T7 owners - Is everything easy to use?

[Robert85]

I've recently taken delivery of a T6.1. I've spent a few days using it and getting to know the van.

I'm finding some of the things quite a chore to do.

Is everything easier on the T7?

Moving the 3 seater bench back and forth is tough. I would think the individual seats on the T7 make this easier.

Are the swivel seats improved?

It is easier to close the boot?

Is the pop top easier to use?

I'm finding these things a bit of a chore on the T6.1. Maybe I'll get used to it but they do seem more difficult than what they should be. I'm an average size man, I don't know how some people manage.

The lack of footrest on the T6.1 is straining my knee. My legs have to be quite close together.

There is a lot I love about the van, it's smooth and easy to drive, it feels similar to a car, the high up driving position is nice.

I have 30 days to take it back, I am considering changing it for a T7. One of the main reasons would be to footrest issue.

 

[Ian in Leicester]

To

I've recently taken delivery of a T6.1. I've spent a few days using it and getting to know the van.

I'm finding some of the things quite a chore to do.

Is everything easier on the T7?

Moving the 3 seater bench back and forth is tough. I would think the individual seats on the T7 make this easier.

Are the swivel seats improved?

It is easier to close the boot?

Is the pop top easier to use?

I'm finding these things a bit of a chore on the T6.1. Maybe I'll get used to it but they do seem more difficult than what they should be. I'm an average size man, I don't know how some people manage.

The lack of footrest on the T6.1 is straining my knee. My legs have to be quite close together.

There is a lot I love about the van, it's smooth and easy to drive, it feels similar to a car, the high up driving position is nice.

I have 30 days to take it back, I am considering changing it for a T7. One of the main reasons would be to footrest issue

To answer your specific questions: pop top opening/closing is easy, rear seats move very easily and can be removed easily as well, swivelling is much easier, boot still requires effort to close. Very comfy to drive and I do use the footrest. There are other obvious positives such as two sliding doors and tech upgrades and better fuel economy. However, many people still prefer the T6.1 for various reasons so you better try both!

 

[Californication69]

T6.1 driving position was awful for me and my bad back.
Had a multi van for two weeks last year and driving position is 95% improved.
T7 ocean 4m on order. Due 1st August.
Single seats are a breeze to move.
Tailgate is easier.
Pop top hatch cover is flat in t7 with no wiggling to shut.
So I think the answer is yes. Try the t7.
All IMHO

 

[Corradobrit]

I've never tried a Multivan Cali in person but from what I can tell listening to owners and reviewers is that the ergonomics are greatly improved in the new version. You just have to decide if the benefits of the T6.1 are worth giving up in exchange for a little more convenience.
I also consider myself an average sized person and there are definitely some niggles that irritate me like the pfaff to close the headliner cover. Fortunately I have a EU spec LHD Coast so some of the issues you mention like the foot rest and difficulty spinning the front seats is not so much an issue. I only spin the right hand seat (passenger) and I can do this without going outside and the handbrake doesn't get in the way. The T6.1 takes a little getting used to but once mastered these 'issues' become non-issues. I'm just happy I don't have to deal with the missing footrest. Seating for my size and mass is actually quite comfy. No backaches even after 8 hour drives. YMMV.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[dspuk]

I've recently taken delivery of a T6.1. I've spent a few days using it and getting to know the van.

I'm finding some of the things quite a chore to do.

Is everything easier on the T7?

Moving the 3 seater bench back and forth is tough. I would think the individual seats on the T7 make this easier.

Are the swivel seats improved?

It is easier to close the boot?

Is the pop top easier to use?

I'm finding these things a bit of a chore on the T6.1. Maybe I'll get used to it but they do seem more difficult than what they should be. I'm an average size man, I don't know how some people manage.

The lack of footrest on the T6.1 is straining my knee. My legs have to be quite close together.

There is a lot I love about the van, it's smooth and easy to drive, it feels similar to a car, the high up driving position is nice.

I have 30 days to take it back, I am considering changing it for a T7. One of the main reasons would be to footrest issue.

Wowser. Wait till you decided to put up a drive away awning.

Technically everything is a "chore" on a camper van. It's the chores and the beer at the end of them that help make up the camping experience.

For sure the T7 will be a little more refined in drive etc. Less of a chore? It's still a campervan. You still have to move the seats, put out the bed, raise the pop top. Attach the EHU. Etc etc.

For balance I've never really thought any of those things are hard. There is a knack to them all, but hard? Nah.

Changing a 6.1 purely due to a footrest?

I think you need a Grand or something a little more plug and play.

 

[Robert85]

T6.1 driving position was awful for me and my bad back.
Had a multi van for two weeks last year and driving position is 95% improved.
T7 ocean 4m on order. Due 1st August.
Single seats are a breeze to move.
Tailgate is easier.
Pop top hatch cover is flat in t7 with no wiggling to shut.
So I think the answer is yes. Try the t7.
All IMHO

Thank you.

How long did you have a T6.1 for? I really can't see myself getting used to the lack of foot rest. All the small hatchbacks I've driven have a bigger footwell.

 

[Corradobrit]

I really can't see myself getting used to the lack of foot rest. All the small hatchbacks I've driven have a bigger footwell.

There are aftermarket solutions for the lack of UK left footrest for DSG equipped T6's

EZM Steel Footrest Replacement Dead Pedal for VAG Vehicles R Gti Gtd Vrs Cupra Fr - Etsy

This Car Accessories item by ezmods has 36 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United Kingdom. Listed on Mar 24, 2025

www.etsy.com

 

[Corradobrit]

Or this which is from the T6 forum (currently down)

 

[Robert85]

Wowser. Wait till you decided to put up a drive away awning.

Technically everything is a "chore" on a camper van. It's the chores and the beer at the end of them that help make up the camping experience.

For sure the T7 will be a little more refined in drive etc. Less of a chore? It's still a campervan. You still have to move the seats, put out the bed, raise the pop top. Attach the EHU. Etc etc.

For balance I've never really thought any of those things are hard. There is a knack to them all, but hard? Nah.

Changing a 6.1 purely due to a footrest?

I think you need a Grand or something a little more plug and play.

The footrest is the main issue. I'm sure I would get used to moving the bench and rotating the seats. I have torn cartilage in my left knee, that may be why it's causing me more problems than others.

For me, basic comfort is a necessity for any vehicle, we'll be using this for long journeys, I can't imagine driving this thing. Buying this vehicle is a big commitment, it needs to be right. I'd rather waste a bit of time and a few hundred pounds now than regret it down the line.

I can see on the T6 forum that its an issue for other people, some have changed back to the T6 or fashioned some kind of footrest to improve the situation.

 

[Mr B]

I never knew that a 6.1 didn't have a foot rest. The above seems like a good solution though!

 

[Mr B]

The footrest is the main issue. I'm sure I would get used to moving the bench and rotating the seats. I have torn cartilage in my left knee, that may be why it's causing me more problems than others.

For me, basic comfort is a necessity for any vehicle, we'll be using this for long journeys, I can't imagine driving this thing. Buying this vehicle is a big commitment, it needs to be right. I'd rather waste a bit of time and a few hundred pounds now than regret it down the line.

I can see on the T6 forum that its an issue for other people, some have changed back to the T6 or fashioned some kind of footrest to improve the situation.

I get massive back pain in the T6 but have found that a very good lumber support resolves it. The seats are not ergonomic for my body shape.

Then again I am 3ft, and 340kg. /s

 

[Californication69]

Thank you.

How long did you have a T6.1 for? I really can't see myself getting used to the lack of foot rest. All the small hatchbacks I've driven have a bigger footwell.

Had a 4 month old ex demo from Bristol, bronze & white ocean for 6 months and sold it for £11k profit in Feb 2021.
Then had new black 4M ocean in July 2023.
Sold it in July 2024 as the seat crippled my back and made my leg numb.
Had the MV Sept 2024. Ran for two weeks and loved it. But it was 1 year old and previous owner smoked like a Scottish kipper smoker shed.
So had to hand it back under the 30 day hand back warranty.
But it was a bit crashy, needed extra weight (3 lads at 14 stone each) inside and then It drove nice.
So with the weight of kitchen and battery 23kWh and 2x electric motors I have high hopes for a perfect ride !

 

[Robert85]

Had a 4 month old ex demo from Bristol, bronze & white ocean for 6 months and sold it for £11k profit in Feb 2021.
Then had new black 4M ocean in July 2023.
Sold it in July 2024 as the seat crippled my back and made my leg numb.
Had the MV Sept 2024. Ran for two weeks and loved it. But it was 1 year old and previous owner smoked like a Scottish kipper smoker shed.
So had to hand it back under the 30 day hand back warranty.
But it was a bit crashy, needed extra weight (3 lads at 14 stone each) inside and then It drove nice.
So with the weight of kitchen and battery 23kWh and 2x electric motors I have high hopes for a perfect ride !

You do the right thing. If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it.

I once bought a bed for £5k, I slept on it for one night and then changed it for another bed.

This T6.1 footrest issue is crazy. You don't realise how important something is until it's gone.