New VW Multivan California Coast - ask away?

[Muffutd]

Morning all

So in summary - i enjoyed the trip in the new T7 California Coast and was comparing to my 6 month old T6.1 (the last run of the transporter base).

I have listed pros and cons from my perspective and you will all have your own preferences but I hope it helps any potential buyer

I would say that one of the big selling points per the adverts is the two door opening. For me this addition has meant the loss of the internal table and a proper kitchen. The loss is bigger than the gain for me

Here are my observations;

T7 Good in order of importance to me

• The downstairs mattress is more comfortable straight out of the box and the need for additional mattresses is not required although if you did there would be limited boot space
• Space for phone in cab is much more convenient and safer
• Thermal blinds are good for black out but a bit of Faff to install correctly - I ended up not using the metal poles - which was much easier
• Chairs rotate easily and no scratching pillars
• Chair fabric is better and doesn’t appear that would stain as easily or least it wouldn’t be seen
• The rear view is better as seats back seat headrests sit lower and so you can see fully out rear window- you can of course fold them down in T6.1 (assuming no passengers)
• No handbrake means more space and much easier to swivel
• Handbrake and gears on dash - takes a bit of getting used to but really no difference
• Cup position ok although it’s probably harder to use with phone /wires around the same area but each to their own

T7 not so good in order of importance to me

• Gas bottle position was (for me) impossible to fit cylinder. During my two day experience I never got it in to the space and connected despite many attempts - frustration led me just to use it left in the boot - maybe I was meant to move the back parcel shelve and mattress - if so not impressed
• Kitchen area is not as functional and I am really struggling to see plates, pots and pans being stored in any unit close to the kitchen position
• The control unit - is old tech - no instant touch, delayed reaction, keeps telling me tanks are empty. I have to be sat in the back to control anything ( I am guessing there is a phone app but I don’t want to have to use my phone to switch on the fridge )
• Smaller overall living space when bed up
• Struggle with Porta potti
• Charging off grid - only one c point I could find / on grid works better, plenty that work. I think there is another but need to open left hand side door
• The van heater is now at rear so noisier when sleeping as next to head (some sleep with feet at back)
• No noticeable heat outlets so won’t be able to dry towels etc so quickly - although the heat is more spread or that’s how it feels ie under bed
• No vanity mirror anymore
• Water tank inside - didn’t use it so not fair to comment but common sense says why?- clearly a van build constraint - so a VW compromise in my opinion
• Blinds are good quality but they are either up or down no halfway house for letting in light m/ keeping privacy- they are less flimsy but they are open or shut
• Small kitchen table is ok but no where as useable. I don’t think the four sat around the table is possible so less useable for many of us that enjoy tea and cake with friend / family

Having returned in the sleet and snow and being stuck in a horrendous accident A34 ( hope people were ok) I was pleased to be in my T6.1 #ascotgrey

The real measure I guess is - I am not dreaming of owing the new California - cue the Eagles / Mamas and Papas sound track xx

 

[Muffutd]

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 trunk lid 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
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

Hi - yes I read your review it was excellent too and I and am definitely not a hater and there will be a whole generation of new buyers who will love their vans and this next evolution - each van has always had its issues / gripes and brilliant points and this new van is no different - the main thing for us to all remember is that in the end as long as we are out in whatever van we own then we are living the dream - which is a good thing

 

[calibusje]

Hi - yes I read your review it was excellent too and I and am definitely not hater and there will be a whole generation of new buyers who will love their vans and this next evolution - each van has always had its issues / gripes and brilliant points and this new van is no different - the main thing for us to all remember is that in the end as long as we are out in whatever van we own then we are living the dream - which is a good thing

I don't think you are a hater, rather curious and willing to share your experience and that is good.
I have the same concerns about many things as you and not about others but that is normal since these are such specific -niche- vehicles this can hardly be otherwise. I completely agree with you: the new one will certainly have its happy users.
Each new generation or evolution of the california was also just that little bit different and sometimes there is a clear different approach like now; I went from a t4 westy to a t6.1 cali and this was probably a smaller step than it will be for some from a t6.1 to the new cali for comparison.
Living the dream, traveling as much as possible with it (and for me also my daily driver).

 

[Corradobrit]

T7 not so good in order of importance to me

• Gas bottle position was (for me) impossible to fit cylinder. During my two day experience I never got it in to the space and connected despite many attempts - frustration led me just to use it left in the boot - maybe I was meant to move the back parcel shelve and mattress - if so not impressed

Maybe it's designed to accommodate the shorter R904 size bottle. Makes sense with only 1 burner to supply.

 

[Muffutd]

Maybe it's designed to accommodate the shorter R904 size bottle. Makes sense with only 1 burner to supply.

Ahhh maybe - the moulding is definitely the right size for 907 - I can get the unit in but it’s the connection method - on hand and knees and can’t see under the back bench - then tried connected it outside the space and then found you can’t get the bottle in with the valve attached - I’m sure someone will have the knack and post a video in due course but I gave up on it after several attempts at different times - probably says more about me than the design

 

[AscotGreyCali]

Thanks for this, we spent a day in late summer 2023 driving back from Orkney in a 6.1 Ocean hire van discussing whether we were going to buy one.

It was day the Multivan California first photos were released.

We decided to order a 6.1 our reasoning at the time was that it would be spring 2025 before we would most likely get to Test Drive or Hire a new California and probably Autumn 2025 before one would arrive.

We are delighted with the T6.1 and really appreciate it up here in Aberdeenshire. I think it will be with us for a number of years.

But if I look back at our buying journey, we first visited VW commercial to see if the ID Buzz might replace an estate car, I can see how if it was us walking in the dealership for the first time now in 2025 having never owned a camper van (although my parents had a very cool Mk1 Transit Pop-Top conversion) … the New California might have convinced us.

So I think it will do well.



Pity there isn’t Ascot Grey on the new California… but I like the new metallic Orange.

 

[Muffutd]

Thanks for this, we spent a day in late summer 2023 driving back from Orkney in a 6.1 Ocean hire van discussing whether we were going to buy one.

It was day the Multivan California first photos were released.

We decided to order a 6.1 our reasoning at the time was that it would be spring 2025 before we would most likely get to Test Drive or Hire a new California and probably Autumn 2025 before one would arrive.

We are delighted with the T6.1 and really appreciate it up here in Aberdeenshire. I think it will be with us for a number of years.

But if I look back at our buying journey, we first visited VW commercial to see if the ID Buzz might replace an estate car, I can see how if it was us walking in the dealership for the first time now in 2025 having never owned a camper van (although my parents had a very cool Mk1 Transit Pop-Top conversion) … the New California might have convinced us.

So I think it will do well.

View attachment 132402

Pity there isn’t Ascot Grey on the new California… but I like the new metallic Orange.

Hi
Great pic - would be interesting to see what it would look like in our colour and yes I bet the orange would be cool - haven’t seen one yet

I agree for first timers it will certainly tick the boxes and I’m sure that they will enjoy their new experiences in the van - it is still very good and so many will want the latest thing

Like you though, I am pleased we chose to buy the last of a great van

The most important learning point in the last year is to make sure you ‘try before you buy’ and if it was me now I think I would try both 6.1 and multi-van Cali’s and then it will be clear

 

[calibusje]

@AscotGreyCali @Muffutd Are we talking ascot grey?

 

[WelshGas]

@AscotGreyCali @Muffutd Are we talking ascot grey?
View attachment 132408

Is that your DAB aerial?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Is that your DAB aerial?

“Leave no trace”…apart from a sign that sticks out like a sore thumb (but does serve a purpose).

 

[calibusje]

Is that your DAB aerial?

The sign? I don't know. I came across them everywhere #GrandTourofSwitzerland

 

[Muffutd]

@AscotGreyCali @Muffutd Are we talking ascot grey?
View attachment 132408

 

[Muffutd]

Love the wheels, here is mine

 

[Corradobrit]

“Leave no trace”…apart from a sign that sticks out like a sore thumb (but does serve a purpose).

Its the clockwork Cali prototype.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Another really useful comparison of the T7 v 6.1 thank you ever so much for taking the time to answer all those questions in an unbiased way!

Although this seems a significant departure from the previous generations I'm still pretty sure VW still knows what it's doing. Perhaps they see the market now as those who will be using it as a daily driver with very short breaks/days out. Personally if this were to be my only vehicle I'd probably choose the T7 however if it were more of an occasional vehicle I'd definitely choose the T6.1. As the OP stated I'm sure there will a new generation of buyers who will love it, and many of those may even wonder why anyone would want at 6.1

 

[calibusje]

If I may, a short, with the interest some show in my photo : some more signs to see here and above all an explanation of what they are
Thread 'The Grand Tour of Switzerland: a travelogue.'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/the-grand-tour-of-switzerland-a-travelogue.56667/

 

[Muffutd]

Another really useful comparison of the T7 v 6.1 thank you ever so much for taking the time to answer all those questions in an unbiased way!

Although this seems a significant departure from the previous generations I'm still pretty sure VW still knows what it's doing. Perhaps they see the market now as those who will be using it as a daily driver with very short breaks/days out. Personally if this were to be my only vehicle I'd probably choose the T7 however if it were more of an occasional vehicle I'd definitely choose the T6.1. As the OP stated I'm sure there will a new generation of buyers who will love it, and many of those may even wonder why anyone would want at 6.1

Thanks Barry

My wife and I were talking about it today and we agree with you that I am sure lots of people who want a new van will of course choose the new multi van base and for sure that any newbie campers will be going for it - I have no doubt it will be successful for VW and for those that buy it

I think it’s a case of a typical change cycle, those of us that have experienced one of the previous versions, know what we like and will finder it harder to convert.

One iconic thing I think will be harder, is the ability to change and customise what is the VW starting point and make it your own - I just cant see the same level of customisation being available with this new model - time will tell though

To be honest VW I am sure want to attract new customers and I have no doubt that the van will be the ticket for them to the next generation of camper and as you say anyone who wants a car and camper - well it’s got that box ticked too

 

[Muffutd]

If I may, a shortView attachment 132418, with the interest some show in my photo : some more signs to see here and above all an explanation of what they are
Thread 'The Grand Tour of Switzerland: a travelogue.'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/the-grand-tour-of-switzerland-a-travelogue.56667/

Excellent, I will take a look as have a July trip to Lucca to see Simple Minds so was pondering the best route and you may have just covered that off for me

 

[Cali Guy]

If I may, a shortView attachment 132418, with the interest some show in my photo : some more signs to see here and above all an explanation of what they are
Thread 'The Grand Tour of Switzerland: a travelogue.'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/the-grand-tour-of-switzerland-a-travelogue.56667/

Dear calibusje can I ask where you acquired your large luggage box that I see is on your bike rack.
Would you recommend? Thanks

 

[CaliKatt]

Although this seems a significant departure from the previous generations I'm still pretty sure VW still knows what it's doing.

What in the last few years of VW decisions give you the impression that they "know what they are doing"?

 

[Corradobrit]

What in the last few years of VW decisions give you the impression that they "know what they are doing"?

Well they know how to cheat emissions..... I'll get my coat.

 

[calibusje]

Dear calibusje can I ask where you acquired your large luggage box that I see is on your bike rack.
Would you recommend? Thanks

Hi, it is a Fiamma ultra box 320; I bought it second hand several years ago and I have installed it on the bicycle rack from our old T4 westfalia. Therefore I made to attach it, something myself and also something similar for this rack. I do think there are elements to attach it on a modern bicycle rack like ours - t6.1 but also t6 - and are still available.
It’s lockable and I would recommend it, yes: easy to use (open/ close/ locking) and a nice extra luggage space. We put voluminous -but lightweight- stuff in it like beach mats, inflatables, beach toys, bath towels, Basketball (for the daughter) etc.
To keep the tailgate open, I cut an aluminium u-profile and place it at the struts (it stays open with the empty box on it but not filled with luggage).
It does add some length to your cali and when filled it’s quite heavy to open the tailgate but it’s a significant increase in your luggage space for the longer travels.