Others begin to fill the Cali (Transporter/T7) gap

[2into1]

The NEC show seems to be full of converted "New Transporter" vans. (I'm sure VW will eventually acknowledge that everyone is calling it the T7).
Without reopening the Conversion Vs Cali debate (oh ok then ), I'm personally liking the look of the New Transporter more than the Multivan based Cali. Add in the massive choice of interior and exterior looks, 2 burners on the hob etc I'm left wondering if that will be enough to overcome the fact that it's a "Turkish Ford".
Whilst VW seems to have made a right b@llocks of things, the converters seem to be getting better and better (apart from the awful carpeted walls in one of the examples). What do you all think?

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

I'm just returning home from the show today and had a good look at many of the competitors vans, I might be biased but hand on heart I wouldn't swap my T6 Ocean for any of them, when you look closely a lot of the interiors are not a patch on the old Cali's, my van is 7 years old and hasn't fallen to pieces yes they do have flaws but I don't believe the competitors will be as robust.

 

[hlobban]

IMO certainly something to be said for the amount of variations in body kits, layout, cooking option, hot water showers etc etc and the cheaper price also doesn't hurt.

But I didn't see a single one in that video that I would swap my 2020 T6.1 for, so I guess I am a sucker for the Cali

 

[PipPip]

We have a new California Ocean hybrid on order. We were at the NEC on Tuesday and saw all the new Transporter conversions. Genuinely saw nothing we preferred to the California. Having said that, the conversion companies are definitely upping their game on the camping equipment with huge batteries, solar, induction hobs, hot water etc. Also a massive marketing focus on the off grid capabilities. Personally, I felt its all to take your attention away from the base vans, which are basically all rather bland diesel commercial vans. Some of the conversions remain a bit disapponting in the flesh, with very high back seats and lots of dark carpet on walls and ceilings. Not keen on these.

 

[sidepod]

I'm just returning home from the show today and had a good look at many of the competitors vans, I might be biased but hand on heart I wouldn't swap my T6 Ocean for any of them, when you look closely a lot of the interiors are not a patch on the old Cali's, my van is 7 years old and hasn't fallen to pieces yes they do have flaws but I don't believe the competitors will be as robust.

Was the OP not questioning the new ‘7’ Cali versus converters using the proper van?

I think it’s a given very few would choose a converter over a 6 but the Multivan nonsense is a different decision.

 

[sidepod]

I completely forgot to check them out, I was too focused on bigger stuff.

 

[JAG7001]

It looks like a similar variation of internals , wrapped up in a new van, nothing new that I liked (other than the body kits)

Wouldn’t change my Ocean for one

 

[larrylamb]

The 3 seater sliding beds are a great idea, very versatile. Vanworx van was nice and the interior of the knights conversion was great although horrendous front end for me.
This market is going to be even more popular now there's no Cali version. If you're happy with the Ford engine, might as well look at the Transit versions as well.
Some top prices, given that I'd consider buying a suitable base van and paying a decent converter to do a bespoke install if you want something a bit different.

I can't say i like the new Transporter or Multivan but the single slider, 2 hobs, more worktop layout is still king for me.

 

[larrylamb]

I completely forgot to check them out, I was too focused on bigger stuff.

Going Crafter?

 

[sidepod]

Going Crafter?

Or MAN. Anything but Fiat.

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

H

Was the OP not questioning the new ‘7’ Cali versus converters using the proper van?

I think it’s a given very few would choose a converter over a 6 but the Multivan nonsense is a different decision.

To answer your post the T7 looks a bit more planted on the road, the sports front end is marmite (not for me) leather seats are a nice touch and very comfy the styling of the van itself looked good, most seem to be fitted with an off road wheel tyre setup which did make the vans look great from the side, but when it came to the finish on some of the conversions silicone sealant on kitchen unit bases on the sliding door looked poor, some roof mechanisms looked so weak they would buckle at the 1st sign of a breeze, but as we all know these conversions and Cali's are built for a budget not to make it the best it could be.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

...the conversion companies are definitely upping their game on the camping equipment with huge batteries, solar, induction hobs, hot water etc. Also a massive marketing focus on the off grid capabilities...

This is something we've been doing for years, via 2Kwh power banks and dc/dc charging. It is certainly the future, with possible sodium (na) replacing Lithium Phosphate, something that Bluetti have just launched with a 1Kwh power bank.

 

[sticky1]

The NEC show seems to be full of converted "New Transporter" vans. (I'm sure VW will eventually acknowledge that everyone is calling it the T7).
Without reopening the Conversion Vs Cali debate (oh ok then ), I'm personally liking the look of the New Transporter more than the Multivan based Cali. Add in the massive choice of interior and exterior looks, 2 burners on the hob etc I'm left wondering if that will be enough to overcome the fact that it's a "Turkish Ford".
Whilst VW seems to have made a right b@llocks of things, the converters seem to be getting better and better (apart from the awful carpeted walls in one of the examples). What do you all think?

It’s as if VW could see that competing in the small commercial van segment was getting difficult and decided to pivot to a new smaller class of camper van with less competition.

 

[stoobthealien]

It’s as if VW could see that competing in the small commercial van segment was getting difficult and decided to pivot to a new smaller class of camper van with less competition.

Exactly...some of us want to drive around in a car we can camp in...I was on the fence around a 6.1 beach because of some of the compromises involved and whilst the 7 isn't perfect (I'd rather have had the cooker in the door / not at all!) it's less compromised for my use case.

 

[2into1]

Was the OP not questioning the new ‘7’ Cali versus converters using the proper van?

Thanks @sidepod . Yes, I was thinking about shiny brand new vans therefore ruling out the last of the 6s.
I'm sensing the dilemma....
*The Multivan Cali is compromised for camping vs the 5 and 6. But it's still a VW product and avoids the wet belt engine worries
*The new Transporter offers room for a full conversion and looks better (imo) but I'm not sure it will ever be seen as a true VW. Not sure if we established if the diesel is a wet belt? The conversion side of it is certainly better quality than it was, to the point where the flexibility matches the loss of 'factory' feel.
*For us old Westfalia fans, I wonder if they will now build a conventional layout in the new Transporter....that might be the answer!
The shambles of the naming was really bad. It's hard to build any love for a model or brand if we can't agree what to call it.

 

[The Merle]

Thanks @sidepod . Yes, I was thinking about shiny brand new vans therefore ruling out the last of the 6s.
I'm sensing the dilemma....
*The Multivan Cali is compromised for camping vs the 5 and 6. But it's still a VW product and avoids the wet belt engine worries
*The new Transporter offers room for a full conversion and looks better (imo) but I'm not sure it will ever be seen as a true VW. Not sure if we established if the diesel is a wet belt? The conversion side of it is certainly better quality than it was, to the point where the flexibility matches the loss of 'factory' feel.
*For us old Westfalia fans, I wonder if they will now build a conventional layout in the new Transporter....that might be the answer!
The shambles of the naming was really bad. It's hard to build any love for a model or brand if we can't agree what to call it.

New transporter is awful don’t do it, if anything get a ford nugget if you want to go down that path.
For me if you can cope with smaller space and don’t want tall van then new Cali. Or big it’s a merc or iveco

 

[stoobthealien]

I'm not sure what the point is of paying the premium for the transporter - and I note a number of previous VW only convertors are either offering both the Ford and VW versions or just going for Ford...

 

[pluc99]

It’s as if VW could see that competing in the small commercial van segment was getting difficult and decided to pivot to a new smaller class of camper van with less competition.

I suspect it has more to do with a demographics analysis than running away from competition. Their calculation probably had the aging campers choosing the GC for additional comfort and downgraded the regular California to be more of a daily driver and weekend getaway vehicle for the slightly younger demographic.

Thanks @sidepod . Yes, I was thinking about shiny brand new vans therefore ruling out the last of the 6s.
I'm sensing the dilemma....
*The Multivan Cali is compromised for camping vs the 5 and 6. But it's still a VW product and avoids the wet belt engine worries
*The new Transporter offers room for a full conversion and looks better (imo) but I'm not sure it will ever be seen as a true VW. Not sure if we established if the diesel is a wet belt? The conversion side of it is certainly better quality than it was, to the point where the flexibility matches the loss of 'factory' feel.
*For us old Westfalia fans, I wonder if they will now build a conventional layout in the new Transporter....that might be the answer!
The shambles of the naming was really bad. It's hard to build any love for a model or brand if we can't agree what to call it.

Does the petrol engine on the Ford have problems as well? I couldn't see myself getting another diesel due to concerns about future environmental restrictions, so from that perspective the wet belt diesel engine wouldn't matter.

There are some French converters that have interesting offerings. This City Camp, can be registered for up to 6 passengers and from the photos, the kitchen unit looks similar to the Cali in quality as opposed to the plywood offerings you often see.

 

[JAG7001]

Christ not an Iveco

 

[2into1]

For us old Westfalia fans, I wonder if they will now build a conventional layout in the new Transporter....that might be the answer!
The shambles of the naming was really bad. It's hard to build any love for a model or brand if we can't agree what to call it.

So if Westfalia put this (link below) conversion on the New Transporter, who would be interested? (Obviously not @The Merle )
VW badge, factory finish interior, solid Westfalia build and heritage, sliding individual seats, petrol and Phev versions. It won't be imminent as they sell this one with their Ford partnership, but could do something very similar.

 

[Kimbo]

The NEC show seems to be full of converted "New Transporter" vans. (I'm sure VW will eventually acknowledge that everyone is calling it the T7).
Without reopening the Conversion Vs Cali debate (oh ok then ), I'm personally liking the look of the New Transporter more than the Multivan based Cali. Add in the massive choice of interior and exterior looks, 2 burners on the hob etc I'm left wondering if that will be enough to overcome the fact that it's a "Turkish Ford".
Whilst VW seems to have made a right b@llocks of things, the converters seem to be getting better and better (apart from the awful carpeted walls in one of the examples). What do you all think?

Wasn’t just me that saw those awful carpeted walls then!

 

[The Merle]

My problem with base van vw have being ford os that it’s more money doesn’t look at good as ford. The VW guys need to be trained by ford and then in a world of part shortages who’s getting them first ford, so ford surely would sort there customers/vans first then whatever’s left goes to vw.
Maybe I’m wrong.

Plus westy isn’t like the days or your t4 lots have issues with there vans and the dealers love to moan about manufacturer.

Think the T7 Cali or multi van is a much better buy then a converted thing( new transporter) only a mother would love! But then again my t6.1 high top ain’t a looker either so whatever works for you.

 

[sticky1]

I nipped to the NEC show today to have a look around.
Having come from bigger vans I have to say things have moved on a lot, I was more impressed by some of the less well known brands. Lots of innovation and creative design.
I have a bit of a thing about particle board and how companies finish edges, lots of the bigger brands seem to use vacuum formed boards, which is unlikely to stand much abuse.
I was really impressed by the quality of Hillside and clever layout, but cannot get around a wet belt engine.
I had a quick look at Eriba and the Swift Basecamp as a trailer option for toys, the finish on the Eriba was still wet, none of the bonding was set, which would be a concern. Swift looked pretty good.
I didn’t see anything in the compact van size like the Multivan Cali although there were plenty of new Transporters that had completely copied the California layout, so there will definitely be choice for people who want to replace theirs.

 

[2into1]

My problem with base van vw have being ford os that it’s more money doesn’t look at good as ford.

Oh I'm preferring the New Transporter to the Transit.....that's what got me thinking. Very short video to see if you agree:

 

[stoobthealien]

Oh I'm preferring the New Transporter to the Transit.....that's what got me thinking. Very short video to see if you agree:

All I would say is that visually that's not a great ford from the front - I've seen higher spec base vans with a much fancier front grille