California Surf Model

[calibusje]

Although the latest editions of the T4 westfalia are the most sought after (and most expensive), so it does come true, I can understand @2into1 his statement about people preferring the old one because indeed: maybe it won’t be this time… now we all have to renounce conventional fuels and the electric (and hybrid) vehicle is the supposed future. I myself hope for alternative synthetic fuels but that’s another story.
That article about the ‘t7 multivan california’: A lot has been written about the t7 multivan in this forum and let’s say not all that positive. Well, everyone has their own opinion. This is mine: Whenever I can, I check out the t7 multivan and sit in it, front and back. It is a familiar environment and does not look futuristic like the ID BuZz. For me this is a plus (although I have nothing against the latter; ok, I do: the price setting). The exterior rather appeals to me and the duck's beak and old Citroën monovolume jokes have been milked out (someone will certainly not be able to restrain themselves and still place another one, I'll chuckle and move on ). Yes, the looks can be debatable, but does this not apply to almost everything? Nor I think the transporter is the most beautiful van but I like it. Anyway, of the small campers it is the one that appeals to me the most and that's what it's about for me, the general look of the camper and this is more than the look of the van on which it is based. I like to use this one-liner: it wasn't so much the Volkswagen that I wanted but the California. Both for the appearance, the layout and its features.
The space inside a t7 multivan is spacious enough for a small campervan like the california. The furniture and bench will probably be adjusted to the volume of the interior, so the living space will remain about the same as it is now.
I am very happy with our t6.1 cali as a campervan: it’s everything we wanted and expected. Unfortunately, this is not the same as being satisfied: there is no way the transporter can hide the fact that it is more than 20 years old, although it tries very hard. I was expecting a mature product and that is a bit disappointing. The issues I had in the beginning, are not even influential in my opinion, it's just the general feeling I have when driving around.
Note: I don't feel unhappy while driving and I regularly have a smile on my face, but I attribute this more to the campervan feeling than to the transporter base. I suppose it will be better in the t7 multivan. If there is a full-fledged camper successor to the current california on this base, I would be very interested in it. I really have yet to see this happen, because the t7 is a people carrier and not a camionette in itself. I think they are rather enlarging the california family but that's just a guess.
If convinced, I’d sell our current one and take the step. Not at first but after a while, see which way the wind blows.
So, I am a bit more than mildly pro a t7 multivan bases california I just still don’t see it happen and expect the true successor to still be based on Ford's new Transporter

 

[2haw]

The distance from front seats to rear is smaller than T6 due to the low angle of the windscreen hence smaller area inside The sides slope in more hence less room for up top bed. It will be a tight camper.

Was going to say the same. I doubt the distance from the dash to the inside of the boot is anywhere near the current T6.1 California.

VW state they want to Expand the California range, there’s currently 3 different bodystyles and maybe with the Multivan / ID Buzz and a Transit version it could take it to 5?

(If they continue with the Caddy and Grand)

 

[Corradobrit]

(If they continue with the Caddy and Grand)

They are still part of the 'Cali universe'

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

I added up the Surf options that are standard on the Ocean and it came to around 6k.

17” Woodstock Wheels £1062
Sat Nav £948
Park Assist £366
Rear Cam £312
ACC £288
Fogs £456
Lights and Vision £330
Power Fold Mirrors £180
Awning £516
Fly Screens £126
Sliding Drivers Side Window £360
Privacy £402
Digital Dash £?

The Surf list price is 4.7k less than the Ocean so like the Beach, VW UK are charging more for less, if you get what I mean!

Edit:
All Prices added except Digital Dash so it’s probably just under 6k of options.Bbased On my information

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Hi, surely the point is that it is £4.7k cheaper! If you buy over 5 years with some interest that is £80 ish less a month. If money is no object great buy on Ocean, for me £80 per month less made it affordable!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hi, surely the point is that it is £4.7k cheaper! If you buy over 5 years with some interest that is £80 ish less a month. If money is no object great buy on Ocean, for me £80 per month less made it affordable!

Also, a handful of people (myself included) would actually pay a premium for a manual roof, but our past vans have all been +20 years old upon selling…so prefer to keep things simple as easier to resolve issues.

 

[2haw]

Hi, surely the point is that it is £4.7k cheaper! If you buy over 5 years with some interest that is £80 ish less a month. If money is no object great buy on Ocean, for me £80 per month less made it affordable!

Yes, It’s great that it’s cheaper but shame it wasn’t cheaper by the same value as the options that are missing from the Ocean! That was my point.

I bought a T6 Beach Edition in 2018 that If i recall correctly had about 6/7 grands worth of options but was about 4/5k more than a standard Beach.

With the Surf, It just would have been nice to have got something for nothing. It should have been at least 1k cheaper. It would be interesting to know how many have been sold.

 

[Grigio Van Grigio]

Also, a handful of people (myself included) would actually pay a premium for a manual roof, but our past vans have all been +20 years old upon selling…so prefer to keep things simple as easier to resolve issues.

I can remember our Dad moaning about electric windows and central locking back in the 80’s and saying they were just something else to go wrong. You can’t buy a car without those now. An electric roof is probably one of the simpler parts of a Cali. Although I’ve not looked at failure statistics!

 

[Grigio Van Grigio]

For my wife, who can’t currently reach the roof, an electric mechanism means she will now be able to use the van solo.

But I understand, each to their own.

 

[CaliforniaORbust]

Similar to the Beach camper arrangement?

The Surf is basically an Ocean with a few missing options - it is nothing like the Beach

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I can remember our Dad moaning about electric windows and central locking back in the 80’s and saying they were just something else to go wrong. You can’t buy a car without those now. An electric roof is probably one of the simpler parts of a Cali. Although I’ve not looked at failure statistics!

Haha, electrics are straightforward and any garage has the ability to fix.

The Cali Hydraulic roof is more complex by design and not so quick to fix at a campsite etc and might mean you miss your ferry. Emergency fix is possible using the VW straps but will still need a proper repair when you get home.

VW seem to lack the knowledge to repair them, but will instead try to install new kit which can work out quite expensive. Few specialists about (ie Kernow Transporters) with the knowledge to fix but might require a long road trip.

My Dad was a mechanic and made his money fixing, rebuilding hydraulic suspension on Citroens (DS etc). It was a specialist job as not many garages would touch hydraulics.

 

[andyinluton]

The Cali Hydraulic roof is more complex by design and not so quick to fix at a campsite etc and might mean you miss your ferry.

Are you changing to solid tyres as well? there's far more chance that a puncture will delay you.

Best get rid of the ignition key & lock as well, they are known to fail on older vans.

While you are at it you really ought to bring along a horse to pull the van when the engine fails.

There have literally been a couple of people with roof failures, & there's enough expertise out there now for any half competent DIYer to fix it themselves.
Theres been some teething niggles with the change to T6.1 but most of those relate to sagging & once fixed it looks to be a permanent fix.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Are you changing to solid tyres as well? there's far more chance that a puncture will delay you.

Best get rid of the ignition key & lock as well, they are known to fail on older vans.

While you are at it you really ought to bring along a horse to pull the van when the engine fails.

There have literally been a couple of people with roof failures, & there's enough expertise out there now for any half competent DIYer to fix it themselves.
Theres been some teething niggles with the change to T6.1 but most of those relate to sagging & once fixed it looks to be a permanent fix.

We just prefer a manual roof.

Our past campers date back to 1972 have all had tyres filled with air and always carry a matching spare / tyre, no ignition problems, no engine failures, no failed roofs, no sagging roofs.

Thankfully no need for a horse, we have always had AA or RAC cover; Only needed to use it once when we had an issue with towbar electrics on an older van that fried the flasher relay just as we were about to get on the ferry.

 

[babble]

Are you changing to solid tyres as well? there's far more chance that a puncture will delay you.

Best get rid of the ignition key & lock as well, they are known to fail on older vans.

While you are at it you really ought to bring along a horse to pull the van when the engine fails.

There have literally been a couple of people with roof failures, & there's enough expertise out there now for any half competent DIYer to fix it themselves.
Theres been some teething niggles with the change to T6.1 but most of those relate to sagging & once fixed it looks to be a permanent fix.

I don't think you can say there have been literally a couple of people with roof failures. in fact i can safely say you cannot say that.

And, if i might add, i think your post contains some slightly odd argumentation - I think if there was an alternative to air filled tires, for example, that someone felt served essentially the same function, but had a lower failure rate and was much cheaper, they might well go for them. Bringing an extra horse is not a functionally similar set up to just having an engine.

The fact is, many would like the manual roof to be an option on the ocean, that's all.

 

[andyinluton]

I don't think you can say there have been literally a couple of people with roof failures. in fact i can safely say you cannot say that.

We just prefer a manual roof.

Our past campers date back to 1972 have all had tyres filled with air and always carry a matching spare / tyre, no ignition problems, no engine failures, no failed roofs, no sagging roofs.

Thankfully no need for a horse, we have always had AA or RAC cover; Only needed to use it once when we had an issue with towbar electrics on an older van that fried the flasher relay just as we were about to get on the ferry.

Ok then how many roof failures have there been ? - I mean proper failures that stop the van being driven to catch a ferry.

We just prefer a manual roof.

I am happy to accept that as a reason for not wanting an electric roof & if you had said that in the first place I wouldn't have responded.
Saying you didn't want one because you are afraid of missing a ferry on the other hand is a ridiculous argument, when as I listed, there are other things that are far more likely to go wrong.

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Yes, It’s great that it’s cheaper but shame it wasn’t cheaper by the same value as the options that are missing from the Ocean! That was my point.

I bought a T6 Beach Edition in 2018 that If i recall correctly had about 6/7 grands worth of options but was about 4/5k more than a standard Beach.

With the Surf, It just would have been nice to have got something for nothing. It should have been at least 1k cheaper. It would be interesting to know how many have been sold.

Hi yes agree - never turn free stuff down!

I have gone through my thoughts on the differences below and what decisions I took on the options / omissions:

17” Woodstock Wheels £1062 - My plan is to buy some better ones later, have 2 sets, one for winter tyres, also you can get these for approx £600 new on eBay.

Sat Nav £948 - It’s useless why would anyone want it with Apple car play?, have it in my Tiguan never use it.

Park Assist £366 - had it on my last 3 cars, I have never used once, would not use on this.

Rear Cam £312, I probably don’t need it with sensors but would have been happy to have it. Not an option anyway for Surf but don’t think I would have paid for it.

ACC £288 - Added this as an option as I love it (have a VW Tiguan with it)

Fogs £456 - no great loss to me, probably can get better after market ones if we feel we need to.

Lights and Vision £330 - Nice to have but I know how to use switches so no deal breaker to me.

Power Fold Mirrors £180 - TBC, Brochure says it has it.

Awning £516 - added this in Silver, matches chrome and Alloys.

Fly Screens £126, will get after purchase if we need them.

Sliding Drivers Side Window £360 - Surf has both sides already as far as my order config says.

Privacy £402 - ordered this.

Digital Dash £ - have it in my current car, very nice and flashy but I have it on digital rev and speed dials all the time anyway. Surf has the central colour screen.

I also prefer the Light Oak cupboards as I think this may help keep it lighter inside.

All this just my opinion, not arguing, just taking you through my thought process. Something only has value if you want it.

 

[andyinluton]

why would anyone want it with Apple car play?,

Maybe because even if you don't use the VW sat Nav it gives you a much bigger screen to display Apple car play on.

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Maybe because even if you don't use the VW sat Nav it gives you a much bigger screen to display Apple car play on.

Again a choice, if you want to pay £948 for just a bigger screen feel free. Not something I will pay that much for.

 

[babble]

Ok then how many roof failures have there been ? - I mean proper failures that stop the van being driven to catch a ferry.

More than a couple. Literally.

 

[Perfectos]

The Surf is basically an Ocean with a few missing options - it is nothing like the Beach

the context of my post was regarding seating ! I.e 7 seats arranged like a three seater beach

 

[CaliforniaORbust]

Hi yes agree - never turn free stuff down!

I have gone through my thoughts on the differences below and what decisions I took on the options / omissions:

17” Woodstock Wheels £1062 - My plan is to buy some better ones later, have 2 sets, one for winter tyres, also you can get these for approx £600 new on eBay.

Sat Nav £948 - It’s useless why would anyone want it with Apple car play?, have it in my Tiguan never use it.

Park Assist £366 - had it on my last 3 cars, I have never used once, would not use on this.

Rear Cam £312, I probably don’t need it with sensors but would have been happy to have it. Not an option anyway for Surf but don’t think I would have paid for it.

ACC £288 - Added this as an option as I love it (have a VW Tiguan with it)

Fogs £456 - no great loss to me, probably can get better after market ones if we feel we need to.

Lights and Vision £330 - Nice to have but I know how to use switches so no deal breaker to me.

Power Fold Mirrors £180 - TBC, Brochure says it has it.

Awning £516 - added this in Silver, matches chrome and Alloys.

Fly Screens £126, will get after purchase if we need them.

Sliding Drivers Side Window £360 - Surf has both sides already as far as my order config says.

Privacy £402 - ordered this.

Digital Dash £ - have it in my current car, very nice and flashy but I have it on digital rev and speed dials all the time anyway. Surf has the central colour screen.

I also prefer the Light Oak cupboards as I think this may help keep it lighter inside.

All this just my opinion, not arguing, just taking you through my thought process. Something only has value if you want it.

Agree i ordered same except the awning - will use a pole-out separate one until I add a black wind-out later. I am very happy with the spec/price. Just patiently awaiting build date, ordered end March

 

[CaliforniaORbust]

now you tell me!

Each to their own…..

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Agree i ordered same except the awning - will use a pole-out separate one until I add a black wind-out later. I am very happy with the spec/price. Just patiently awaiting build date, ordered end March

Yeah, TBH I have no experience with awnings so just thought I would get the factory one.

 

[CaliforniaORbust]

Hi, surely the point is that it is £4.7k cheaper! If you buy over 5 years with some interest that is £80 ish less a month. If money is no object great buy on Ocean, for me £80 per month less made it affordable!

Exactly my view - brings a Cali within my budget and a better spec at same cost compared to the best converters (eg Jerba) who cant order new for over 12 mths and uncertain T6.1 replacement!

 

[Justinitus]

For my wife, who can’t currently reach the roof, an electric mechanism means she will now be able to use the van solo.

But I understand, each to their own.

The electric roof was one of the (many) reasons we went for the Cali Ocean over a decent conversion. I would have preferred a manual roof, but my wife can’t reach so the electric enables her to operate it. The Cali also has a more spacious upper bed area than some pop tops, plus the gap to get up there is bigger than most too - which saves my lardy behind some embarrassment!