T7 Cali Initial thoughts.....

[CaliGem]

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?

 

[CaliGem]

Here's the one I snooped about in the showroom.....

 

[stationmaster]

Are the seats upholstered in an optional material? Or standard?

 

[Steve&Bev]

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?

I think those that buy a T7 & who have not owned the larger van based Californias, will quickly realise how impractical the are regards space and storage. I sat in one at a show and was surprised by how small the rear seats are. As per California Chris however, they would make an excellent day van.

 

[ThomasHJ]

What are your thoughts?

There's no storage space. You are absolutely right. I love our California (T5.1), but when I am totally honest, I must admit that there's already very limited storage. Especially if you want to use it as a true camper; (in stead of a stuffed car). So not having to move many things outside to be able to sleep/eat inside. Now, we cope by having a strict regime on what and what not to bring. Which is tricky sometimes, but feels good also, because when camping, who needs all that stuff? Being forced to bring only the necessities is a good thing. Just enjoy going back to basic, in your 'Cali luxury'. But the T7 seems to have even less or almost no storage space. Insufficient storage space to effectively use the stove and bring your clothes, etc.

And who is going to get the 'dining table' from the back each time they want to have dinner or breakfast inside? This is so much less convenient then the sliding table in the older cali versions. The 2 sliding doors seems nice at first but I doubt it would get that much use after the novelty wears off.

When people say there has not been much change to the Cali layout since the older models I always say that's because it's been fully developed! Yes, there will always be people for whom it doesn't work, but the way the T4, T5 and T6's have been laid out is the most effective way for most people to use a camper van. Cool that hey change little things to improve, but changing the layout as they have done in the T7 seems like a fashion thing in the hopes to 'bring something new' while sacrificing a good thing that has been developed to perfection.

 

[BeeBee]

There's no storage space. You are absolutely right. I love our California (T5.1), but when I am totally honest, I must admit that there's already very limited storage. Especially if you want to use it as a true camper; (in stead of a stuffed car). So not having to move many things outside to be able to sleep/eat inside. Now, we cope by having a strict regime on what and what not to bring. Which is tricky sometimes, but feels good also, because when camping, who needs all that stuff? Being forced to bring only the necessities is a good thing. Just enjoy going back to basic, in your 'Cali luxury'. But the T7 seems to have even less or almost no storage space. Insufficient storage space to effectively use the stove and bring your clothes, etc.

And who is going to get the 'dining table' from the back each time they want to have dinner or breakfast inside? This is so much less convenient then the sliding table in the older cali versions. The 2 sliding doors seems nice at first but I doubt it would get that much use after the novelty wears off.

When people say there has not been much change to the Cali layout since the older models I always say that's because it's been fully developed! Yes, there will always be people for whom it doesn't work, but the way the T4, T5 and T6's have been laid out is the most effective way for most people to use a camper van. Cool that hey change little things to improve, but changing the layout as they have done in the T7 seems like a fashion thing in the hopes to 'bring something new' while sacrificing a good thing that has been developed to perfection.

Agree totally

 

[Van Diesel VW]

Agree totally

Watched the Car Wow video last night, and the table situation is a massive turn off for me, storage is always critical, about to de-clutter the van over Easter and make way for the new purchases that I have made over the winter months. Need to find a home for the Jackery opted for a v2000, perhaps should have gone for the 1000 as that would have fitted between the front seats.

 

[WelshGas]

There's no storage space. You are absolutely right. I love our California (T5.1), but when I am totally honest, I must admit that there's already very limited storage. Especially if you want to use it as a true camper; (in stead of a stuffed car). So not having to move many things outside to be able to sleep/eat inside. Now, we cope by having a strict regime on what and what not to bring. Which is tricky sometimes, but feels good also, because when camping, who needs all that stuff? Being forced to bring only the necessities is a good thing. Just enjoy going back to basic, in your 'Cali luxury'. But the T7 seems to have even less or almost no storage space. Insufficient storage space to effectively use the stove and bring your clothes, etc.

And who is going to get the 'dining table' from the back each time they want to have dinner or breakfast inside? This is so much less convenient then the sliding table in the older cali versions. The 2 sliding doors seems nice at first but I doubt it would get that much use after the novelty wears off.

When people say there has not been much change to the Cali layout since the older models I always say that's because it's been fully developed! Yes, there will always be people for whom it doesn't work, but the way the T4, T5 and T6's have been laid out is the most effective way for most people to use a camper van. Cool that hey change little things to improve, but changing the layout as they have done in the T7 seems like a fashion thing in the hopes to 'bring something new' while sacrificing a good thing that has been developed to perfection.

Yes, it’s been developed to perfection, and that’s lt. End of story, and a new chapter starts.
VW won’t be making a Transporter based Campervan.
VW will leave it to 3rd party companies.
Neither Ford or Mercedes make Campervans. They have been outsourced to Westfalia and others.
So when the hundreds of PCPs and HP contracts end together with the 5 yr extended warranties owners will have a decision to make. Stump up the final payments and the ongoing warranty and service costs and continue running the vehicle. Upgrade to a new, something bigger, buy a 3rd party conversion with all that that entails or cut back on “stuff” and go touring in a 21st century vehicle that you can use every day.

 

[Dodge1311]

I certainly won’t be going back it’s our third long weekend away in the new van and I can’t imagine ever wanting a 6.1 again. We haven’t used the table out the back yet, but we very rarely used the sliding table as it took up too much space and the dog kept getting wrapped up in it. The little “ brew and buttie” worktop extension is working out perfectly for us. I was never a fan of the multiflex board but do miss having one that stays raised when you need it to. Other than that it’s working for us. Only thing I am really missing is the ability to buy lots of bespoke accessories to store in the garage.

 

[Louis II]

Since I’ve owned my current van (T5.1) it’s the first time there has been enough of a change to make me think it might be worth upgrading.
I mostly use my Cali as a daily drive, a day van for mountain biking, odd weekends away where I mostly either eat out or use BBQ, and stopovers on the way to the south of France where I either eat out or food that doesn’t need cooking. For me the lack of storage and single burner aren’t a big deal and I think would be offset by better driving experience, more flexible rear seats and what’s looks like a better outdoor eating setup.
The smaller bed is a bit of a concern, when camping we sleep up top and find the extra 5cm makes all the difference so loosing that isn’t welcome.

 

[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

 

[Van Diesel VW]

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

Thats a lot of stock, my local dealer is showing 7 in stock, surprising that all of these 7 vehicles are diesel, expected some to be petrol.

 

[pjm-84]

Has that already increased by 9 vehicles? (I thought it was 80 when I posted / now 89?)

 

[Melyn]

Are the seats upholstered in an optional material? Or standard?

That’s the art velour upgrade on that picture

 

[stationmaster]

That’s the art velour upgrade on that picture

Thanks!

 

[RetroRed5]

Being a huge Cali fan, I've kept a close eye on the T7 Cali since it's initial announcement a year or so ago, although right up until last week, I was not that much of a fan, both in terms of the exterior looks and the interior.

However, while at my local VW dealership last week (getting some work done on a T6 Cali I've just purchased), I took the opportunity to have a bit of a play around in a new T7 Ocean they had in the showroom and I've got to admit, it is much nicer in the flesh than I thought it would be. I was under the impression that it was smaller than a T6/6.1 and had a much lower ride height, but if anything I'd say it is larger and the driver height is almost the same. The styling is also much nicer in the flesh too.

The interior is very nice and they've fixed some of the storage issues (with the dash); it's not as good as the "comfort dash" in the T6, but it does look very good, and it felt reasonably premium. Although I'm not sold at all on the smaller kitchen and severe lack of camping storage (maybe the T7.1 will fix that).

For me, one of the best things they've done is they've added back in the left foot rest, this is great news! In fact, this is one of the reasons why I prefer the T6 over the T6.1.

I took a bunch of pics while I was playing around with it, and here is the foot rest in all its glory...

 

[dspuk]

Being a huge Cali fan, I've kept a close eye on the T7 Cali since it's initial announcement a year or so ago, although right up until last week, I was not that much of a fan, both in terms of the exterior looks and the interior.

However, while at my local VW dealership last week (getting some work done on a T6 Cali I've just purchased), I took the opportunity to have a bit of a play around in a new T7 Ocean they had in the showroom and I've got to admit, it is much nicer in the flesh than I thought it would be. I was under the impression that it was smaller than a T6/6.1 and had a much lower ride height, but if anything I'd say it is larger and the driver height is almost the same. The styling is also much nicer in the flesh too.

The interior is very nice and they've fixed some of the storage issues (with the dash); it's not as good as the "comfort dash" in the T6, but it does look very good, and it felt reasonably premium. Although I'm not sold at all on the smaller kitchen and severe lack of camping storage (maybe the T7.1 will fix that).

For me, one of the best things they've done is they've added back in the left foot rest, this is great news! In fact, this is one of the reasons why I prefer the T6 over the T6.1.

I took a bunch of pics while I was playing around with it, and here is the foot rest in all its glory...

View attachment 135082

It is technically bigger on the outside and slightly smaller on the inside. The latest carwow review does a nice aide by side comparison.

 

[RetroRed5]

It is technically bigger on the outside and slightly smaller on the inside. The latest carwow review does a nice aide by side comparison.

I'll check it out, thanks

The T7 is very nice and as I said, much nicer in the flesh; after reading a lot of negative feedback over the past few months, my expectations were set low and when I was at the dealership last week, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.

But for me at least, the California peaked with the T6 and so I will be sticking with this for a few years (I also only just purchased a T6 and so I've used up all my favours for now).

 

[dspuk]

I'll check it out, thanks

The T7 is very nice and as I said, much nicer in the flesh; after reading a lot of negative feedback over the past few months, my expectations were set low and when I was at the dealership last week, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.

But for me at least, the California peaked with the T6 and so I will be sticking with this for a few years (I also only just purchased a T6 and so I've used up all my favours for now).

Agree. TBH I personally don’t have time for my Cali is better than your Cali. This is not a T6.1 forum and all comers, whatever they drive, should be welcome.

 

[RetroRed5]

Agree. TBH I personally don’t have time for my Cali is better than your Cali. This is not a T6.1 forum and all comers, whatever they drive, should be welcome.

I couldn't agree more, all VW Cali's are awesome, regardless of version.

I'm not saying the T6/6.1 is better than a T7, I'm saying that right now, I prefer it is all.

 

[Adeline]

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?

Hi, I agree with everything you say. This van is ok for a weekend trip but not for long road trips unless you hook a trailer to load all the stuff you need. Also it is passes the 5meter mark in length which impacts parking in streets and prices of ferry crossings. I also think it is slightly wider than 2m (but maybe Im wrong). And then there is the attachment to put water in the tank, it is now in the boot. There is always a bit overfill when filling the tank and that will end up in the boot. If I were to buy a van today it would not be this one.

 

[pjm-84]

Has that already increased by 9 vehicles? (I thought it was 80 when I posted / now 89?)

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

 

[Californication69]

 

[DevonGuy]

We’ve just ordered an Ocean. Very impressed with it overall and the residual on the PHEV for PCP is astonishing - cheaper than the diesel. Had a good look at the 6.1 and I’ve been driving Transporters for 15 years, but ‘the new cali model feels like a much more modern vehicle. Still keeping my kombi as well though!

 

[FamCamping]

We’ve just ordered an Ocean. Very impressed with it overall and the residual on the PHEV for PCP is astonishing - cheaper than the diesel. Had a good look at the 6.1 and I’ve been driving Transporters for 15 years, but ‘the new cali model feels like a much more modern vehicle. Still keeping my kombi as well though!

We are looking to buy VW California Beach, and wanted to go for diesel, as PHEV is a lot more expensive. But if the PCP would come out cheaper or the same we would definitely consider it. So did your PCP came out cheaper with the same deposit?