This is what the VW Cali should have been

[2into1]

Although this is on the Ford/Transporter, this is one hell of a design.

 

[Kernowboy]

Wow, lots in there to like. Thought some bits looked a bit flimsy but they’ve crammed plenty in, some great design features for sure and it just looks like a fun package - which, as long as it’s practical too, is what it’s all about. Didn’t see a price but well worth a look if it’s sensible money.

 

[Hawthorn37]

My god that’s a clever van! If they can build volume it should take a chunk of the Cali market. Not available in the uk ?

 

[pchmlk]

Looks amazing.
"Pricing will also vary depending on the starter pack, from €74,950 to €115,500" the one in the vid being 120k.

Hard to imagine paying that really but it's a lovely and ingenious thing.

 

[WelshGas]

I wonder if they'll have Spare Parts for all the camping/ habitation equipment in 10 yrs time?

 

[FivetonesCali]

Some very nice ideas in that. Still a DIY-type conversion in my mind so the cost is not particularly justifiable.

The use of carpet trimming on cupboards etc is pretty shoddy too, just doesn’t feel OEM like the Cali. @WelshGas comment also applies in this context too.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

While the aesthetic isn't brilliant with all that felt and what appears to be 3-ply, the use of space and storage is nothing short of ingenious. Even a heated shower!

The price BTW for the top-of-the-range PHEV was 94k Euros

 

[acer]

I also like this. There are some very clever ideas. However, compared to the T6.1 it still looks like there is a shortage of storage space and I think this is the too long vehicle? (I do get confused between the various base vans on offer. Also, I’m sorry to compare it to the T6.1 but that is my current van and the one I know best.)

 

[willwander]

Looks home-made

 

[stoobthealien]

Looks home-made

I agree - carpets on the walls, rear bench that has no structure to it, little hinges screwed in like the ones I get from wickes and a high price point - no thanks. If I was going to go no Cali then something like the Panama vans or even the Citroen holidays look a lot better (and cheaper!)

 

[Amcali]

Although this is on the Ford/Transporter, this is one hell of a design.

Ugly and not well thought through set up of a small bus. Bt thats fulli in line with technicality of this ford.

 

[chockswahay]

And I thought my T6.1 Coast was over complicated

 

[Roger Boeken]

I'm left with many questions:
what gas cartridge, where is it stored ?
where is the waste water going ?
how did they manage to hang that shirt in the cupboard ?
no chairs , no outside tabel, very little space in kitchen , no space for my toilet
no EHU ?
I can install that heater in my Ocean T6.1 water tank, but simple calculation tells me that it will drain my battery in no time.
where are the leisure batteries ?
It all looks very heavy, I wonder how much luggage weight is left...
good try but not convinced.

 

[stoobthealien]

I'm left with many questions:
what gas cartridge, where is it stored ?
where is the waste water going ?
how did they manage to hang that shirt in the cupboard ?
no chairs , no outside tabel, very little space in kitchen , no space for my toilet
no EHU ?
I can install that heater in my Ocean T6.1 water tank, but simple calculation tells me that it will drain my battery in no time.
where are the leisure batteries ?
It all looks very heavy, I wonder how much luggage weight is left...
good try but not convinced.

I couldn't tell if it's the phev base vehicle - I know some converters are using the comparatively huge batteries for things we otherwise use gas for

 

[2into1]

I wonder if they'll have Spare Parts for all the camping/ habitation equipment in 10 yrs time?

That wasn't my point Welshgas. I wasn't saying you should buy this over a Cali (although I might if it works with RHD). I was implying there was nothing to stop VW having come up with this level of design and innovation (with the extra features as standard or as factory options). They had the multivan and the new Ford\Transporter and all their volume \ capital and expertise to carry on their 50+ years of setting the gold standard.

 

[FivetonesCali]

That wasn't my point Welshgas. I wasn't saying you should buy this over a Cali (although I might if it works with RHD). I was implying there was nothing to stop VW having come up with this level of design and innovation (with the extra features as standard or as factory options). They had the multivan and the new Ford\Transporter and all their volume \ capital and expertise to carry on their 50+ years of setting the gold standard.

It’s a good point but Westfalia designed the Cali. We’ve seen the issues when VW do it themselves (“T7” Cali).

 

[WelshGas]

That wasn't my point Welshgas. I wasn't saying you should buy this over a Cali (although I might if it works with RHD). I was implying there was nothing to stop VW having come up with this level of design and innovation (with the extra features as standard or as factory options). They had the multivan and the new Ford\Transporter and all their volume \ capital and expertise to carry on their 50+ years of setting the gold standard.

I'm sure VW have done their market research and they have come up with a design that meets the requirements and can be manufactured to a price point . For anything else you have the Independent Converters.

 

[AcapulcoLoco]

There's a lot of stuff in it but it's all a bit cheap looking, if it was massively cheaper than a Cali it might be justifiable, but it's not. The carpet on the walls just looks naff and the swing out cooker is very 1960'S/70'S and very cramped looking. The pull out tray at the back is a good idea, I bought a Spacemate for mine and it's brilliant, VW should fit them as standard. It looks like a conversion and not factory, nowhere near the standard of finish of a California. I wouldn't swap it for my T6 Ocean. As WelshGas said, can you imagine trying to get parts for the interior equipment in 10 years time?

 

[FivetonesCali]

I'm sure VW have done their market research and they have come up with a design that meets the requirements and can be manufactured to a price point . For anything else you have the Independent Converters.

You have more faith in VWs abilities than I do though to be fair the design of the new Cali looks ok to me as a solo camper. It’s the woeful software and electronics that spoil the new vehicles. A close second is the seemingly inept service and support from VW.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

I couldn't tell if it's the phev base vehicle - I know some converters are using the comparatively huge batteries for things we otherwise use gas for

Indeed. Most new EV and PHEVs have V2L, allowing use of the c80kWh traction battery for unlimited power to use kettles, induction hobs and water heaters, etc. I assume this is the same.

 

[FivetonesCali]

Indeed. Most new EV and PHEVs have V2L, allowing use of the c80kWh traction battery for unlimited power to use kettles, induction hobs and water heaters, etc. I assume this is the same.

The real shame is that VW limits what’s possible with V2L. The T7 phev should allow full access to that battery but the real let down is how the Buzz V2L implementation is so limited you’d still need to carry a battery power pack for light heating and cooking duties.

 

[WelshGas]

Indeed. Most new EV and PHEVs have V2L, allowing use of the c80kWh traction battery for unlimited power to use kettles, induction hobs and water heaters, etc. I assume this is the same.

If the Hybrid California had a 80KW traction battery you would have a point but as it is only 19KW and y the time you arrive on site a lot less it would seem to be a pointless Option.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

If the Hybrid California had a 80KW traction battery you would have a point but as it is only 19KW and y the time you arrive on site a lot less it would seem to be a pointless Option.

Unusually, we disagree here, WG. Just 2k or 3kWh is plenty for using induction cooking and microwave, kettle, lighting, etc for a day. Even the smaller PHEV batteries could allow a full week off grid in the summer, without ever starting the engine.

 

[stoobthealien]

Unusually, we disagree here, WG. Just 2k or 3kWh is plenty for using induction cooking and microwave, kettle, lighting, etc for a day. Even the smaller PHEV batteries could allow a full week off grid in the summer, without ever starting the engine.

Exactly - and if you knew you were off camping off grid you could set it to ensure the battery was fully charged and ready to go

 

[sidepod]

Anyone who buys a T7 Ocean after watching that is a muppet!

If the VW project manager for the Cali is watching, be ashamed, very ashamed!