My MY20[?] T.61 California Ocean

[Soton Campers]

On the 6.1 I have so far found you can go up in 5 and down in 1mph.

This is not the case. You can adjust it in 5 increments or increment by 1, it depends which buttons you push on the steering wheel...just like the T6.

 

[Jester]

No it still has the T30 ARB, which is the biggest handling issue according to Steve at CRS . He'll upgrade with T32 springs (or spacers) too for c. £700 fitted.

Ok thanks for that info, upgraded my T6 from factory along with the OEM 30mm drop which made such a big difference to ride in a very positive way.

 

[The Merle]

Its good to get stuff off your chest!!

I think the cruise control is 5mph on +/-, but 1 mph either way if you press RES or SET. I hope that helps.

I agree about keyless ignition. But its a minor point

And I worry about the tailgate closing, partly due to dirt but also possibility of scratching around the handle if the back has got particularly dirty

I'm currently struggling to find the rear windscreen heater switch! Its not on the dial the manual states!! I wonder if heated windscreen switches on both?

When I bought the van I never expected the joy of discovery from hunting through multiple manuals that seem to need an Enigma machine to decipher!!

Mind you on the plus side its a great vehicle and I have been surprised how many of my friends are admitting to harbouring a secret longing - i tell them, lifes too short - just scratch!!

The rear isn’t normally heated if you have the double glazing (wasn’t on older models). So don’t think the t6.1 is unless you picked it as an option and had single glazed.

 

[Lightning]

This is not the case. You can adjust it in 5 increments or increment by 1, it depends which buttons you push on the steering wheel...just like the T6.

The confusion may be be the SET button has two functions, being either the ‘minus one’ function or the ‘SET’ function only for the case where your current speed is higher than the speed you are trying to reduce the cruise setting to. It’s not a good design.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Look at the roof and compare to van on left hand side, which is more clearly Indium Grey. However, I agree the lighting in this photo makes the front look slightly ‘golden’.

My money is still on Indium Grey, but owner can confirm.

if you were a betting man, you’d be in the money! Yes, it is Indium grey.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

OP my DD is a '14 Audi S4 B8.5. I'll be moving from that to a Cali Coast so had similar reservations. I tried to minimize the driving experience differences by going for the 199 engine with DSG and 4 motion. I'm willing to forego the Audi niceties for what the Cali offers though.
I'll also be making some changes to the looks and handling by specing stiffer ARB's and installing 19" HRE monoblock P40SC forged wheels with all season Michelin tyres.

I’ll be keeping my 8V for the foreseeable as the Mrs has firmly planted her eyes on it I thought about the 4 Motion too but couldn’t justify its purpose in a van as I’m unlikely to be off roading or venturing off the beaten track as they say when it’ll be lowered. I’ll have a gander at those wheels and look forward to your mods. Good luck with your purchase and I agree with your sentiment about sacrificing the small luxuries as it’ll come into its own when used as a motor home / weekends away and camping

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

On my t6 using android auto Google maps turns into night mode when you turn the lights on. This darkens the screen and leaves all maps and audio running. Can't the 6.1 do that?
Also my t6 cruise can go up in 1mph or 5mph increments. Depending on which buttons you press. Up and down for 1 and left right for 5. Surely that feature is still there?

Yes I believe it does darken but will need to confirm although I can’t turn it off completely, at least I haven’t been able to, yet if at all possible.

theres a lot of button on the mfsw but I’ll take a look. I suspect that if the 6 does it then chances are the 6.1, with evolution, should too.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

I feel your pain. I had an Audi S3 8V and it had a heap more tech (in car terms) than the Cali does and wife has an SQ2 Vorsprung with everything on it too.

Electronic handbrake would have been a good option to have on the T6.1 as turning the front seat round really is a pain with the manual one. Even if they had of put the Cali Grand style manual handbrake that would have helped - as that goes back down after you put it on.

If you have ever looked at a T6 dashboard (Ocean, comfort dash) you’ll see that the T6.1 Cali Ocean is a significant downgrade. Materials cheaper, less storage etc etc. Such a shame VW are dumbing down across their whole range. Audi included!

Yes, a bit of a pity considering some of it has been around for some time. If VW Commercials’ can add ACC, why not the other tech? Perhaps reserving said tech for a later MY’

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Its basically a van not a prestige car, surprised with the list of negatives that you purchased one, totally understand the cosmetic changes and in line with your thoughts not sure re the the 20" as will possibly make the ride firmer/harsher and a bit of tram-lining. only my personal opinion.

So you‘re in agreement it is more of van than motorhome. As I said, I have purchased it for reasons mentioned in my original post. I do believe it is prestigious but VW Commercials’ have missed some features which would’ve made it even nicer. Some of the features I have mentioned have been around for a while and considering it is all part of the same Volkswagen Audi Group it’s not like they need to come up with the IP as most of it is in their existing cars so wouldn’t have been difficult to add, particularly electronic hand brake when seat swivelling. Strikes me as they hadn’t thought through some of their design considerations for the cabin area

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Believe the 6.1 has the stiffer ARB's as standard over and above the T6

I have H&R ARBs to go on alongside the coilovers

 

[SusiBus]

No it still has the T30 ARB, which is the biggest handling issue according to Steve at CRS . He'll upgrade with T32 springs (or spacers) too for c. £700 fitted.

So are you having front and rear T32 ARB's and springs all round ? I'd be interested in what result are you expecting. Stiffer, same ride height, back end not sagging?

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

I just don't get it. I can imagine that you feel the tech in the VW Cali is less impressive then an (older ) car you used to own. But,

1. all of this you could have known before spending a huge sum on a Cali.

2. this shouldn't come as a surprise, as you are comparing a camper van to a normal automobile, apples and oranges and all that

I wanted a Cali hence purchasing one, if I didn’t have an older car with said features then I’d be none the wiser.

I beg to differ, what differentiates including ACC & VC over the lack of features that I have pointed out? Additionally, if they can put a power sliding door in, they couldve done the tailgate Albeit as an optional extra

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

The problem is that it’s a van that costs the same as a prestige car.
They are a great product, and they are also way overpriced now, as that is what the Campervan market will stand. The residuals offset the initial outlay if you don’t intend to keep it forever.

i completely agree they are a great product but couldve made it even better.

perhaps some features can be coded or even retrofitted as I intend on keeping this for a while.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

On the 6.1 I have so far found you can go up in 5 and down in 1mph.

i hope this isn’t the case but I’ll report back after my exhaustive research.

8V allows for 1 mph inrcrements / decrements and when kept pressed it’ll go up or down in 5’s

 

[CamperFam]

I wanted a Cali hence purchasing one, if I didn’t have an older car with said features then I’d be none the wiser.

I beg to differ, what differentiates including ACC & VC over the lack of features that I have pointed out? Additionally, if they can put a power sliding door in, they couldve done the tailgate Albeit as an optional extra

The tailgate isn't electronically closing due to the weight. You wont find a heavier tailgate on consumer vehicle.

VW Transporters do have them as available; but they arent loaded up with double glazing, blinds, two chairs and a bike rack.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

The more I read about the 6.1 the less I want one

If it serves a purpose whether for pleasure or otherwise I’d definitely get one. My post is nothing more than observations into making it a better vehicle.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Interesting reading your post thank you.
I guess like most things in life its about expectations & previous experiences.
Im glad you summarize by saying overall you really like the camping area etc which serves your purpose as that is the most important part.
At the end of the day you always have the option of selling it but if you hadnt bought it you would still be left wondering about it!
I for one have no previous experience of driving high end vehicles, neither am I at all gadgetry minded, so for me the Coast fitted perfectly (I hope!) - if I find too many disappointments I too have the option of selling it but at least I can cross it off my long held desire to own a VW pop top!
For me I think the issue Im battling with is the time to enjoy it but have been working hard to try to clear the decks of responsibility for when it finally arrives.

Well said and kudos to your humble yet positive post

 

[Skootyalan]

The rear isn’t normally heated if you have the double glazing (wasn’t on older models). So don’t think the t6.1 is unless you picked it as an option and had single glazed.

Very helpful thanks. I was just looking at the manual. I will check if there is a heating element tomorrow!

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

used our newly delivered T6.1 over the weekend and to be honest love it Over the years I have owned and experienced many cars from a basic Ford Escort (first drive in the 70s) through to hardcore Porsche GT4 with quite a bit of luxury and gadgetry in many others. Also owned Motorhomes. So first thoughts on the California is that's its a "luxury van' with some electronic driving aids and yes its expensive but that's driven by current market demand. But it is a Camper van and I can open the door sit back enjoy the view in a way that I can't in my Porsche. I for one understaood the limitations and differences between a Luxury high end car and a luxury camper van. the cali has to make compromises and I think it makes those compromises well, in fact I think its actually better than I expected. it has to compromise between Car Vs Van and Camper vs Motorhome again think it does this well. I was down for a Marco Polo but supply issues drove me to the Cali, the MP offers more of a luxury car feel both in the interior finish and the gadgetry, rather seats, electric bed its finish is probably better than the Cali and it would have cost me less money. that said I think I would have been scared of using it as a camper because its too plush and its also around 300mm longer. As an aside I quite like to Analogue handbrake also have that on my Porsche Spyder . Trying to compare a Camper Van with a Luxury car is probably not the right thing to do. My biggest concern at the moment is use the Cali as a daily Drive or supplement it with a Smart Electric car. Sorry out is a bit disjointed and rambling but

pressed post too quickly but..... it is Monday morning... final comment Moving from a Luxury car to a Camper van is a bit like moving from the City to the Country... there are things you will like and things you won't... if you don't like the sound of cows and sheep and darkness and funny smells. don't move to the country. If you want all the luxury, smoothness and gadgetry of a luxury car don't buy a camper van or buy a house in the city and country and luxury car and camper

well raised points and thanks, I also considered the MP and suspect it has many bells and whistles. The predicament I came around is the knowledge share compared to Calis is disproportionate, plus ive mostly owned VAGs and it is where i can get help and advice with quite simply instead of being in the unknown with an MP.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Cruise control can be adjusted in 1mph increments by pressing the set/res buttons.

Thanks. I shall take a look.

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Interesting post - agree that all those questions could be answered pre-purchase; but it's an interesting comparison even if a rather unfair one.

Handbrake - I was surprised at that, but the geezer in the dealership said after all it's still a van and a heavy one at that.. make of that what you will!

Keyless entry - Not sure I'd want that in a vehicle that you sleep in tbh, although technically not an issue as you should always manually lock from the inside and never with the key anyhow - I guess the geezer in the dealer would give you the same answer as above!

Nav pro - Jurys out for me on this - I like the size and some of the features, hate the slow user profile loading (might start a post on this alone), it's general glitchyness and tbh lack of physical knobs - pobs wouldn't spec from new in hindsight.

Cruise control - Same process as my old golf, simply use set button to stop on desired speed if 5mph increments aren't appropriate. Takes a bit of getting used to, but fine once you do.

Gear box - Mine's a MY20 and has the tap down sport mode, initially used it to overtake and was expecting some sort of massive boost, hardly noticed it and made little difference - I think in general it just increases the revs and burns more juice - so indifferent about it's benefits in a van tbh. As for having ECO.. again I think it's about expectations; I'm averaging 36 point something which for a heavy van with a 199 bhp motor and coupled with it's intended use, I'm happy with.

Dash/cup holders - As others have said, digital stuff aside, it seems like a step down from the T6 Cali comfort dash with storage space and glove box all crap tbh - there are cupholders left and right but they're designed for the ashtray (in this day and age - really?) so bottles rattle around in them. Also some of the youtube reviews I watched pre-purchase showed wireless charging - not in the UK or at least in my variant!

All of the above sounds like a lot of criticism, when in fact in the grand scheme of owning one of these beauties, they're really minor things - I love my Cali, I actually live in the mountains and for the outdoors, but nothing beats the freedom of loading up and heading somewhere new where you're fully independent and can sleep, eat and chill in relative self contained luxury. Just need to get out of lock down now so we can all do more of it!

Hope helps and hope you enjoy!

For a chap who’s from Wales, you use the word geezer a lot and would be mistaken to have come from the ‘east end‘

keyless still allows for the vehicle to be locked from the inside so not an issue

im not sure what I’m missing in terms of the gearbox but whether I need to or not Im taking it easy for the first 1K miles but from what I’ve noticed so far, it is a peach of a gearbox with swift nimble lightweight changes which has impressed me.

But you’ve hit the nail on the head, these are minors also in my view and nice to haves, otherwise I wouldnt have purchased one.


cheers

 

[HectaTheSpecta]

Its good to get stuff off your chest!!

I think the cruise control is 5mph on +/-, but 1 mph either way if you press RES or SET. I hope that helps.

I agree about keyless ignition. But its a minor point

And I worry about the tailgate closing, partly due to dirt but also possibility of scratching around the handle if the back has got particularly dirty

I'm currently struggling to find the rear windscreen heater switch! Its not on the dial the manual states!! I wonder if heated windscreen switches on both?

When I bought the van I never expected the joy of discovery from hunting through multiple manuals that seem to need an Enigma machine to decipher!!

Mind you on the plus side its a great vehicle and I have been surprised how many of my friends are admitting to harbouring a secret longing - i tell them, lifes too short - just scratch!!

Thank you and yes, you’re right It is good to discuss it. I never meant to make some readers disgruntled but yes we do love it and certain things we need to get used to. The benefits do outstrip the niggles plus I’ll get it looking just the way I want to once I’ve modded it.

i hadnt even thought about the rear windscreen switch but if I find anything I’ll be sure to let you know.

 

[Skootyalan]

Thank you and yes, you’re right It is good to discuss it. I never meant to make some readers disgruntled but yes we do love it and certain things we need to get used to. The benefits do outstrip the niggles plus I’ll get it looking just the way I want to once I’ve modded it.

i hadnt even thought about the rear windscreen switch but if I find anything I’ll be sure to let you know.

@4x4 joker gave me a very good explanation a couple of posts above this post. Basically, there isn't one - rear window heater. The rear window is double glazed. I haven't checked but I'm sure 4x4joker is correct!

 

[Steve_D]

For a chap who’s from Wales, you use the word geezer a lot and would be mistaken to have come from the ‘east end‘

keyless still allows for the vehicle to be locked from the inside so not an issue

im not sure what I’m missing in terms of the gearbox but whether I need to or not Im taking it easy for the first 1K miles but from what I’ve noticed so far, it is a peach of a gearbox with swift nimble lightweight changes which has impressed me.

But you’ve hit the nail on the head, these are minors also in my view and nice to haves, otherwise I wouldnt have purchased one.


cheers

Haaa.. yes, blaming the guy in the dealership who really thought he was a geezer for that! Yes you're right about the gearbox, 2000 plus miles on mine now and no complaints at all with the drive.. Roll on 2021 and out of lockdown and let the adventures begin again!

 

[AndyP12345]

Spent an exciting day setting up the SW packages and primary user tuff yesterday cracked with the help of the CS team in Germany who undertook a vehicle reset and then complete update of users. Think we now have everything operational. 300 plus miles and loving it. DCC settings still in testing phase