Top Gear test on T7

[ThomasHJ]

2025 VW California Coast | UK Review

Going away this summer? Volkswagen has just the thing...

www.pistonheads.com

Having looked at this fairly positive review, it was just the pictures that got me. We go away for 16 nights every summer. There are 4 of us. This just wouldn’t work. Everything is tiny. If it rains, we cook inside and 4 of us eat around the table. Just look at this. How could the same people who built the California have made this new one? It is basically a weekend vehicle for two people! WTF
View attachment 138156

I think it's not the same people. Westfalia designed the original interior (layout, etc) and after VW and Westfalia parted, VW never really changed anything serious about the layout. I'd say the T7 is the first VW California for which they did the layout themselves really. And it shows. It might be a really good vehicle for weekenders or perhaps couples, but I don't think it will suit a family of 4 going camping. But I might be proven wrong. I'm looking forward to seeing some reviews of families going away for a few weeks in one.

 

[Georgeo]

I was had a dilemma with this; I wanted a do it all vehicle I could use as a daily runner and take on camping trips.. (usually two plus a collie) often weekends, but occasionally up to a week at a time.
Having viewed the T7; To me the compromises were just too big in terms of lack of space and utilities e.g one single burner for food prep, tiny sink, less than practical indoor table and most importantly, storage space (especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and carrying hiking gear, biking gear, or a even paddle board).
Cost although not a deal breaker also played a part, I managed to pick up a low mileage 22 plate 4motion Ocean 6.1 for 15k less.
That all said, I don’t use the 6.1 as an everyday vehicle, it’s doable but not entirely practical or cost effective (especially in the higher powered 4motion variant) , so I still have a van and car.. again compromises.
Still can’t decide if I absolutely did the right thing, I think as an out and out camper the 6.1 definitely ticks more boxes, but in terms of everyday drivability and practicality the T7 definitely wins out.
In summary, if you can afford and have the space for a car and a van then great as you get the best of both worlds (I know people use their 6’s and 6.1’s as their only vehicle but I struggled). If not though I’d seriously consider the T7. I’m definitely not a hater and heard great reviews from some owners so it’s horses for courses for sure!

Hi, what were you struggling with as an only vehicle option? Remember the T7 is the larger vehicle.

 

[Steve_D]

Just wanted to see how the cost debate works out.

So my figures are for the t7 4m Ocean
£91 less £9K discount.
£82k
Over 5 years is around £750 a month with £5k in.
It’s GFV is £51k in 5 years.
So I hand back.
So I’ve paid £45k over 5 years
I could buy another vehicle 2nd hand for £45k but no warranty, free MOT or breakdown.
And the potential for major failure would need more cash ready for action.

What are your costings ?

This is my third Cali, but bought outright. All my others have been within warranty; this is the first out so know that’s a risk but the residuals on a 4motion t6.1 ocean should fair better than a T7.
My previous Calis held their value really well, I actually made money on my first one!

 

[Mansfieldman750]

The North Face of the Eiger from Grindelwald.
Chris Bonnington reportedly said he faced a lot of difficulty up there but nothing as precarious as the night he spent on the narrow ledge next to the bike in his new T7

 

[Bellcrew]

All owners of Transporter based Californias seem to do is moan about the T7 Multivan based California and ignore the positive factors.
1. Better driving experience all round.
2. No mechanical handbrake
3. Swivel seats easily.
4. Easily remove rear seats as and when. Just pull the levers/straps and lift. Likewise replacing.
5. Downstairs bed can be made up for 1 or 2 and if for 1 then full access to kitchen or to carry your expensive bike/s inside.
6. Wind out awning either side or both sides or combined with sunshade.
7. Driveway awning either side or Both sides if you want a mansion.
8. Toilet/shower tent on side with direct access from vehicle.
9. Easier access to fridge contents from inside and outside.
10. Simple to use floor rail tie down rings supplied.
11. Height adjustable seats with descent lumbar support.

It's a different vehicle just as the T2/3 to T4/5.

At Breeze Southampton today and had another look at this model. The action of the doors is just so smooth as is moving the comfortable rear chairs.
The upper bed was also a surprise, whilst it is a little narrower it is effectively longer with a single full length mattress.
You pays your money.....

 

[WelshGas]

At Breeze Southampton today and had another look at this model. The action of the doors is just so smooth as is moving the comfortable rear chairs.
The upper bed was also a surprise, whilst it is a little narrower it is effectively longer with a single full length mattress.
You pays your money.....

The sliding doors have a different mechanism compared to the previous models.

 

[WelshGas]

The North Face of the Eiger from Grindelwald.
Chris Bonnington reportedly said he faced a lot of difficulty up there but nothing as precarious as the night he spent on the narrow ledge next to the bike in his new T7

View attachment 138353

Obviously hasn’t heard you can turn the handlebars 90o., but then he didn’t have his engineering team with him.

 

[Californication69]

At Breeze Southampton today and had another look at this model. The action of the doors is just so smooth as is moving the comfortable rear chairs.
The upper bed was also a surprise, whilst it is a little narrower it is effectively longer with a single full length mattress.
You pays your money.....

Can you give Brad a poke and ask him to reply to my email. He must be very busy :/
You didn’t see a dark blue 4m Ocean down there did you ?

 

[stationmaster]

We have purchased a 2nd table - instead of bringing big table into van (His ' n' Hers) - Just 2 of us plus dog
View attachment 138178

Brilliant idea

 

[Archie]

We have purchased a 2nd table - instead of bringing big table into van (His ' n' Hers) - Just 2 of us plus dog
View attachment 138178

Is there an obvious place to store the 2nd table? Down the side of one of the back seats?
Do you mind sharing how much it cost? (I’m sitting down…)

 

[Lorri]

Is there an obvious place to store the 2nd table? Down the side of one of the back seats?
Do you mind sharing how much it cost? (I’m sitting down…)

We havnt worked out yet where it will be stored - not picking van up till Friday. Will spend Saturday working out where to put our stuff from previous Cali.
Cost was £300 - steep for such a little table. No doubt someone with knowledge & knowhow would be able to make something much cheaper.