New 163BHP Grand Cali 600

[David M]

Just enquiring on how anyone is getting on with the new 163hp engine compared with the older 24 model with 177. I am looking to buy and not sure if I want the new 25 model,( minus the solar and or wiring loom) or find a nearly new 24 model with perhaps a solar panel and if not at least the wiring for the solar to the roof aerial.
Please advise your thoughts and if anyone with a new model has had any gripes with the new engine and interior electronics?
thanks

 

[Soton Campers]

Just enquiring on how anyone is getting on with the new 163hp engine compared with the older 24 model with 177. I am looking to buy and not sure if I want the new 25 model,( minus the solar and or wiring loom) or find a nearly new 24 model with perhaps a solar panel and if not at least the wiring for the solar to the roof aerial.
Please advise your thoughts and if anyone with a new model has had any gripes with the new engine and interior electronics?
thanks

Just looking at a new 600 myself, has VW discontinued Solar and the pre-wiring now? I can't see it on the configurator. The Grand California absolutely needs Solar in my opinion or more battery capacity.

 

[Coachella]

Only having my MY25 Knaus from Monday - (MAN TGE / VW Crafter) - its now the 163bhp version.
I haven't really noticed the power difference yet. Its still quick when it wants to be and picks up well.

Things for me that i am struggling to get used to is the auto controls now on a stick not on the gear stick position. I cannot see if there is a switch to turn off stop/start. Other differences i have seen there are flappy paddles too. Handbrake of course is not electronic - and have got it set on auto hold. To start with it was putting the handbrake on between forwards and reverse which was a pain - u had to wait for the system to catch up to take it off again for moving - but now with the autohold it behaves like before now.
Also the wipers are all on the indicator stalk now. So right now trying to find that is a few seconds going on the right side - nope not there - its on the left now.
And the media system ! well thats another ball game all together. Not been able to set up android auto - navigating around it is also so very different.

I know that i will get more familiar with it all.
But driving - so far its not that much different than the version before.

 

[Coachella]

Oh I meant to add - big plus is that its Lithium ready. I just have to set the Dometic charger in the back to Lithium mode - and just drop in the replacement battery in the front.