Is the GC a fail?

[chockswahay]

Mmm...... it does kinda put me right off ........ even if I could live with the wart on top

 

[andyinluton]

And he still has his GC ;-)

He got lots of tube subscribers from his review when he first got the van. His numbers have been dropping off badly hence the need to do another video trashing the van.

 

[Carryon Cali Camping]

He got lots of tube subscribers from his review when he first got the van. His numbers have been dropping off badly hence the need to do another video trashing the van.

I think that video is quite old….he’s done plenty since where he actually now likes it!! In the same way that he has spent the last year or so absolutely slating the NC500 route in Scotland and promoting his “alternative” West Coast of Scotland routes and selling his guides etc…….surprise surprise now that he’s exhausted those guides, he’s now “revisited” the NC500 and now likes it, so he’s selling routes for the NC500……..hilarious! As for the GC, we’ve had T25’s, T4, T6 and then went the Motorhome route up to a twin axle big arse one that was a military manoeuvre to go away. For us (kids flown the nest) the GC680 hits the sweet spot, easy to drive, fixed bed, bathroom, 100L of fresh water onboard etc. I just think a lot of Cali owners are never going to move to or like the GC as they are completely different beasts…….each to their own and it’s why there is such a vast choice of campers, motorhomes etc. As an example a bathroom and fixed bed are non negotiable for us.
For the record we actually like Chris Sloanes videos of Scotland, but let’s not lose sight that he’s all about views and subscribers.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I think that video is quite old….he’s done plenty since where he actually now likes it!! In the same way that he has spent the last year or so absolutely slating the NC500 route in Scotland and promoting his “alternative” West Coast of Scotland routes and selling his guides etc…….surprise surprise now that he’s exhausted those guides, he’s now “revisited” the NC500 and now likes it, so he’s selling routes for the NC500……..hilarious! As for the GC, we’ve had T25’s, T4, T6 and then went the Motorhome route up to a twin axle big arse one that was a military manoeuvre to go away. For us (kids flown the nest) the GC680 hits the sweet spot, easy to drive, fixed bed, bathroom, 100L of fresh water onboard etc. I just think a lot of Cali owners are never going to move to or like the GC as they are completely different beasts…….each to their own and it’s why there is such a vast choice of campers, motorhomes etc. As an example a bathroom and fixed bed are non negotiable for us.
For the record we actually like Chris Sloanes videos of Scotland, but let’s not lose sight that he’s all about views and subscribers.

Fair point but from what I see from his 'don't likes' about the GC they seem factual issues, as an owner have you not encountered at least some of the same issues?

 

[Carryon Cali Camping]

Fair point but from what I see from his 'don't likes' about the GC they seem factual issues, as an owner have you not encountered at least some of the same issues?

We have just required a software update on the control panel and fixed a water leak from the shower. it is a new to us GC and I know the kitchen tap was replaced under warranty. But it is the first edition of the GC, are there not issues with the Cali, or previous versions etc. For us we are very happy with it. Yes it could do with a bigger or extra leisure battery, but nothing a EcoFlow Delta Max has not resolved to give us +5/6 days off grid, so the toilet needs emptying before we lose power. We have the 4motion with roof mounted air con etc. And are very happy, but as previously mentioned it is just so different from a Cali Ocean/Beach which we also like, but they just would not work for us now unless I win the lottery and can have both using the beach/ocean as a day van…….I’ll carry on dreaming ;-)

 

[Carryon Cali Camping]

And also, just to add re; GC600…….Knaus have blatantly pretty much copied it!!! Or perhaps done a deal with VW……?

 

[GrannyJen]

I think that video is quite old….he’s done plenty since where he actually now likes it!! In the same way that he has spent the last year or so absolutely slating the NC500 route in Scotland and promoting his “alternative” West Coast of Scotland routes and selling his guides etc…….surprise surprise now that he’s exhausted those guides, he’s now “revisited” the NC500 and now likes it, so he’s selling routes for the NC500……..hilarious! As for the GC, we’ve had T25’s, T4, T6 and then went the Motorhome route up to a twin axle big arse one that was a military manoeuvre to go away. For us (kids flown the nest) the GC680 hits the sweet spot, easy to drive, fixed bed, bathroom, 100L of fresh water onboard etc. I just think a lot of Cali owners are never going to move to or like the GC as they are completely different beasts…….each to their own and it’s why there is such a vast choice of campers, motorhomes etc. As an example a bathroom and fixed bed are non negotiable for us.
For the record we actually like Chris Sloanes videos of Scotland, but let’s not lose sight that he’s all about views and subscribers.

I found his video quite whingey. It's a camper, camper means compromise, the truma heater does not protect the water tank, it protects itself and by doing so drains the water tank and if he kept the van warm then it wouldn't happen. So the tap comes off, 2 seconds and it's back on again, no fuss. It's a bit tight at the back, that's because it's not 10m long, it's 6m long. I wanted to scream at him in the end, stop whingeing, go bloody camping for goodness sake.

 

[GrannyJen]

And also, just to add re; GC600…….Knaus have blatantly pretty much copied it!!!

In what way?

 

[Carryon Cali Camping]

In what way?

not sure if this will copy, but if so,this looks quite a lot like the GC600?

https://www.knaus.com/fileadmin/media/2021-2022/cuv/boxdrive-xl/freisteller/kta-knaus-2021-2022-boxdrive-xl-freisteller.png

 

[GrannyJen]

not sure if this will copy, but if so,this looks quite a lot like the GC600?

https://www.knaus.com/fileadmin/media/2021-2022/cuv/boxdrive-xl/freisteller/kta-knaus-2021-2022-boxdrive-xl-freisteller.png

Given most of the GC, especially the interior, follows the format adopted by HYMER, Knaus, etc for the last 20 years it may well be argued that the GC in most ways have copied everyone else.

 

[Carryon Cali Camping]

Given most of the GC, especially the interior, follows the format adopted by HYMER, Knaus, etc for the last 20 years it may well be argued that the GC in most ways have copied everyone else.

I was referring more to the raised fixed roof/bubble which I think was a first with VW.

 

[kave]

Apparently VW sells the roof to Knaus. I might have bought a Gc600 if VW copied the bed from Knaus.

 

[Borris]

I think that video is quite old….he’s done plenty since where he actually now likes it!! In the same way that he has spent the last year or so absolutely slating the NC500 route in Scotland and promoting his “alternative” West Coast of Scotland routes and selling his guides etc…….surprise surprise now that he’s exhausted those guides, he’s now “revisited” the NC500 and now likes it, so he’s selling routes for the NC500……..hilarious! As for the GC, we’ve had T25’s, T4, T6 and then went the Motorhome route up to a twin axle big arse one that was a military manoeuvre to go away. For us (kids flown the nest) the GC680 hits the sweet spot, easy to drive, fixed bed, bathroom, 100L of fresh water onboard etc. I just think a lot of Cali owners are never going to move to or like the GC as they are completely different beasts…….each to their own and it’s why there is such a vast choice of campers, motorhomes etc. As an example a bathroom and fixed bed are non negotiable for us.
For the record we actually like Chris Sloanes videos of Scotland, but let’s not lose sight that he’s all about views and subscribers.

Despite his negative opinion on various aspects of the GC, Chris Sloane does highlight one inescapable fact though. The GC does need further development.

It isn't the well thought out slick design package that it's smaller brother is. That's not surprising given the decades of thought and design that have gone into the iconic Cali in either form. If the GC continues in production, then I am sure that VW will refine and improve both the design and layout in the years to come. Hopefully, the dealers expertise in fixing them will also rise to meet the current shortfall.

However, given the current troubles that VW find themselves in, the GC could well soon disappear from their model line up. VW have already said that they intend to produce fewer different models in an attempt to reduce production costs thereby raising profits.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

I expect Ford will release their new 'Nugget Plus' some time in 2025. Hybrid power train to suit the daily crowd, LWB to fit in a fixed toilet, hot and cold water including a rear shower which attaches to the open tailgate, a 3 seat bench with enough room to get past it and still be able to use the kitchen in the morning while folks are still asleep in bed. If VW were to build something like that on the new LWB Transporter platform and have it as the 'bigger brother' to the Multivan version, would anyone actually need a Grand Cali (other than some niche use cases on here like bike carriage etc)?

 

[GrannyJen]

I expect Ford will release their new 'Nugget Plus' some time in 2025. Hybrid power train to suit the daily crowd, LWB to fit in a fixed toilet, hot and cold water including a rear shower which attaches to the open tailgate, a 3 seat bench with enough room to get past it and still be able to use the kitchen in the morning while folks are still asleep in bed. If VW were to build something like that on the new LWB Transporter platform and have it as the 'bigger brother' to the Multivan version, would anyone actually need a Grand Cali (other than some niche use cases on here like bike carriage etc)?

All I wanted from life, after 12 years of being the most avid cali fan in existence, was just a loo and the ability to use the van with the bed made up.

I could not go more than 5.4m anyway, I did not like any of the cali LWB conversions so finally I went to my present vehicle, which I love dearly and probably will never replace, but do miss the driving experience of the Cali.

I have asked myself, almost every year of Cali ownership, why on Earth do they not develop the LWB.

 

[larrylamb]

I have asked myself, almost every year of Cali ownership, why on Earth do they not develop the LWB.

Indeed. SWB.LWB, soft top or hard top options straight from the factory would be fantastic, kinda like the original T4 Westy Californias that are still loved today.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Indeed. SWB.LWB, soft top or hard top options straight from the factory would be fantastic, kinda like the original T4 Westy Californias that are still loved today.

There’s a LWB T4 Westy on Autotrader at the minute, £25k.
I’m not sure they were that much new…

 

[andyinluton]

I found his video quite whingey. It's a camper, camper means compromise, the truma heater does not protect the water tank, it protects itself and by doing so drains the water tank and if he kept the van warm then it wouldn't happen. So the tap comes off, 2 seconds and it's back on again, no fuss. It's a bit tight at the back, that's because it's not 10m long, it's 6m long. I wanted to scream at him in the end, stop whingeing, go bloody camping for goodness sake.

I prefer this review.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I prefer this review.

I saw that review too, however they were lent the vehicle for free and only had it for a short period of time. I appreciate they said it would still be an honest review, but I didn't find it particularly unbiased.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

To me the Cali, is like the VW Golf it's the car that defined the class and is the 'go to' vehicle of it's type. The GC is more like their Toureg or Tiguan, well built and competent vehicles but only also rans in their class.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

To me the Cali, is like the VW Golf it's the car that defined the class and is the 'go to' vehicle of it's type. The GC is more like their Toureg or Tiguan, well built and competent vehicles but only also rans in their class.

Yep that's a good analogy, it's probably not reached its potential from a market-share perspective so VW might deem it a commercial failure but I'm sure it's perfectly possible to own one and enjoy going away in it. Yes there are seemingly quite a few design niggles but it also looks to be in the ballpark of £10-15k cheaper than any other Crafter-based competitor out there so you can't have it all. I am viewing one on Saturday so maybe my opinion will change after that!

 

[andyinluton]

I saw that review too, however they were lent the vehicle for free and only had it for a short period of time. I appreciate they said it would still be an honest review, but I didn't find it particularly unbiased.

10 days in Cornwall with a young child in tow sounds like a reasonable test to me especially as it sounds like it rained most of the time.
They had problems with the step, thought the table was too big, wouldn't have had problems with the water dumping as it wasn't cold enough. I don't know what more negative stuff they should say....

 

[oliver100]

Design niggles to one side I honestly love our GC600 and that is as family of 4, my main issue was the table and we replaced that on day one with a smaller one that stows next to the seats. Speaking of design niggles the current t6.1 Cali bellows leaks like a sieve from brand new so its not immune to this kind of thing! Luckily my old t6.1 cali had the older canvas so only leaked in heavy persistent rain. The cupboard latches would break for fun, I couldn't go near the dartford tunnel without the SOS system crashing along with taking the infotainment down with it and I could go on but I still loved that one too!

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I don't mean to be disrespectful to anyone who owns a GC as they clearly are lovely vehicles and and a discerning purchse for the right person. However without going into too much detail I am a subject matter expert on vehicle economics and nothing is a more accurate gauge of desirabity than resale values & discounts. The Cali has bulletproof residuals which are almost unparalleled in the industry, built to order brands such as RR or Ferrari don't enjoy the same residuals as the Cali. Currently there are discounts of nearing 20k on a new GC and the last time VW offered anything similar was the Phaeton if anyone can remember that. Ultimately the residuals were savage on that car and it was abandoned after a few years due to the competition being so much better.

My knowledge on these vehicles is nowhere near that of the experts on this forum. But purely from a financial perspective, make sure you secure a significant discount on a GC if you're buying new and be cognisant that you may take a fairly big hit when you sell in the future.

 

[kave]

I prefer this review.

Apart from Top Gear Magazine, No one who gets a loaner from the manufacturer gives you an honest review. As an influencer it’s hard as it is to get a loaner so they can’t be negative.