What design changes would you like to see on a T7 California?

[Walrus]

Easily removable headrests on the rear seat please if that hasn't been mentioned.

 

[PudnBob]

Not sure you have different diesel, but with standard UK diesel my heater smells, always has and probably always will. I've taken it to an Eberspacher specialist who told me the smell was normal as well as letting Hereford VW have the van for a few days to check it, (they also told me there was nothing wrong and they had tried another Cali and it smelt just the same). I would be very happy if the smell disappeared once it warmed up but with mine it doesn't.

We do have the initial smell but ours does seem to go quite quickly.

 

[Spartan]

HCCI engine and a ladder (not sure which is easier for VW to engineer).

 

[Borris]

HCCI engine and a ladder (not sure which is easier for VW to engineer).

It all sounds fiendishly clever. Am I being dense but I've watched it twice now and I don't think he mentioned what fuel these things use? If he did, I missed it. I would image it would be diesel as it sounds like development of the compression ignition principal.

Also I think I am right in saying that he mentioned that conventional diesels have an ignition source. As far as I am aware, apart from the glow plugs to aid cold starting all diesels are purely compression ignition.

He does look rather boffinesque so it almost certainly me being thick as usual.

 

[Spartan]

It all sounds fiendishly clever. Did he mention what fuel is used? If he did, I missed it.

I don't think it was stated either. Depending upon the HCCI solution, it can be petrol or diesel or even a blend (new fuel at the pump?). In Mazda's solution - yes, this is not just theory but will soon be a reality - it's petrol (gasoline) based cleverness:

 

[flying banana]

So, if you were on the ‘design team’, you’d call it a Bongo? Right?

Congo bongo

 

[ROKET]

Congo bongo

Could done with the rear view mirror a little bit lower to see more behind.

 

[Stoneybroke]

11 - Curtains, instead of those stupid roll up blinds

We Love the blinds - disappear when driving, whereas curtains obstruct views, flap about.

 

[Stoneybroke]

Just a little roof redesign - strengthening ribs up, not down to stop pooling and the cascade when you pull off...

 

[HowardLeC]

The ability to swivel both seats with a pull lever and no jiggling around of handbrakes, steering wheels, door frames etc.

And the option of a sliding door on the LHS - aka the T5 commercial version.

 

[Julian_Camper_Man]

Try this to see if it whets your appetite for 2022!

Enjoy!!

 

[sbmcd]

We have loved our 3 and a bit years of California ownership, it is pretty well sorted apart from the roof issue. What I would like to see:

- Carbon roof for obvious reasons or at least a new seal without a metal insert.
- Solar roof panels as an option.
- Long wheelbase option.
- Handbrake that allows the driver seat to be rotated.

 

[Amarillo]

We have loved our 3 and a bit years of California ownership, it is pretty well sorted apart from the roof issue. What I would like to see:

- Carbon roof for obvious reasons or at least a new seal without a metal insert.
- Solar roof panels as an option.
- Long wheelbase option.
- Handbrake that allows the driver seat to be rotated.

I reckon the whole roof should be one large integrated solar panel - should be about 500 watts. Just imagine the sophisticated alarm and other security devices you could power with that, provided you had sufficient battery back up for overnight.


Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Paul Roe]

Electric Handbrake to get rid of handbrake lever
Better interior lighting
builtin blinds for the front side windows
a single push button that electrically turns the front seats around
electric blinds (the bongo had them 20 years ago!)

 

[Smiffy4bikes]

An electric rock and roll bed...

 

[motacyclist]

Just a toilet somewhere please

 

[Borris]

Just a toilet somewhere please

You sound desperate.

How about a swiveling drivers seat with built in commode option?

 

[Ginab]

Given strong European sales why would VW offer incentives for UK models? Just produce less UK and more LHD.

The only competition, the Marco Polo is even worse. Limited 2017 production, very little negotiating room and an almost total disinterest from MBUK to dealer level at bothering to sell the thing. Clearly a take it or leave it market test my MB which we may in turn ultimately see from VW.

Incidentally, your gasp-shock-horror that we may be heading for the £70k+ cali is a little out of date ... I've just priced up Albert's replacement and it is £70k before the 3%.

I’ve just ordered a Marco Polo and so far am very pleased
Got a good discount without any hassle and the mb staff have been excellent. True, they do not have experience with Campervans so cannot be expected to have all the answers but they are more than willing to find out answers to my questions and I am training them too!

 

[GrannyJen]

I’ve just ordered a Marco Polo and so far am very pleased
Got a good discount without any hassle and the mb staff have been excellent. True, they do not have experience with Campervans so cannot be expected to have all the answers but they are more than willing to find out answers to my questions and I am training them too!

That's excellent to hear. It certainly makes a change to the majority of postings on the MP forum. It will do everyone a favour for competition to come into the market. My own experience, twice making appointments to view the MP, have been very disappointing. I've heard good things about MB Brooklands though which I might go to if I can raise the enthusiasm again.

7% seems to be the average MP discount that others are achieving which about mirrors the VW experience.

Congratulations on your vehicle.

 

[Freeley]

Well as GJ has said my view on pricing is subjective. However, with those regular price rises nudging an Ocean closer and closer to the 70k mark. Will you still think that is reasonable?

My brother in law has recently splashed out on a Reimo T6 conversion - 204 DSG 4Motion LBW high top. He was too embarrassed to admit exactly how much it cost, but after plenty of grilling I'm pretty certain it cost £70k.
And to my eyes the interior still looks a bit home brew and certainly not up to California standards.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Freeley]

Problem is do they really care about the UK Cali market?

If they did, they would have sorted the dealer network out years ago.

Is it even significant for them? Compared to the van market...but even the vans are markedly more expensive...

Transporters are undoubtedly more expensive than any other vans on the road in the UK (not sure about the Vito)?
but residuals are miles above anything else on the market so if you're going to sell in the future you get your money back.
I recently sold my T6 High line 140ps lwb - bought in March 2016 for £21k(+vat but i claimed that back as a business expense), and 18 months later with 14000 on the clock sold it for £20k so only lost £1k in that time.
Compare that to a Renault Trafic which you might as well throw away after 5 years for what it's worth by then.


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[Jay586]

Yep, that's the business case that persuaded my other half...

 

[2haw]

Transporters are undoubtedly more expensive than any other vans on the road in the UK (not sure about the Vito)?
but residuals are miles above anything else on the market so if you're going to sell in the future you get your money back.
I recently sold my T6 High line 140ps lwb - bought in March 2016 for £21k(+vat but i claimed that back as a business expense), and 18 months later with 14000 on the clock sold it for £20k so only lost £1k in that time.
Compare that to a Renault Trafic which you might as well throw away after 5 years for what it's worth by then.


Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

This is the same arguement that I have with people thinking of buying a T6 or a Transit / Renault van, you pay out more up front but get it back when you sell.
I've seen very old transits on the side of the road for sale for £500 in the past but im sure you'd get far more than that for an early Transporter.

I had an Amarok Edition a few years back but didn't get on with it, sold it back to the dealer 6 months later for £900 less than I'd paid for it!

Did you sell yours for 20k + Vat or 20k Inc Vat?

 

[California4x4]

Some good ideas here I think. Having built my own campervan in the past, I’m a realist as to what can be achieved. I would like to see these options:
LWB
Integrated solar panels
Lithium batteries with amp-hours
1000watt inverter
Subtle mood lighting
Darker privacy tint.
Leather interior
More interior colour options
Better insulation
Forced ventilation system
Stereo system that runs from auxiliary battery
Air suspension option on 4Motion
Google maps for Appconnect for iPhone
App remote connection that enables remote system monitoring:
Battery
Location
Alarm
Temperature

System control:
Adjust ventilation
Adjust heating
Adjust fridge
Start engine
Heated seats and windscreen

Although I’m also happy to say I’m very content to have my high spec T6 just the way it is. Best vehicle I’ve owned and I’ve had 3 camper vans, 3 sports cars, modified safari vehicles and multiple normal vehicles over the years.

 

[Pml]

LWB but just seen the Westfalia Kepler Six, although some of you might prefer the Westfalia Keplar One.