Where oh where did VW go wrong?

[JAG7001]

For me the new one isn't a Transporter. It's a Transit with a Transit engine with a different front end and badges. Big mistake by VW IMO. Sales figures will define whether it's a success or not. We'll see.

I agree, but the manufacturers good old days are over, they need to collaborate with other marques in order to keep a margin , they are all doing it

 

[Ch1pbutty]

EV’s for say first 4 years mean little or zero income from servicing / parts for dealers. Hence, they have to be smart and design decent model that will sell, as this is now the only decent opportunity to generate income, otherwise they get overtaken by the competition / R&D money wasted (hence a lot of tech sharing).

 

[larrylamb]

I agree, but the manufacturers good old days are over, they need to collaborate with other marques in order to keep a margin , they are all doing it

Yeah, I get it. Just seems end of the line for such an iconic vehicle. The Transporter heritage stops at 6.1 for me.

 

[FivetonesCali]

Pertinent to this thread.

 

[Corradobrit]

Pertinent to this thread.

I saw that over the weekend. A lot has been said regarding the Ford wet belt design being a weakness. I thought it interesting when the presenter stated the VW engine is also a wet belt...... so I assume the VW engines designers knew what they were doing and the same failures are not a common issue.

 

[FivetonesCali]

Well, the assertion is that they need to be serviced on time and in any case they’ve toughened that wet belt up.

The electric (or hybrid even) are more attractive to me anyway. Not the current specs but in a few years.

 

[larrylamb]

I saw that over the weekend. A lot has been said regarding the Ford wet belt design being a weakness. I thought it interesting when the presenter stated the VW engine is also a wet belt...... so I assume the VW engines designers knew what they were doing and the same failures are not a common issue.

AFAIK the vw wetbelt is purely the oil pump belt not the cambelt. The cambelt is the one under stress and subject to failure under certain conditions not the oil pump.

 

[Corradobrit]

AFAIK the vw wetbelt is purely the oil pump belt not the cambelt. The cambelt is the one under stress and subject to failure under certain conditions not the oil pump.

Yes, I raised an eyebrow when I heard the presenter make the comparo. The cambelt in the VW is dry. I think he's getting his belts crossed.

 

[Bulliturk]

Bu bir hata değil. Türkiye'de çok sayıda örneği var

Home - Demonte Karavan

www.demontekaravan.com

Home - Demonte Karavan

www.demontekaravan.com

 

[sdes]

I actually like the new van (shock, horror!) but I can’t see how 2 adults can sleep comfortably downstairs when needed (as we did on current van last week). I think lots of the ‘other’ issues can be overcome by just taking less - and we tend to do 6 week tours around Europe, so not easy!

Hmnn, and quite odd given they’ve made it longer
T7 California 5.17 m
T6 California 4.90 m
Where I live in London, parking permits are limited to vehicles 5m max length, so where my 2007 Cali 4M is a daily driver, VW have made the decision not to have a T7 for me!
I never did really understand why they didn’t use the LWB van as the base vehicle for a camper - for everyone else that doesn’t have that parking permits issue that is!

 

[Corradobrit]

Hmnn, and quite odd given they’ve made it longer
T7 California 5.17 m
T6 California 4.90 m

Not so odd when you know the Multivan Cali (there is no T7) is built on a car chassis, pushing the front seats further back into the cabin.

 

[Rosie75]

I managed to view one for the first time at a dealer this week. From the outside, latest styling (multivan), nice new dash , no gear lever and comfy front seats. But that's about all the good points for me.

My reason for not liking it isn't because I don't like progress, it's because now (for me at least) it is no longer a practical camper. Making it like a day van is just not suitable - big reduction in storage areas; single ring cooker; narrow rear seats; small internal table; nowhere to stash the loo inside; reduction in towing capacity. Also with it having a plastic tailgate, I'm not sure whether a bike rack is an option.

They will sell, but to a different market. The new model will be a massive boost for the converters who will continue to build practical campers on the Van platform.

I went to see a 6.1 and a 7 on Saturday. Had them side by side, tried them both and couldn’t see why I would by the 7. It is smaller, less storage and I don’t actually like the two doors. The 6.1 was much larger inside, felt more cozy and traditional. The T7 felt like a van with seats in it, the bench seat was gone. It just wasn’t for me. I have bought the 6.1 today.

 

[Gasflash]

We bought the new Cali Beach in December,. Family of 4 and a dog. It’s brilliant. A lot of subjective whinging on here. If it isn’t for you it isn’t for you. Buy what you like. The Beach has seen us on a 5 day tour so far and it’s accommodating and we loved it. Like any camping you have to really plan what kit and clothes you’re taking. If you want a microwave, a loo, a double queen sized bed and a 60’ telly, either buy a Winnebago or stay at home. Camping shouldn’t be easy, that’s why we come home. I’m confused about the flack this new model is getting. We had a converted 6.1 and it was ok, forgettable as a custom build really. Loads wrong with it so it went back. I prefer this for a number of reasons, drive handling, twin doors, no gear stick in the way, genuinely feels more spacious, to name a few. Build quality is insane good, and the 5 year warranty, service, MOT and road side is a bonus as well. Easiest decision I’ve made on a vehicle. Makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel. Happy camping

 

[SusiBus]

Great to hear that you were able to do a side by side comparison. Interesting that you didn't like the twin doors which have been push as the big plus.

 

[thehoggmeister]

We have the T7 Multivan Ocean and it has been brilliant for two of us and the Labrador. We do use it daily and the flexibility of the rear seats outweighs not having a drawer.

We sleep one up and one down. I am tall at 6'7" and I could never be comfortable driving the T6 Transporter as the pedals were too high and the gearstick got in the way. I also found the passenger seat never had enough space. The T7 is really comfy, has loads of safety features and has self parking if that's your thing.

Our only issue is the Labrador refusing to move off the back seats after a long journey as she is too comfortable.

If the T6 suits you then buy that one but a T7 comes with the 5 year warranty, servicing and roadside assistance. You can negotiate the price down considerably when buying at the right time which makes it the same price as a used T6.1.

 

[blind_oracle]

Is this true?

I think it's not the material of the door that is the issue (yes, it's plastic outside), but more like the shape with the spoiler on top - nowhere to attach the usual carrier.

For me it's Ok since I think the towbar-mounted bike carriers are better and provide easier tailgate access: no additional load on it, easier to open etc. You just fold back the towbar carrier and open the tailgate.

 

[pjm-84]

Interesting about the height....at 6ft 5in, I wouldn't want to be any taller in the T5 / T6.......

I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating for the T7....and that depends on what you're eating, T5,T6, T6.1 or T7......

I'm not sure the tie up with Ford is well received....

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Not so odd when you know the Multivan Cali (there is no T7) is built on a car chassis, pushing the front seats further back into the cabin.

I must say that I noticed this when viewing a (T7) Cali Ocean. The seating is quite a lot further back from the front wheels versus the T6.1, which accounts for the extra length without extra space, IMO.

 

[Malc24]

Interesting about the height....at 6ft 5in, I wouldn't want to be any taller in the T5 / T6.......

I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating for the T7....and that depends on what you're eating, T5,T6, T6.1 or T7......

I'm not sure the tie up with Ford is well received....

Multivan Camper Diesel does not have the wet belt cambelt. Please get your facts straight.

 

[Malc24]

I must say that I noticed this when viewing a (T7) Cali Ocean. The seating is quite a lot further back from the front wheels versus the T6.1, which accounts for the extra length without extra space, IMO.

Interesting about the height....at 6ft 5in, I wouldn't want to be any taller in the T5 / T6.......

I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating for the T7....and that depends on what you're eating, T5,T6, T6.1 or T7......

I'm not sure the tie up with Ford is well received....

Multivan Camper Diesel does not have the wet belt cambelt. Please get your facts straight.

 

[pjm-84]

Didnt say it did?...... Unless you can see where I said the T7 Multivan has a wet belt within the post?

The link is related to the tie up with Ford not being well received ..........I didn't know that the Amarok had a wet belt and or which vehicle does or doesn't, which engine does or doesn't.....

As the T7 California, its not on my list, I've have no interest in what engine it has

 

[sidepod]

It’s truly shocking how cheaply engines are made these days. So many parts are not replaceable. Cam belt covers for example and sumps. Made from plastics and tin plate with new ones fitted during service, all in the name of saving a few pennies. What chance does the rest of the engine stand with that approach.

 

[pjm-84]

I've seen part 2 of the video....the amount of work required is truly mind blowing to replace the wet belt because of access issues.....

 

[Meoncoast]

I see several comments above re 5-year warranties and Breakdown cover on T7's many late T6.1 came with this level of cover. We wanted a Beach, and having the cooker inside the van rather than in the boot was the no-no for a T7 Beach. Sitting in the rain watching the sea without having to go to the rear to put the kettle on works best for me. I would have jumped the VW ship if I could not have sourced a late T6.1. VW may win new owners to the T7, but I feel many pre T7 owners will be harder to convince.

 

[thehoggmeister]

I see several comments above re 5-year warranties and Breakdown cover on T7's many late T6.1 came with this level of cover. We wanted a Beach, and having the cooker inside the van rather than in the boot was the no-no for a T7 Beach. Sitting in the rain watching the sea without having to go to the rear to put the kettle on works best for me. I would have jumped the VW ship if I could not have sourced a late T6.1. VW may win new owners to the T7, but I feel many pre T7 owners will be harder to convince.

The 5yr warranty on both is great. I think VW have aimed the Multivan Beach at the European market where the weather is much better.