T7 Multivan Style Hybrid - precursor for the Hybrid California.

[willwander]

No. But then neither did my T5.1.

Ah, that must be nice.

 

[pjm-84]

Does it rattle?

Took my awning off and no rattles.....lovely.

 

[WelshGas]

Now sorted out the Infotainment system.
Android Auto works seamlessly connecting automatically every time.
System connects automatically to my Home Wifi and also to my T-Link Mifi installed in the Boot storage pocket powered from the 12v socket with a switchable usb plug.
Also got a mini sizes 64GB usbC memory stick with 290 hrs of music plugged into the Data usb Infotainment Port.

All working perfectly .

 

[greenfintry]

Interested to hear your thoughts on life style impacts of the change from your T5 4Motion… Maybe about to make a similar change. Still needing to have a camp option occasionally but quite like the Ququq style kitchen module and roll out bed. The extra flexibility of the T7 Multivan is attractive and it looks like the T7 Cali even in beach form loses the full load width and 3rd row of seats. Can it take an awning? What about storage? Are you using the window bags….. TIA

 

[WelshGas]

Interested to hear your thoughts on life style impacts of the change from your T5 4Motion… Maybe about to make a similar change. Still needing to have a camp option occasionally but quite like the Ququq style kitchen module and roll out bed. The extra flexibility of the T7 Multivan is attractive and it looks like the T7 Cali even in beach form loses the full load width and 3rd row of seats. Can it take an awning? What about storage? Are you using the window bags….. TIA

For us it seems a good fit.
At present I’ve removed 2 seats to storage. Moved the rear 3 seats forward and store 2 x folding e-bikes in boot with plenty of storage left.
Interesting fact, the outer rear seats can only be locked in one of 2 positions due to them using sidewall mounted seat belts. This suits us, but the the central rear seat and the 2 middle row seats have integral seatbelts and can be locked anywhere along the track. If I replace a rear outer seat by one of the middle row seats then it can lock anywhere..
I would have thought the 5/7 seater T7 California Beach would have the same seats and internal dimensions, but it would be the LWB version.

 

[greenfintry]

Does the small fuel tank annoy you? What sort of range do you get on a motorway run starting fully charged and full fuel tank?

 

[WelshGas]

Does the small fuel tank annoy you? What sort of range do you get on a motorway run starting fully charged and full fuel tank?

Well the vehicle info says 30 miles EV and 300 Petrol.

But, in Hybrid mode the EV is used for start off and helps on acceleration.
The battery is recharged by regenerative braking AND when cruising at steady speed the IC engine will also recharge the EV battery.
I have a 400 mile return trip to the Fens in a few weeks so I’ll have some real world experience to talk about.

 

[WelshGas]

For those who missed the loss of Sports Mode on the T6.1.
It’s back on the T7 Multivan, at least on the Hybrid it is.
The Hybrid has a 6 speed DSG box. Electric drive is used for 1st and Reverse.
You select by moving the Dashboard gear switch to D/S and then push to switch to select S for Sports function. There are steering wheel paddles as well for Manual control.

 

[WelshGas]

Few more things on the Multivan Hybrid.
1. Engine battery charged when the EV battery is plugged in for charging.
2. 6 powered usbc sockets but only 1 socket for data and power. Seem to be ignition controlled but take a while to power down after Ignition Off.
3. 3 powered 12v sockets.
4. A Speed Limiter function which when switched on has the present road speed limit set. It can be altered using ACC controls. Not sure how much use it will get compared with ACC.

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

@WelshGas - this is a really useful thread. Keep it coming as I think practical hands-on experience is definitely needed in place of speculation and guessing. A quick question - how does the hybrid feel compared to your previous diesel, particularly do you notice it swapping gears more. Or is it all so smooth as to be imperceptible?

 

[WelshGas]

@WelshGas - this is a really useful thread. Keep it coming as I think practical hands-on experience is definitely needed in place of speculation and guessing. A quick question - how does the hybrid feel compared to your previous diesel, particularly do you notice it swapping gears more. Or is it all so smooth as to be imperceptible?

Accelerates a lot quicker. You wouldn’t know when the IC engine takes over, only by noting the change on the Dashboard rev counter. Haven’t heard a Starter Motor. I think it uses a combined starter/ generator system.Always uses the EV to start off from Stop or in Reverse, and just seamlessly changes to IC and through the gears. Only by using the graphics on the Dash do you know which you are using and when gears change.

Don’t have to hold it on the footbrake at the lights. Electronic brake comes on at Stop and immediately releases when pressing accelerator.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Sounds like you have a mercedes operating system in your VW, wait till it does an update over the air whilst driving along, then you'll have to remember how to drive it when your least expecting it!

 

[WelshGas]

Sounds like you have a mercedes operating system in your VW, wait till it does an update over the air whilst driving along, then you'll have to remember how to drive it when your least expecting it!

Will download the Update but will not install until you decide. Cannot be done while driving . Ignition Off and vehicle locked.

 

[WelshGas]

Parking Assist works well. Both Parallel and Nose in/out to kerb.

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

I saw one whilst picking up a car hire yesterday. Now I get the point around the distance from the front of the car to the steering wheel. So much space and not in a good way!

 

[WelshGas]

One or two interesting facts on the Hybrid Multivan, that might be on the New California equivilent.
No searching for the Handbook - full searchable Digital Handbook via Help button on Infotainment Screen.
This might be usefull- AirCon can be used whilst parked up with ignition off to heat/cool as it uses the EV battery. It appears that the vehicle keeps a substantial reserve of the EV battery even when range on EV is 0mls. I've had it on for 2 hrs with range showing 0mls .