Top Gear test on T7

[Archie]

Humorous review of the T7 from Top Gear on YouTube.
Finland in subzero temperatures!
Appears to perform admirably but not really a test of what most of us consider important.
Shows what you can do with 2wd and winter tyres though.

 

[SaywellHQ]

Watched this when it went live, as you mention doesn’t really tell us much about the actual usage of the van, more for entertainment.

I think we will see a few more vids coming on the new T7 as they are now being handed over to new owners.

 

[2into1]

The shape of it is beginning to settle with me, particularly in that deep metallic red colour.

 

[Lost Boy]

I saw it for the first time at VolksWorld at the weekend and the shape is fin but the floor is so high vs the 6.1 which means with the roof down even a crouch is a challenge, presumably its something to do with space for the Hybrid batteries? Still unsure why twin sliders are necessary on a camper?

 

[Lambeth Cali]

2025 VW California Coast | UK Review

Going away this summer? Volkswagen has just the thing...

www.pistonheads.com

Having looked at this fairly positive review, it was just the pictures that got me. We go away for 16 nights every summer. There are 4 of us. This just wouldn’t work. Everything is tiny. If it rains, we cook inside and 4 of us eat around the table. Just look at this. How could the same people who built the California have made this new one? It is basically a weekend vehicle for two people! WTF

 

[JuanVecino2023]

I had a peek in one at Breeze when my van was serviced.

I concur, its a weekend trip van for a couple, maybe with one or two small kids.

 

[sticky1]

2025 VW California Coast | UK Review

Going away this summer? Volkswagen has just the thing...

www.pistonheads.com

Having looked at this fairly positive review, it was just the pictures that got me. We go away for 16 nights every summer. There are 4 of us. This just wouldn’t work. Everything is tiny. If it rains, we cook inside and 4 of us eat around the table. Just look at this. How could the same people who built the California have made this new one? It basically a weekend vehicle for two people! WTF
View attachment 138156

I think you are correct, it’s well suited to two.
They could be reflecting the fact that there is a massive market of van conversions to compete with, so this minivan conversion doesn’t have a lot of competition.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the new Transporter gets a California edition if the market accepts the Ford / VW collaboration.
Personally I’m enjoying the new tech and don’t have the same challenges with packing that other people mention, there’s loads of room under the back and behind the rear seats.
But with young kids and all their paraphernalia there isn’t the floor space of the older vans.
I still remind people that the old T2 Bay Window had even less space!

 

[WelshGas]

2025 VW California Coast | UK Review

Going away this summer? Volkswagen has just the thing...

www.pistonheads.com

Having looked at this fairly positive review, it was just the pictures that got me. We go away for 16 nights every summer. There are 4 of us. This just wouldn’t work. Everything is tiny. If it rains, we cook inside and 4 of us eat around the table. Just look at this. How could the same people who built the California have made this new one? It is basically a weekend vehicle for two people! WTF
View attachment 138156

You could always use the Outdoor table, but of course that wouldn’t be very photogenic.

 

[Lorri]

We have purchased a 2nd table - instead of bringing big table into van (His ' n' Hers) - Just 2 of us plus dog

 

[WelshGas]

All owners of Transporter based Californias seem to do is moan about the T7 Multivan based California and ignore the positive factors.
1. Better driving experience all round.
2. No mechanical handbrake
3. Swivel seats easily.
4. Easily remove rear seats as and when. Just pull the levers/straps and lift. Likewise replacing.
5. Downstairs bed can be made up for 1 or 2 and if for 1 then full access to kitchen or to carry your expensive bike/s inside.
6. Wind out awning either side or both sides or combined with sunshade.
7. Driveway awning either side or Both sides if you want a mansion.
8. Toilet/shower tent on side with direct access from vehicle.
9. Easier access to fridge contents from inside and outside.
10. Simple to use floor rail tie down rings supplied.
11. Height adjustable seats with descent lumbar support.

It's a different vehicle just as the T2/3 to T4/5.

 

[Lakes_Puma]

All owners of Transporter based Californias seem to do is moan about the T7 Multivan based California and ignore the positive factors.
1. Better driving experience all round.
2. No mechanical handbrake
3. Swivel seats easily.
4. Easily remove rear seats as and when. Just pull the levers/straps and lift. Likewise replacing.
5. Downstairs bed can be made up for 1 or 2 and if for 1 then full access to kitchen or to carry your expensive bike/s inside.
6. Wind out awning either side or both sides or combined with sunshade.
7. Driveway awning either side or Both sides if you want a mansion.
8. Toilet/shower tent on side with direct access from vehicle.
9. Easier access to fridge contents from inside and outside.
10. Simple to use floor rail tie down rings supplied.
11. Height adjustable seats with descent lumbar support.

It's a different vehicle just as the T2/3 to T4/5.

Can you elaborate on point 5, the downstairs bed is the full width so I can't see how it makes any difference the number of people on it?

I'm genuinely interested as I've ordered a T7 and would like to be able to secure my bike inside while I sleep.

 

[WelshGas]

Can you elaborate on point 5, the downstairs bed is the full width so I can't see how it makes any difference the number of people on it?

I'm genuinely interested as I've ordered a T7 and would like to be able to secure my bike inside while I sleep.

I gather you can just use 1 seat in bed mode. Obviously you would have to use a half width mattress or equivilent.

 

[Lakes_Puma]

I gather you can just use 1 seat in bed mode. Obviously you would have to use a half width mattress or equivilent.

Ah, I see what you are getting at, but I think it would be difficult to do in reality as with a seat removed the bed mattress is resting on the kitchen "shelf" which is why you can get away without a seat on that side.

I think a good solution, which I am going to look into when I get mine, is to be able to use an extension bed board with a leg to replace both seats then you could have the whole under bed space as storage which would probably take a couple of bikes on their side.

 

[WelshGas]

Ah, I see what you are getting at, but I think it would be difficult to do in reality as with a seat removed the bed mattress is resting on the kitchen "shelf" which is why you can get away without a seat on that side.

I think a good solution, which I am going to look into when I get mine, is to be able to use an extension bed board with a leg to replace both seats then you could have the whole under bed space as storage which would probably take a couple of bikes on their side.

Or just use a single width mattress, Duvelay , in place of the double width mattress. So you have rear bed board and the one seat on opposite side to kitchen, or vice versa with single mattress topper.

 

[Steve_D]

I was had a dilemma with this; I wanted a do it all vehicle I could use as a daily runner and take on camping trips.. (usually two plus a collie) often weekends, but occasionally up to a week at a time.
Having viewed the T7; To me the compromises were just too big in terms of lack of space and utilities e.g one single burner for food prep, tiny sink, less than practical indoor table and most importantly, storage space (especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and carrying hiking gear, biking gear, or a even paddle board).
Cost although not a deal breaker also played a part, I managed to pick up a low mileage 22 plate 4motion Ocean 6.1 for 15k less.
That all said, I don’t use the 6.1 as an everyday vehicle, it’s doable but not entirely practical or cost effective (especially in the higher powered 4motion variant) , so I still have a van and car.. again compromises.
Still can’t decide if I absolutely did the right thing, I think as an out and out camper the 6.1 definitely ticks more boxes, but in terms of everyday drivability and practicality the T7 definitely wins out.
In summary, if you can afford and have the space for a car and a van then great as you get the best of both worlds (I know people use their 6’s and 6.1’s as their only vehicle but I struggled). If not though I’d seriously consider the T7. I’m definitely not a hater and heard great reviews from some owners so it’s horses for courses for sure!

 

[Californication69]

I’ve heard if you want a 6foot campervan with a load of space the chausson X555 is the one to look at.
Although I have sat in similar (fiat motorhomes) and the seat was awful.
Couldn’t get comfy sitting still.
So until I retire and can splash out on the MLT 580 off road beast, t7 will do.

 

[Californication69]

I was had a dilemma with this; I wanted a do it all vehicle I could use as a daily runner and take on camping trips.. (usually two plus a collie) often weekends, but occasionally up to a week at a time.
Having viewed the T7; To me the compromises were just too big in terms of lack of space and utilities e.g one single burner for food prep, tiny sink, less than practical indoor table and most importantly, storage space (especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and carrying hiking gear, biking gear, or a even paddle board).
Cost although not a deal breaker also played a part, I managed to pick up a low mileage 22 plate 4motion Ocean 6.1 for 15k less.
That all said, I don’t use the 6.1 as an everyday vehicle, it’s doable but not entirely practical or cost effective (especially in the higher powered 4motion variant) , so I still have a van and car.. again compromises.
Still can’t decide if I absolutely did the right thing, I think as an out and out camper the 6.1 definitely ticks more boxes, but in terms of everyday drivability and practicality the T7 definitely wins out.
In summary, if you can afford and have the space for a car and a van then great as you get the best of both worlds (I know people use their 6’s and 6.1’s as their only vehicle but I struggled). If not though I’d seriously consider the T7. I’m definitely not a hater and heard great reviews from some owners so it’s horses for courses for sure!

Just wanted to see how the cost debate works out.

So my figures are for the t7 4m Ocean
£91 less £9K discount.
£82k
Over 5 years is around £750 a month with £5k in.
It’s GFV is £51k in 5 years.
So I hand back.
So I’ve paid £45k over 5 years
I could buy another vehicle 2nd hand for £45k but no warranty, free MOT or breakdown.
And the potential for major failure would need more cash ready for action.

What are your costings ?

 

[Kayleigh]

For those looking at a flexible solution with the ability to carry outdoor equipment and keep a bike inside, I think it’s worth considering the T7 Multivan instead of the California. Then fit the VanEssa Arco system. This gives you two single beds and the ability to easily remove one for bike/equipment storage. It also includes a pullout kitchen on one side. Of course you don’t get all the other fancy Cali benefits, but when Reimo bring out a T7 poptop it could easily be retrofitted if you need to sleep four people.

 

[andyinluton]

Just wanted to see how the cost debate works out.

So my figures are for the t7 4m Ocean
£91 less £9K discount.
£82k
Over 5 years is around £750 a month with £5k in.
It’s GFV is £51k in 5 years.
So I hand back.
So I’ve paid £45k over 5 years
I could buy another vehicle 2nd hand for £45k but no warranty, free MOT or breakdown.
And the potential for major failure would need more cash ready for action.

What are your costings ?

But you wouldn’t have £45k for the second hand vehicle, the £45k you’ve spent includes a large chunk of interest for the bit of the van you only borrowed. So you should really be looking at what you can get for £5k down and £750 a month for 5 years which is probably more likely ke a £35k vehicle.

 

[Mansfieldman750]

Or just use a single width mattress, Duvelay , in place of the double width mattress. So you have rear bed board and the one seat on opposite side to kitchen, or vice versa with single mattress topper.

The width of the downstairs bed in the T7 ( I call it a bed because it has a solid base so not really a mattress ) is 108cm. So if you are going to jettison the original bed and replace it with a half width bed, you would have a bed width of 54cm.
That’s well short of two feet in old money.
Now if you were benighted half way up a mountain face you might be glad to sleep on a two feet ledge, but to do it by choice, well that’s not campervanning, it’s masochism.
Not to mention the possibility of getting poked in the eye by the handlebar of the bike which is where the seat used to be.

As for as your broad generalisation that all owners of previous generation Californias have a downer on the T7 and are ignoring its good points, I think they have had a look and decided there are more shortcomings than good points.
Especially if they want to go camping in it.
Each to their own.

 

[Corradobrit]

The width of the downstairs bed in the T7 ( I call it a bed because it has a solid base so not really a mattress ) is 108cm.

Overly generous. Its more like 106cm

Not to mention the possibility of getting poked in the eye by the handlebar of the bike which is where the seat used to be.

Well its either the bike or your SO. Either way, chances are you're not going to get a good nights sleep.

 

[Mansfieldman750]

Overly generous. Its more like 106cm



Well its either the bike or your SO. Either way, chances are you're not going to get a good nights sleep.

Well California Chris measured it and got 108.5. But then again he’s trying to sell them so maybe a bit of sales talk there.
Actually in one of his videos he does take the kitchen side seat out. Have a look, great laugh.

 

[Ian in Leicester]

Well California Chris measured it and got 108.5. But then again he’s trying to sell them so maybe a bit of sales talk there.
Actually in one of his videos he does take the kitchen side seat out. Have a look, great laugh.

I just measured and the mattress is 106cm but the gap it fits in is 108.5cm so I guess everyone is correct!

 

[Woodstock25]

To take us about 20 minutes to set up a drive away awning. We never cook in the van, at best put on a kettle so we have no real use for a double burner. A full size drive away awning, kitchen shelving, double burner, steps for the pop up roof, and some single fold away tables all fit in the back below the bed - with room to spare. There loads of room for sleeping bags, clothes and pillows etc in the top of the back bed. There’s loads of room for utensils, and food in the kitchen for 3 or 4 days, and the fridge is a decent size. I’ve spend holidays in a T6.1 and really don’t find any downsides in the T7. The ride is soo much better. With me and herself mostly up top, and the 4 legged friend downstairs, there’s no need to set the bed up if you don’t want.

 

[WelshGas]

The width of the downstairs bed in the T7 ( I call it a bed because it has a solid base so not really a mattress ) is 108cm. So if you are going to jettison the original bed and replace it with a half width bed, you would have a bed width of 54cm.
That’s well short of two feet in old money.
Now if you were benighted half way up a mountain face you might be glad to sleep on a two feet ledge, but to do it by choice, well that’s not campervanning, it’s masochism.
Not to mention the possibility of getting poked in the eye by the handlebar of the bike which is where the seat used to be.

As for as your broad generalisation that all owners of previous generation Californias have a downer on the T7 and are ignoring its good points, I think they have had a look and decided there are more shortcomings than good points.
Especially if they want to go camping in it.
Each to their own.

Expected response. You are presuming it is an adult downstairs and the bike is in the van.
Could be a family of 3 with 2 adults upstairs and a child downstairs with easy access to the kitchen.
Better look after your California because your next Campervan could be a VW badged Ford.