to VW Preston for its annual service as it seems a shame not to get the VW stamp now it's had one all it's 'life!'

Whilst there this time, I had a good snoop about the new T7 Cali. Initial thoughts and findings are:

It's a good looking van
Lovely seats /cab area
Where has all the storage gone? (Very little under new fancy individual back seats.)
What's the point in the back seats being able to turn around?
Is the overhead locker smaller? Not as much space there either.
Tap is really plastic-y and fitting feel cheap.
One hob. Really! I used two all the time and my Cobb outside!
What's the point in the second opening door as the this has jepordised all the storage in the cupboards. Maybe great on the continent where we can dine and cook outside in regular lovely weather...... Not so much in Skegness!
Fridge - prefer it how it was. Better situated near wardrobe.
Pop top - love it. New 'canvas' is gorgeous.
Back gas bottle cupboard really don't like it in the new one. Give me the older version anyday!

After speaking with a dealer he said 'newbies' to the Cali think it's the best thing ever. Those who've owned other versions don't! They know how much storage has been lost and how practical the older versions are in comparison for our climate.

What are your thoughts?

Totally agree. But it's horses for courses.

I checked one out when they first appeared and the T7 doesn't work for us. For us it's a second vehicle, and our big breaks tend to be 6-9 weeks in Spring and Autumn on the continent where we're usually cycling. We need to take 2 road bikes, biking clothing and accessories, an awning room and camping kitchen, plus our everyday clothes etc. so our 5.1 is usually fully loaded. We enjoy cooking and make good use of the clip in table for eating outside and the indoor table when the weather is bad.

I'm sure the driving experience would be better and it's a newer, more modern vehicle, but the negatives for us outweigh these plus points, so we're currently sticking with our trusty 2012 5.1 with 80km on the clock and giving it plenty of TLC.

But as a day van, weekend camper, and everyday camper, the T7 would come out on top. You pay your money and take your choice.

Personally, I believe there would be a market for a California Classic, based on the new Transporter. They use the California badge for the Caddy and Crafter, so why not the new Transporter?

 

[Huddy]

So I have a 2010 T5 Cali which is also my daily driver. I always take it to VW Preston for its annual service as it seems a shame not to get the VW stamp now it's had one all it's 'life!'

Whilst there this time, I had a good snoop about the new T7 Cali. Initial thoughts and findings are:

It's a good looking van
Lovely seats /cab area
Where has all the storage gone? (Very little under new fancy individual back seats.)
What's the point in the back seats being able to turn around?
Is the overhead locker smaller? Not as much space there either.
Tap is really plastic-y and fitting feel cheap.
One hob. Really! I used two all the time and my Cobb outside!
What's the point in the second opening door as the this has jepordised all the storage in the cupboards. Maybe great on the continent where we can dine and cook outside in regular lovely weather...... Not so much in Skegness!
Fridge - prefer it how it was. Better situated near wardrobe.
Pop top - love it. New 'canvas' is gorgeous.
Back gas bottle cupboard really don't like it in the new one. Give me the older version anyday!

After speaking with a dealer he said 'newbies' to the Cali think it's the best thing ever. Those who've owned other versions don't! They know how much storage has been lost and how practical the older versions are in comparison for our climate.

What are your thoughts?

Had one over summer. One job sufficient as you have outside table with electric point.
Always cooked outside as too hot inside cooking.
Cupboards are deceiving especially the one at the side of the bed - you can get 2 sleeping bags plus towels in that one . Side pocket window also holds plenty of clothes.
Back seats move forwards to give loads more space for storage plus add a space saver draw.
2 doors is great as gives opportunity for the sun canopy one side & driveway awning on the other side.
Best part though is that it drives like a car as based on Golf platform.rather than a cargo van .
However everybody to their own
But would certainly recommend the Multivan especially the hybrid.
Just a few thoughts from another perspective.

 

[DelB53]

Totally agree

Totally agree. But it's horses for courses.

I checked one out when they first appeared and the T7 doesn't work for us. For us it's a second vehicle, and our big breaks tend to be 6-9 weeks in Spring and Autumn on the continent where we're usually cycling. We need to take 2 road bikes, biking clothing and accessories, an awning room and camping kitchen, plus our everyday clothes etc. so our 5.1 is usually fully loaded. We enjoy cooking and make good use of the clip in table for eating outside and the indoor table when the weather is bad.

I'm sure the driving experience would be better and it's a newer, more modern vehicle, but the negatives for us outweigh these plus points, so we're currently sticking with our trusty 2012 5.1 with 80km on the clock and giving it plenty of TLC.

But as a day van, weekend camper, and everyday camper, the T7 would come out on top. You pay your money and take your choice.

Personally, I believe there would be a market for a California Classic, based on the new Transporter. They use the California badge for the Caddy and Crafter, so why not the new Transporter?

Didn't post my handle - it's from DelB53

 

[Skinnee D]

Agreed that the multivan/T7 Ocean is definitely not a camper for everybody.

After 10 years with a T6 Ocean (now sold) we had significant initial reservations about the new one.

Our longest road trip in the T6 was 10 weeks and 3000 miles touring the Scottish highlands and islands. We are two adults, a fairly large dog and (on that trip) a pop up tent.

Having looked more closely at how the multivan/T7 Ocean might work for us, including for that kind of trip, we no longer have any concerns. Obviously we will need to change how and where things are stored, but it is definitely doable. In our case we actually only ever used a single burner for cooking inside the van, including winter camping.

One change we will make though is to replace the bulky downstairs mattress with a compact inflatable one, reserved for very high winds where we would want to drop the roof at night. Losing that mattress will add valuable luggage space.

It is a pity that the tailgate won't take a bike rack, and choosing the right tow hitch-mounted carrier that definitely tilts sufficiently to allow the tailgate to open is very important.

We were kindly lent a demo Ocean to spend time with on our own. The drive was a massive improvement over the T6, and for high mileage road trips was an important factor in our evaluation.

Just our thoughts.

 

[Californication69]

Agreed that the multivan/T7 Ocean is definitely not a camper for everybody.

After 10 years with a T6 Ocean (now sold) we had significant initial reservations about the new one.

Our longest road trip in the T6 was 10 weeks and 3000 miles touring the Scottish highlands and islands. We are two adults, a fairly large dog and (on that trip) a pop up tent.

Having looked more closely at how the multivan/T7 Ocean might work for us, including for that kind of trip, we no longer have any concerns. Obviously we will need to change how and where things are stored, but it is definitely doable. In our case we actually only ever used a single burner for cooking inside the van, including winter camping.

One change we will make though is to replace the bulky downstairs mattress with a compact inflatable one, reserved for very high winds where we would want to drop the roof at night. Losing that mattress will add valuable luggage space.

It is a pity that the tailgate won't take a bike rack, and choosing the right tow hitch-mounted carrier that definitely tilts sufficiently to allow the tailgate to open is very important.

We were kindly lent a demo Ocean to spend time with on our own. The drive was a massive improvement over the T6, and for high mileage road trips was an important factor in our evaluation.

Just our thoughts.

T7 drives itself nearly, I keep one finger on the wheel and wiggle it down every 10 seconds.
It drive the whole 6 hours to lands end like that.
Easy.

Try take a look for the newly created bed base by @Chriskend
I did the same and it works brilliantly with a SIM.

Bike rack:
I’ve got a 6 year old Thule XT 3 easy fold.
It didn’t clear the tailgate.
I removed the 2” plastic / rubber bungs x2 that stop it from going 90°
Chopped 1” from the end of the bung.
Popped them back in, removed them and put the metal bits back in that had fallen out from around the screw holes, put it all together and job dine.
The bike rack goes 90° and I can open the boot with no issue and have two 26kg eMTB bikes on.

 

[P600BOO]

I have had a T6.1 California Ocean 4motion and now a T7 California Ocean petrol and find it has as much or more storage space but you have to use it differently.
The drive is very much car like and I find it more comfortable than the T6.1.
I like being able to open both side doors, the interior lighting is very good and very adjustable. Pop top is almost identical to the T6.1 but the penalised switches are on the dash board. The camping control unit works well and you can also use the California app on you phone to control heating, fridge, lights etc. The camping heater has an annoying tick from the pump but the heater works well.
Would I go back to a T6.1
No