People who already have a California can see that the storage space is just woeful on this new design. The bench seat drawer, gone. The tall cupboard, gone. The wide storage in the kitchen, gone. Its all style over substance with this new vehicle. I dont agree with the idea its smaller by design. This is based on the LWB Multivan which is longer than the current SWB T6.1 Its beautiful but we have lost much more than weve gained in my opinion.
It looks like the table stores under the bed extension in the back which will eat up a bit of the storage space, you can see the brackets it will slide into. Much prefer it in the sliding door.
Absolutely Love it. Sold my 18 month old 6.1 Ocean 4Motion, in anticipation, and will wait for the order book to open. Starlight Blue T7 California will be ordered as soon as its available to order in the UK. Would suit our two person camping. BUT, the two captains chairs need to be height adjustable like I saw on this concept. I also saw the 4 way adjustment dial for lumbar like the MAN TGE 3.180 Sven Hedin. Good I need 4 way adjustable lumbar for long journeys. If they put the 12 way electric seats in with heating and cooling & Massage like the L2 MV Style, then perfect. I would pay for this. How do we attach solar to the roof? I guess 1 big Lithium Battery instead of two bad AGM Batts? I see the German order book is open now? Not long for the UK order book, we like to pay for our luxury's !
Slightly surprised that when I phonet Swansway in birmingham to enquire, I was told the T7 Campervan details and prices would not be available until mid/late 2025 - recent press releases seem to suggest that first models will be out this year? What is the expected timeline please?
I really like it. Can’t see why I wouldn’t take one over my 6.1 other than waiting time and price. Ive logged my interest with VW, so I’ll have to wait and see.
Thankfully this is only a concept and isn’t based on the transporter. Looks ok for a day trip/ weekend due to lack of storage space. The electric bbq is gimmicky. Imagine it full of sausage and bacon grease after a year. I hope VW come up with a 6.1 version for the T7 transporter platform. Not holding my breath though. Thanks for sharing
I love the concept of individual, lightweight, removable seats to make the vehicle so much more versatile. I have a 2014 T5 California SE which only just fits on my driveway. Is the T7 Cali Concept going to be bigger? And do we know if the ID Buzz is just too small a platform for a realistic campervan? PS My brightonbongo tag goes back a few years; I'm no stranger to compact campers!
We really like it. Only feedback would be concerns over the space, there seems less of it compared to the T6/T6.1 (you have answered a similar comment below). Personally I would prefer it without the pre-determined slots for cups etc. Also, the electric bbq is not something of interest. Obvs it's a concept so will be interesting what the final product looks like.
This is based on the Multivan rather than the Transporter, so you're right it is smaller by design. There's always a possibility of a Transporter T7 California, but this is unlikely based on rumours.
Completely agree Chris. We just love our 6.1 ocean 4 motion. Also the fuel range on our 80 litre tank is quite amazing. I know things are changing regarding emissions and fossil fuels etc and the move to electric but as off now and the cost, infrastructure and range I would definitely stick with our 6.1.
Out of my area of expertise. All I know is that customers have had their roof bellows fixed and if you're having issues you need to contact your point of purchase.
@@CaliforniaChris l haven't at the moment I'm just concerned because I'm going to be getting a California ocean in the next couple of weeks Dealer seems to be sitting on the fence.
It looks to me more like a weekend/picnicking camper rather than camper you'd take on longer trips. The kitchen looks suitable for an espresso and a bowl of soup rather than a proper galley. I don't think it would suit me. Sorry.
@@CaliforniaChrisI disagree; it's ideal for any sort of trip in civilised countries. I have never found myself wanting anything any bigger than a VW campervan. Tens of thousands of people would wholeheartedly agree.
Hi Chris, Excellent informative video as always. My thoughts on the T7 Concept is as follows: I think Volkswagen have completely 'dropped the ball!' The reason why the Transporter California's have been so successful is because they are/have been 'Camper Vans'. And not some sort of car derived people carrier. As a previous owner of a T6 Beach, a T6.1 Coast and currently a T6.1 Surf. I had always wanted a VW Campervan and that's the point that VW seem to be blindingly over looking. People love and want a VW Campervan. The clue is in the name!
I think it looks great! I’m looking at future camper vans and love the look of the Marco Polo. At the moment the Marco Polo has the more luxurious edge I think. This looks like an updated version of the MP. Love the whole look of this concept though, including colours. Love the induction hob and the cutlery inserts! At first I thought the electric BBQ was a great idea but then I remembered I am a charcoal BBQ enthusiast so actually I probably wouldn’t enjoy it. If the seats are comfortable, come in a leather option and have isofix then this may be a brilliant van?
Got an new showroom Ocean 2023 (decent spec) last year on sale here in Sweden for around £55000. Guess the dealer wanted to get rid off the old 6.1 looking for the new T7. Think I made a good decision getting the "old" model!
Thought they might get rid of the gas considering it takes up space and there is the option of going full electric ( induction hob plus Fridge and also common now for people to prefer an air fryer this vehicle after all has a lithium-ion battery larger size than a house battery
This looks like a boutique purchase to me now not a serious camper. Two side doors is a mistake as loss of storage space is the result. I have to say the layout in Transit based vans are now more appropriate as they have a bog and hot water also a shower which is less successful but there nevertheless. What I wanted was an ocean on a t6.1 lwb with bog shower and hot water. Oh, heating in the roof and the ability to run the a/c whilst on hook up are missed opportunities. I no longer have an ocean.
Yes, you are right , if they had a long wheel base california with a toilet and shower it would be a top class camper Something like the Ford Nugget Plus , it's a pity VW don't seem to listen to their customers
I think the reason they have the two sliding doors is that vw can sell it in the Australian market , unfortunately for everyone here in the UK and Ireland it takes away most of the kitchen cupboards and it does away with one gas burner ,sadly
It saddens me that these aren't more appreciated in U.S. markets. I've called our local RV dealerships stretching from San Antonio, TX to Austin, TX and very little (if any) inventory pops up for these kinds of vehicles. A few times, they had no idea what I was talking about when I'd say "Camper Van". Perhaps I'm using the wrong terminology when describing what I'm looking for?
The Volkswagen T6 vans/California models are - despite the name - not sold in the US, I believe. But the electric long wheel base ID Buzz is coming to America, so I guess there could be a chance the T7s would be too. But I would think not.
I can see people with money to spare taking it out for a day at the beach and making espressos in those little cups. I mean it looks pretty but is less functional. It looks like an updated marco polo TBH.
Hi Chris we just bought a 2018 reg California ocean how do we tell if it is aT6 Or T6,1 we are new to this were told van is 6.1 but when i looked at your videos we have several differences control panel is different bed does not have ratchet lift up system etc
Easiest thing I've found to visually understand that is to check the sliding door of the storage looking at the kitchen on the left, the ones where you find the mirror. If those are sliding, that's a t6, otherwise it's 6.1.
Personally I really like it, my only gripe is the single free standing table that you access from the back rather than the sliding door, having no flip up option indoors like the current 6.1. Other than that, I can’t wait to see the production model when it comes out.
I was so excited to see the concept, but when they showed that the internal (and also the external) table is stowed in the back, it was very much a deal breaker for me. The ability in the current Cali to be able to pull the table from the side of the bench seat and it be ready in an instant, is such a unique selling point of the Cali. I was at the camper show at the NEC just to see if anyone is doing an internal table that is easy to get up and fixed like the Cali, and no one is doing anything similar. I do hope that VW see this as a mistake and can somehow get the internal table earthier back as a sliding table or make it so it is stowed in the door.
@@saywellhq I like the two sliding doors but they must have opening windows. I would prefer the old type of 2-seat bed rather than 2 separate seats. If you want that VW could make them an option. I don't like the table in the back. The T6.1 location in the door is what we know and like especially if they can't provide the sliding table we can use it inside and outside.
Fewer gadgets more storage please, VW! I know this is a concept, but I hope the drawer inserts go. 4 wee cups? You haven't seen our morning coffees. We would really miss the drawer under the bench seat. Looks like no wardrobe because of slide out kitchen. Our long trips would be very affected.
Can the PHEV version of the California T7 run the AC and Heat off the hybrid battery alone until it runs out and the engine kicks in? I assume the car will need to be in ignition mode to do this or can it be done in accessory mode? Are any of the USB ports or 240V sockets run from the hybrid battery?
Thanks Chris for a great review as usual Looks like a lovely van ,some good features like the outside table , and the sliding cooker worktops, ,, on the downside ,I don't like the 2 seats in the rear of the van mainly because of the missing drawer storage in the current california Also, there seems to be less storage in general This T7 model will probably drive better on the road due to being built on a different platform, In general it looks like a lovely concept but might not be suitable for longer trips Thanks again for the review
If this is a move away from the T6, will there be a replacement for that? I have a T6 and the multivan would not be suitable for us. The size of the T6 is a perfect compromise - same footprint of a large car but plenty of storage space. For our climate, internal space/storage/cooking is essential. The inside/outside concept is great for warm climates, but not for northern regions. We use our van year round. I’m sad at the demise of the Cali as a proper camper as it become just a day van
There is definitely a possibility of a Transporter campervan still. I'm hearing mixed things, though. The "California Universe" VW announced implied that every Commercial vehicle would have a campervan version. But I'm also hearing that VW won't make a campervan on the new Transporter platform. Only time will tell!
after 100k (s)miles, I would consider a refresh.@@CaliforniaChris I wonder if the EV/diesel/hybrid possibilities are influencing VW. A shorter range vehicle suits the day van approach; I'd love an electric camper van but it would need a lot of range
Range vs weight vs price is a tricky thing for every car manufacturer to handle. I wonder if they're biding their time for next-gen battery technology? Who knows!?
Theoretically, yes. Realistically, probably not. This is based on the Multivan, which can have three rows, but whether it will be usable with a fifth seat in and also the kitchen etc, it's a guessing game for now.
I think this is definitely intended to be a smaller California than the current T6.1 - it will be interesting to see if they announce a campervan in the new Transporter T7 model (althought this is unlikely from what I'm hearing). You'll be glad to hear that this is only the PHEV hybrid Multivan base and there will almost certainly be a non-PHEV version of this model.
It is beautiful but is it practical? Is the second door worth sacrificing storage room. Only usefull when camping in hot weather! I like to go to the north of europa as many campers do. But I doubt whether the T7 is suited for that. Where do I leave our clothing. Less storage than the T6.1. Where do foot supply when out in the Wild for a longer period. A drawer with 4 coffee cups. Beautiful but totally un practical! Useless design luxury! You need much more kitchen gear when out for a longer period!! The table no longer in the door which was a beautiful solution! Now storage in the back is sacrificed! So sorry! I really love to buy one but only when it is suited for longer trips in colder areas for longer periods of time and not only for a weekend in sunny weather! I hope the concept will change in that respect!!
Can we expect four vehicles in the California-branded range: the Caddy, this MPV-based vehicle, a Ford/VW T7 van-sized vehicle, and the Grand? The concept in this video will be too small to live/sleep in and too small for storage, and the kitchen is a gimmick-not a proper van-sized replacement for the T5 and T6.
Watch my video on "California Universe". Essentially, yes. Although I've heard rumours that VW DON'T want to make a camper based on the new Transporter. Naturally, I don't know what VW have in mind, though. So, we'll just have to wait and see!
What the hell is that concept? It’s got almost no storage compared to T5, T6… I personally don’t like the T7. It is not a Van it is more a family car actually. VW stopped innovating long time ago.
