New VW Multivan California Coast - ask away?

[Paul_D]

Good news is - the views are just as good as the T6.1 - I’ll try out the kitchen etc in the morning

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Werre you in Totnes by any chance? We're locals & I walked past the site this morning & thought 'oh look, there's a new California!!'

 

[Muffutd]

Can 2 adults lay comfortably on their backs on the lower bed? Can one exit the bed without disturbing the other (I imagine only possible if the feet face the front)?

If they are skinnier than me maybe - seriously though it’s the same as T6.1 - two adults side by side just about ok - you are not going to get out without the other knowing but I think that’s the same for most campers - better to top and tail but when weather permits one in each bed I think is probably easier solution - the bed mattress was generally comfortable but I am sure many will want to add there own toppers etc. It takes up more room in the back when stored though

I forget to make sure I had good fuel level so my heater stopped after 30 mins - so cold night my fault though

Condensation levels were overall better I would say maybe down to the front windscreen being a cover and not a blind - although faff to put up they blackout / warm better so that’s good

Werre you in Totnes by any chance? We're locals & I walked past the site this morning & thought 'oh look, there's a new California!!'

that was me - lovely place and will defo be coming back (in my T6.1) - tried out the riverside cafe this morning - great location and food

 

[KevH]

Sorry better described as ‘window bag’ - takes up the space in drivers side rear window and is a storage facility with 3 shelf cubby holes and one large pocket - in itself quite a good idea I think - I imagine you can stuff quite a lot of small clothing items in there

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Thanks for the pics.
I can’t get my head around it if I am honest, it smacks of ‘afterthought’ on the realisation that storage is quite important to those who buy campervans.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Good news is - the views are just as good as the T6.1 - I’ll try out the kitchen etc in the morning

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Is that Budleigh Salterton? Where did you camp there...

 

[Muffutd]

couple of questions please,
How does the ride compare to the T6.1. In terms of suspension, refinement & noise.
Is the extra length noticeable when parking or manoeuvring.
Any creaks and rattles ?

Thanks

Thought I’d show you what it looks like in a fairly large space - I had to leave it out whilst I got ready for the night and then reverse up when all set

Had a good day and drove through a few tight spots in Brixham Harbour and it was actually fine to drive around in but in a standard car park I had to choose the right space to park in as to not impact on anyone else or the access road.

Anyway safe and sound for the night so all good

 

[wildslammer22]

So it has an on-board toilet?

It could replace the adblue tank in that case!

 

[Muffutd]

Thanks for the pics.
I can’t get my head around it if I am honest, it smacks of ‘afterthought’ on the realisation that storage is quite important to those who buy campervans.

I agree - it looks nice but it feels like it could be an after sale accessory from one of our great bespoke suppliers like campervanbits or Sheila sews - I’m sure someone can start a new little business and model them for T2 onwards your welcome

Ooo Hang on just found these inside the pockets - I’m guessing these are windows accessories to allow for ventilation - anyone know about these ??

 

[wildslammer22]

I agree - it looks nice but it feels like it could be an after sale accessory from one of our great bespoke suppliers like campervanbits or Sheila sews - I’m sure someone can start a new little business and model them for T2 onwards your welcome

Ooo Hang on just found these inside the pockets - I’m guessing these are windows accessories to allow for ventilation - anyone know about these ??

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They do look like window vents. Not sure about the hinge though, I guess it’s to make them easier to store but that looks like a designed in failure point.

 

[The Merle]

Thought I’d show you what it looks like in a fairly large space - I had to leave it out whilst I got ready for the night and then reverse up when all set

Had a good day and drove through a few tight spots in Brixham Harbour and it was actually fine to drive around in but in a standard car park I had to choose the right space to park in as to not impact on anyone else or the access road.

Anyway safe and sound for the night so all good

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Looks more like an airport taxi merc/marco polo way off the mark for me.

 

[Muffutd]

Looks more like an airport taxi merc/marco polo way off the mark for me.

I totally agree - I have had a second day and it’s very comfortable for one - but just feels like I am driving something between a airport taxi and a Ford galaxy people carrier - the other thing -I passed 3 proper calis today and not one even noticed me, let alone gave a wave - I honestly think it’s lost the street credability - which to be honest is why I always dreamt of owning one for the last 30 years

 

[Muffutd]

They do look like window vents. Not sure about the hinge though, I guess it’s to make them easier to store but that looks like a designed in failure point.

I’ll give them a go in the morning and let you know

 

[WelshGas]

They do look like window vents. Not sure about the hinge though, I guess it’s to make them easier to store but that looks like a designed in failure point.

Once inserted with window up the fact it has a hinge will be immaterial. It would be locked in place.

 

[wildslammer22]

Once inserted with window up the fact it has a hinge will be immaterial. It would be locked in place.

I’m sure they will be fine in use but removing and storing multiple times might compromise their longevity. I think I’d prefer the rain/wind deflectors commonly used on the T5/6 derivatives as they are fit and forget, do double duty keeping out light rain and are unlikely to break in use.

It’s a plus that VW are at least including accessories like this though if indeed they are standard as I assume they are given they were in a loaner.

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

The Transporter Cali feels OK with the roof down. There is enough headroom to cook, put the bed out, etc. A big no no is the reduced head height that you pointed out.

Have you had any real use of the dual sliding doors? Does it compensate in any way for the loss of worktop space and storage?

 

[Muffutd]

I’m sure they will be fine in use but removing and storing multiple times might compromise their longevity. I think I’d prefer the rain/wind deflectors commonly used on the T5/6 derivatives as they are fit and forget, do double duty keeping out light rain and are unlikely to break in use.

It’s a plus that VW are at least including accessories like this though if indeed they are standard as I assume they are given they were in a loaner.

So here they are fitted and they are only to be used when parked according to dealer - they look good but cant help but think I actually would just crank the window a notch - that’s what I’d did both nights and it worked fine. As you say good that they are included. By the way the sliding window is much improved and very easy to use so that’s a thumbs up

 

[Muffutd]

The Transporter Cali feels OK with the roof down. There is enough headroom to cook, put the bed out, etc. A big no no is the reduced head height that you pointed out.

Have you had any real use of the dual sliding doors? Does it compensate in any way for the loss of worktop space and storage?

So yes the van and space is very much built around the fact that you need the outdoor space. On a good sunny / warm day it will be brilliant. In practise I found myself with the doors open (but in these winter periods) the wind actually blows right through the van, so very cold. You definitely need the kitchen side door open to facility using the small kitchen table as it’s stored behind the unit. Once you have the table in the van then you can operate within with the doors shut

I’ll can see the VW thinking and it will work wonderfully in a hot country or hot days here

Majority of days in this country though I think the T6.1 kitchen and table set up is far superior for usability and function - I just can’t see 4 adults being able to cook a meal and eat and drink together like you can inside. The T7 will work for 1 or 2 people in the winter at max

I am back in my van now so will spend today reflecting on the experience and when home I will post a summary and decide which I prefer now after my two days compared to being back in mine

Ps in my opinion the blue and white is the best colour by far or maybe all black

Here is mine and the one with the colour scheme- also for comparison is the interior of the new ocean - which from a fabric perspective is nicer it has to be said

Let me know which shape / colour you prefer

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

Your van looks so much nicer imho. I know it's subjective . It just looks like it is made for camping. I am biased though because we have the Ascot Grey with sports pack too.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

If they were put side by side and I didn’t see the handbrake I’d think the T6.1 was the newer model. Just seems an upgrade in almost every way.

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

I do find it surprising that the ride is not much better, or even worse, than the t6.1. I drove my mates multivan and that is a far superior ride than my Cali. I wonder if all the weight and distribution of weight of the camping interior has stuffed the ride? Come to think of it, the camper based on a transporter van that is designed to lug heavy loads should cope better.

 

[BeeBee]

Great insights and I continue to be ‘unimpressed’. We’ll just keep up the care of our wee 2019 T6 Ocean, looks like BB will be with us for the forseeable.

 

[Muffutd]

I do find it surprising that the ride is not much better, or even worse, than the t6.1. I drove my mates multivan and that is a far superior ride than my Cali. I wonder if all the weight and distribution of weight of the camping interior has stuffed the ride? Come to think of it, the camper based on a transporter van that is designed to lug heavy loads should cope better.

Yeah - I guess some might argue it is better - for me the bumps and rattles are not any different - maybe the noise levels are slightly lower so that might be a plus - I also found that wind buffering was more don’t know why that would be to be honest

What I meant by my previous comment was that I was expecting for it to be noticeably improved and I don’t think it was - I think the seats deeper and so maybe a bit better overall as i always struggle keeping things between my legs (bag of crisps I mean) compared to a car - I didn’t really like the side pillar / window thing - it just reduces the overall view - the water jets are also embedded in the blades so I expect them to be pricey if you have any issues - so there is always a delay when to spray the water. There are bits that are really good just wish they had implemented them on my type - one day it will return maybe ?

I’ll summarise laters as travelling

 

[omaralrawi]

This is really helpful. Thank you.
I am completely new to the world of campervans. If ride quality is not as good, would adaptive suspension be a worthwhile option to look for? On UK specs, you can only get the adaptive suspension on the coast, not available on ocean or beach

 

[Muffutd]

Your van looks so much nicer imho. I know it's subjective . It just looks like it is made for camping. I am biased though because we have the Ascot Grey with sports pack too.

This is really helpful. Thank you.
I am completely new to the world of campervans. If ride quality is not as good, would adaptive suspension be a worthwhile option to look for? On UK specs, you can only get the adaptive suspension on the coast, not available on ocean or beach

Thanks didn’t realise it was an option - it may do and I am not sure wether it was fitted or not ? (I don’t think so though) maybe it’s just down to what each of us like in a car / campervan - ie it’s a subjective thing

It’s not a bad ride but it’s just not as impressive as I was expecting but of course the best thing to do if you are considering is definitely try before you buy

 

[Muffutd]

Morning all

I have (for the next 2 days) a new cali coast instead of my usual T6.1

If anyway has any questions or needs any real-time thoughts then by all means ask away i am happy to respond over next few days with my experiences

 

[calibusje]

Well done! Nice pictures also!
I was looking forward to a first test so good of you. Out of healthy curiosity and because I simply did not want to join in with the general anti-thinking of some about the new one. That is why I already looked it up at the dealer:
Post in thread 'My curiosity led me to some unexpected opinions about the new California. And I had a drive with one.'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...-and-i-had-a-drive-with-one.56604/post-734208
I must say that I really like the look of the new one.
First this: When I was looking for a successor for our old T4 Westfalia California, the T6.1 Coast won above others (westfalia, Stylevan and others); not because it is a Volkswagen but because it is a California: versatile small campervan with all its typical characteristics such as the height under two meters and maneuverability. But certainly also for its well-found features such as the seats in the tailgate and the table on a rail on the kitchen unit. 'Appearance', being seen or street credibility wasn’t a thing for me. We wave but very rarely do we get anything back. But of course everyone has their own reason for their purchase. I like the following statement: that everyone buys what they want for their own references and the new California has all the chance and characteristics to serve well for a large part.
I found the driving better than what you think of it but could be a subjective thing. Anyway: apparently you have that rattle-free t6.1 or I drove that one rattle-free - and very quiet - new california
About the width of the beds you said it is about the same as with a t6.1. They are quite narrower and for wide people like myself they would most likely be too narrow with my wife next to me.
The blackout at the front: I can believe they certainly darken more than the roller blinds that are despised by many, so many will be happy with those, I guess.
With the length of the new one you apparently have a problem and this is something that can be, but we always look out for where we park it and experience teaches us to take into account the tailgate that still has to be able to open. That will certainly also apply to the new cali.
Travelling in the warm months will be great with that second sliding door as you state.
Neither do I see putting a toilet in front of the folded out bed as possible.. although there are those who claim it is possible:

Positive: how easy it is to move the two chairs on the rails: a relief. Also easy access to a storage box in the trunk, just to mention; or to the toilet: move a chair forward, slide the toilet out of the trunk and go ahead: of course not possible at night).
The reduced seating height inside with the roof/top bed down: I didn't have any problems with it and I'm 1m92.
I still have the following consideration: traveling with four is not something that looks convenient or even possible. I therefore suspect that VW aimed for couples more than families with children. But that is purely speculation on my part.
I'm sticking with my t6.1 coast and think the choice of the table in the trunk in the new one is a bad choice. The storage space is completely different (and has become less but for the number of people who will travel in it probably sufficient).
Reviews like yours can help people choosing or at least look at certain aspects from different perspective. So, indeed well done
Greetings
Calibusje