New VW California - Diesel or Plugin

[The Fish]

Hi everyone
Thinking of buying a new California T7 but not sure which engine option to go for
Used to have a T6.1 Transporter conversion TDi auto that was ok.
but now have the option of a plugin hybrid and is the only 4 wheel drive.
price difference is about £7000 that is a lot, is it worth it for the 4 wheel drive, the extra power and any if any running cost savings
any feed back would be greatfull along with any other suggestions when ordering (VW Ocean) thanks

 

[RetroRed5]

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 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 great 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 quite premium. Although I'm not really sold on the smaller kitchen and lack of camping storage (maybe the T7.1 will fix that )

Better still, 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.

As for which engine to go for, I'm sure all the options will be great, but if you can afford it, go for the 4MOTION hybrid, so many advantages to that motor over the other options. Of course, it is a £7k upgrade which is a bunch of money, but as you probably know, residuals on California's have always been very strong, and in spite of the lack lustre press the T7 is getting, I'm sure residuals will be just as strong on this model too.

If I were you, I'd try and go for a test drive in each, and then make your decision.

 

[RetroRed5]

Here is the foot rest for reference; this was a major omission on the T6.1.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

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 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 great 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 quite premium. Although I'm not really sold on the smaller kitchen and lack of camping storage (maybe the T7.1 will fix that )

Better still, 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.

As for which engine to go for, I'm sure all the options will be great, but if you can afford it, go for the 4MOTION hybrid, so many advantages to that motor over the other options. Of course, it is a £7k upgrade which is a bunch of money, but as you probably know, residuals on California's have always been very strong, and in spite of the lack lustre press the T7 is getting, I'm sure residuals will be just as strong on this model too.

If I were you, I'd try and go for a test drive in each, and then make your decision.

Do you know if the VW T7 PHEV plug-in hybrid has a V2L (vehicle to load) option, that you can use for domestic power from the PHEV battery, as the Ford Nugget does? Thanks in advance.

 

[The Fish]

Thanks RetroRed5 for the feed back.
we have had a proper look round the T7 and was impressed, some issues not that easy to get in and out on the passanger side with the kitchen but nice to be able to get out that side.
Had a test drive in the hybrid but overwhelmed with everything to make a proper decision weather to go for that or diesel.
thought some body on here might have a view who has either model, and anything else i should be considering as an option or if we should be looking at something totally different like the new Transporter or ford custom (not like the thought of the wet belt)
thanks all

 

[WelshGas]

Do you know if the VW T7 PHEV plug-in hybrid has a V2L (vehicle to load) option, that you can use for domestic power from the PHEV battery, as the Ford Nugget does? Thanks in advance.

Short answer, No.

 

[RetroRed5]

Do you know if the VW T7 PHEV plug-in hybrid has a V2L (vehicle to load) option, that you can use for domestic power from the PHEV battery, as the Ford Nugget does? Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure to be honest, I've not seen anything in the brochures about this; given the battery is quite small (19.7kWh), they may not have added this capability; although in domestic terms, almost 20kWh is quite a lot of power sitting on the drive that would power an average house probably all day.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks RetroRed5 for the feed back.
we have had a proper look round the T7 and was impressed, some issues not that easy to get in and out on the passanger side with the kitchen but nice to be able to get out that side.
Had a test drive in the hybrid but overwhelmed with everything to make a proper decision weather to go for that or diesel.
thought some body on here might have a view who has either model, and anything else i should be considering as an option or if we should be looking at something totally different like the new Transporter or ford custom (not like the thought of the wet belt)
thanks all

One of the shortcomings of a Diesel is short trips causing EGR and DPF problems coupled with AdBlue system for emissions.
Petrol is more amenable for long/short trips.
Hybrid , all electric for short trips and Hybrid for longer.
On my Multivan, not 4 wheel and smaller EV battery I have a range of about 400 miles with 44+ mpg on one tankful of fuel.
It is a seemlest drive using EV for low speed and acceleration and the IC engine in Hybrid mode.
You can select how much EV battery to use in Hybrid mode. On a recent journey of 450 miles over 2 days starting with full EV battery, no charging enroute, ended with 10% EV charge .

 

[RetroRed5]

Thanks RetroRed5 for the feed back.
we have had a proper look round the T7 and was impressed, some issues not that easy to get in and out on the passanger side with the kitchen but nice to be able to get out that side.
Had a test drive in the hybrid but overwhelmed with everything to make a proper decision weather to go for that or diesel.
thought some body on here might have a view who has either model, and anything else i should be considering as an option or if we should be looking at something totally different like the new Transporter or ford custom (not like the thought of the wet belt)
thanks all

If you were underwhelmed by the Hybrid with 245PS, then I imagine it will feel even more underwhelming with only 204PS that the TDI/TSI versions have.

This is a bit of a surprise really, of course the Cali is not what you'd call a fast machine by any stretch, but the 204 T6/6.1 feels quite punchy and so I would have expected the 245PS T7 to feel a little punchier than this.

Personally, I think the "California" is the best option out there, straight from VW with all the heritage that goes with it along with VW being a one-stop-shop in terms of aftercare. Of course, there are a ton of other options available and many of them really great, but for me you just can't top a California.

Regarding the new Transporter, I wouldn't let the "wet belt" thing bother you, from what research I've done, VW/Ford are very confident past problems with this have been dealt with (so long as the vehicle has been properly looked after), plus VW sell it with 5 years servicing/warranty included in the price, so they must be supremely confident it's not going to cause them too many issues.

A California based on the new Transporter would be an interesting option if they offered it, so it will be good to see what the quality converters out there can do with it, time will tell

 

[RetroRed5]

One of the shortcomings of a Diesel is short trips causing EGR and DPF problems coupled with AdBlue system for emissions.
Petrol is more amenable for long/short trips.
Hybrid , all electric for short trips and Hybrid for longer.
On my Multivan, not 4 wheel and smaller EV battery I have a range of about 400 miles with 44+ mpg on one tankful of fuel.
It is a seemlest drive using EV for low speed and acceleration and the IC engine in Hybrid mode.
You can select how much EV battery to use in Hybrid mode. On a recent journey of 450 miles over 2 days starting with full EV battery, no charging enroute, ended with 10% EV charge .

I think WelshGas has just made a great case for the Hybrid

Although if you are unsure, have you considered going for a nearly new T6.1? Given how much money you are considering spending on a T7, you will get a very nearly new low mileage T6.1 and you will save a couple of quid in the process.

 

[JohnCalifornia]

I recently got a new ford transit PHEV for work. A big reason for this is the PHEV doesn’t have the wet belt. It has a chain. I test drove the diesel and the PHEV and there was no competition. The PHEV was incredibly quick for a van, automatic as standard and so quiet. It only has a 11kw battery that will do 36 miles on electric only and a 2.5L petrol engine that sounds great. It also says 500 miles or so when filled up. Petrol is around 10p per litre cheaper than diesel too. It did cost around £4K more than the equivalent diesel transit but I have no regrets at all buying the PHEV over the diesel

 

[RetroRed5]

I recently got a new ford transit PHEV for work. A big reason for this is the PHEV doesn’t have the wet belt. It has a chain. I test drove the diesel and the PHEV and there was no competition. The PHEV was incredibly quick for a van, automatic as standard and so quiet. It only has a 11kw battery that will do 36 miles on electric only and a 2.5L petrol engine that sounds great. It also says 500 miles or so when filled up. Petrol is around 10p per litre cheaper than diesel too. It did cost around £4K more than the equivalent diesel transit but I have no regrets at all buying the PHEV over the diesel

There you go, I'd say the argument to go hybrid is winning at the moment!

Another one to throw in the pot, petrol exhaust has a much nicer aroma too, hehe

 

[JohnCalifornia]

The PHEV will be worth more than the diesel (hopefully) when you come to sell the vehicle too

 

[Aldoi]

I had a brief play around with the configurator the other day, and for the Beach at least, it looked like you might get a ‘free’ upgrade to 17 inch wheels with the Hybrid option (though noted you’re looking at an Ocean).

A key consideration I’d noted is the payload for the Hybrid option is significantly lower than the Diesel. I’m struggling to find the European brochure now to reference this but from memory it was something like ~250kg vs ~450kg.

 

[Kayleigh]

Something anecdotal… if you plan to go to places like Ibiza in the van, they are introducing quotas for the number of vehicles on the island with preference for hybrids and electric ones. Sign of the times?

 

[Californication69]

@WelshGas how you getting on with the ride quality of the MV? I found it really crashy tbh.
Sorry to hijack thread but thought it would be useful for OP. If not, I’ll keep stum

 

[WelshGas]

@WelshGas how you getting on with the ride quality of the MV? I found it really crashy tbh.
Sorry to hijack thread but thought it would be useful for OP. If not, I’ll keep stum

Very happy. Absolutely no rattles, even over the potholes around here. Just a solid thump. Minimal role L/R and Front/Rear on my test track and it’s quick.
Don’t forget the Hybrid is heavier and as the battery is underneath and central in position a lower centre of gravity.

 

[arcadelt]

Not that either is here in Australia yet, but for my money the hybrid version would have to be the best for camping. With a 20kW battery you could power all manner of accessories like induction cooktops, refrigerators, air conditioners and personal devices, and not really have to worry about running out of electric power. More importantly, however, with the hybrid you could run out of electric power, and it won’t matter a jot because the petrol engine on its own will still get you out and about. The same could not be said for a full electric vehicle…although the battery size on one of those would mean even more electric power for camping.

 

[reserves]

I think you’d get most, if not all of the £7k back when you come to sell.

4Motions are very well sought after, as I imagine the hybrid one will be.

 

[vivasportcalifornia]

I’m not trying to troll, but the T6.1 is much better than the T7 from my point. The T7 is longer, but the interior isn’t any bigger. Filling the water tank from inside, no roll-down curtains on the windows, smaller kitchen, no cabinet... It’s a complete miss. I would much rather buy a new T6.1 if possible. At least I am trying to sell my and grab T6.1 and never sell.

 

[sticky1]

I purchased the petrol version.
My wife had a hybrid SUV with a 1.6 petrol and when the car was loaded going uphill and making a stop to turn there was a very obvious ‘thud’ as it transitioned to the petrol engine and I felt it was asking a lot of a small engine to haul a seven seater. The other thing about these small hybrid engines is they do seem to rev high when they are at motorway speed, I’m just not sure about their long life hauling a heavy vehicle.
The last consideration, for me, was if I keep the vehicle five years and someone is buying the vehicle from me out of warranty what are the maintenance costs for the hybrid batteries and will that put people off.
Diesel is out for me, my recent experience is the environmental requirements have made diesel engines an engineering masterpiece of complexity.
The petrol by the way is brilliant.

 

[WelshGas]

I purchased the petrol version.
My wife had a hybrid SUV with a 1.6 petrol and when the car was loaded going uphill and making a stop to turn there was a very obvious ‘thud’ as it transitioned to the petrol engine and I felt it was asking a lot of a small engine to haul a seven seater. The other thing about these small hybrid engines is they do seem to rev high when they are at motorway speed, I’m just not sure about their long life hauling a heavy vehicle.
The last consideration, for me, was if I keep the vehicle five years and someone is buying the vehicle from me out of warranty what are the maintenance costs for the hybrid batteries and will that put people off.
Diesel is out for me, my recent experience is the environmental requirements have made diesel engines an engineering masterpiece of complexity.
The petrol by the way is brilliant.

On my Hybrid Multivan the only indication the IC engine has kicked in is on the Dashboard and cruising at 70 on the Motorway revs vary between 2000 and 2250 approx. Only on Kickdown have I seen the revs go over 3000 momentarily. and I have the 1.4L petrol IC engine.

 

[CraigG]

Not that either is here in Australia yet, but for my money the hybrid version would have to be the best for camping. With a 20kW battery you could power all manner of accessories like induction cooktops, refrigerators, air conditioners and personal devices, and not really have to worry about running out of electric power. More importantly, however, with the hybrid you could run out of electric power, and it won’t matter a jot because the petrol engine on its own will still get you out and about. The same could not be said for a full electric vehicle…although the battery size on one of those would mean even more electric power for camping.

So in the hybrid version is the hybrid battery used to power leisure accessories in addition to the leisure batteries?

In California Ocean T6.1 with the diesel engine the engine battery and the 2 leisure batteries are completely separate circuits.

 

[reserves]

So in the hybrid version is the hybrid battery used to power leisure accessories in addition to the leisure batteries?

In California Ocean T6.1 with the diesel engine the engine battery and the 2 leisure batteries are completely separate circuits.

No unfortunately, that would mean VW doing something progressive…

 

[derek_j_buchanan]

Have you ever had a hybrid. Once you have you never will again. On long distances they are less fuel efficient than their single fuel equivalents and the hybrid on short journeys becomes problematic for the batteries as they don’t charge effectively. Diesel every time get one whilst you can.