I have 3500 left van say max 18.5 l

Not your best Chris. Couldn't see the buttons or the screen that was reflecting. Have you done a newer one for the T6.1? Thanks

Usual helpful and informative video. I have been playing with the VW configurator and noted an issue that would influence whether I could consider the T7 as a replacement for my T6.1 Ocean. There seems to be no option for a spare wheel on the new Ocean and wonder if this relates to the fitting of the Programmable Parking Heater. If so, is this only a weight issue, or is there no space for a spare wheel? I note that a spare is an option on the Beach. If there is space - and mounting points - I would fit the support bracket and wheel myself and problem solved. Grateful if you could advise one way or other - perhaps someone could have a look under your Ocean :). Not sure about others, but not happy about driving into the Highlands or Europe with only a bottle of gunk, air compressor and no jack.

T7 looks good. They have improved some areas but made some parts worse. Do you really need 2 doors? You lose all that storage space! Imagine electrically closing the near side door with the fold out table up! I do like the swivel chairs with no handbrake. I will keep my 6.1 ocean

Hi Chris. Havent seen a video yet that confirms whether there is any lower storage (seat level and lower) in the kitchen units. Maybe because there isn’t any? Just wondering where our pots and pans are going to go! Anyway, should see one in Droitwich next month in the flesh to find out for ourselves. Another t6.1 (not cali) owner, may look to switch to 7 next year when we know what the PHEV looks like. Our residuals will be good judging by the likely keepers here.

TBH the only thing I wish my California T6.1 had is electronic hand break and maybe a gear lever . Otherwise no chance I’d swap my T6.1 for T7.

Chris, would you know the height and width of the storage space under the mattress and table?

In my opinion, the T7 Cali is an interesting upgrade for Caddy California owners but not for the T6.1

Chris, one of your comments is that there is a gap in the line up for a Transporter based Cali, I’ve been saying this since this multivan model came out so good to know I’m not alone in thinking that, when I’ve suggested this on other posts on FB people were quick to dismiss! Considering all the negative feedback for the multivan Cali (90% of comments are negative) on pretty much every social media platform I read will you or anyone else in the VW network be feeding this back to VW HQ?

Would anyone use this instead of Waze or google maps. I have a 2022 Cali and I have used the VW Sat Nav a couple of times only when I had issues using CarPlay.

100% going to keep my T6.1

VW have absolutely blown it in terms of the new design. They have produced a day / weekend van. Anything longer and there is no storage. T6.1 is the only way to go. Cannot understand what they were thinking. I had an order placed but after reviewing on in my dealer's showroom I've cancelled it and will be sticking with our T6.1 4Motion. Chris, great video as always but think even you are failing to send convinced. Its will suit some but anyone who's had the benefit of a T6 or ^.1 Ocean. VW - massive mistake!!!

What about leaving heating on over night

Hi Chris thanks for the review it must be very difficult to be totally honest when your representing VW ! But I think we can all see yet again VW have got it wrong for example the table is no good in the back when it’s raining or you have bikes on the back ! One hob is no good if you’re trying to cook a proper meal ! I’m not sure but it doesn’t look like there is any room for a toilet when the bed is down ! There is no way 2 people are going to sleep in the bed downstairs it even smaller than the T6 ! I could go on and on !! I have followed you from when you started KZbin you do a fantastic job keeping us up to date and it must be a hard sell !! Keep up the good work cheers

Is any form of built in sat nav only standard on the Ocean and if so, is there a fee to update the maps?

Can you drive it with the mirrors folded in when driving into the restricted width of a garage?

Is the pitch and roll angle display on the dash just for info or can the suspension level itself?

Not sure you’d be brave enough to test (I wouldn’t..!!) but if you’ve got the table sticking out the side of the camper will the electric door knock it off / foul it if someone presses the door-close button by accident?

Hi Chris apologies if I missed it may I ask what is the delivery time from placing an order eg std ocean with no options thank you

How long can you run the AC for off the hybrid battery? Thanks.

As a T6.1 owner, I absolutely LOVE the T7 California, VW really took care of the residual values of us, T6.1 owners. 😂. But, in all seriousness, I see a big potential for the PHEV version. If they could leverage the PHEV battery for ‘autark’ purposes, this could become a FANTASTIC vehicle. No gas bottles (single induction hob), 2000w inverter and enough power for weeks. Come on VW, You can! Btw, I own a Passat gte (PHEV) and it rides amazingly, so… 🤞

Hi Chris, I've been following the release of the new California for a while - I'm interested to understand whether it is possible to add one or two more seats to the California Ocean e.g. When you're not camping is it possible to make it a 6 seater? Thanks Simon

Did I miss the price?

Even Chris is distinctly unenthusiastic. He is describing it rather than “selling” it. And why keep saying things are “no difference from the old model” when they are obviously, significantly different (kitchen for example)? The table from the boot standing awkwardly inside at 04:35 just about sums it up!

Along with many other comments I won’t be trading in my 6.1 for a 7 anytime soon. They have totally changed the dynamics of the vehicle; who really needs two sliding doors? And those nice single chairs in the back mean that there is very little storage under them compared to the 6.1. I’m struggling to understand what VW are doing or have done in designing the 7 which to me is a lot less functional than the 6.1. EG. The water filler in the boot? When I fill my tank the water spills out all over the place, that would be good on the 7, it would soak the inside of the boot. Looking forward to a full 600km+ EV camper version 🙏 Great video Chris ❤

I think the T6.1 was the last “van” looking camper van. This just looks like school run machine till you open the doors…then the decor looks like Patrick Bateman wiped it down. I saw one in the flesh and it just feels clinical…my T6.1 looks feels and drives like a camper…like a mini home on wheels. I’m sure once the conversion company’s get hold of them they’ll start looking better in my eyes 🤞

Not a fan, the previous T6 & T6.1 are much better and suited to being a camper than the new multi van.

Wish come to Taiwan

How to ruin the VW Campervan. One burner, how do you cook meals when you are away on holiday. This is now really a weekender max. Also filling your water inside the van - that's a recipe for getting water all over the place. So you get a bit more tech but no way will I replace my T6 with this. Looks like I'll have to go to conversion companies in the future when I do have to replace it. Maybe by the time I do replace it VW will have seen sense and brought a new model out.

The more I see of the new model the more I’m convinced VW have done the best they could once it was decided to base the new California on the Multivan. Being stuck with 2 doors made a virtue of necessity - but the reality for most users is that one side door is sufficient. Are there any other campers of any size with access doors on both sides?

Hi Chris, when you get access to the PHEV (or the info) I have many obvious (?) questions: - Are any of the 12V outlets energised from the traction battery? I cook on portable induction so would love to be able to recharge my powerstation without solar or ICE operation. If not, is standard V2L too much to hope for? - Is the starter battery charged by the traction battery and/or CCS charging and/or camp hookup? Is leisure battery charged by CCS charging? Etc... - I hear the A/C can/only operates off the traction battery, but might be time (30 min?) limited in camp mode? If I need to use it while camping, I'll likely still need it 30 minutes later... - Everything I know about ICE engines & turbos says they need to be heated & pressurised before sinking your right foot for best longevity. How is that achieved if hybrid system decides high torque demand requires immediate ICE engine, particularly for first time of a journey? That would be worst time for a cold start? Can I force ICE to start earlier in the journey for a more gentle activation? - What is the battery thermal management system? Just liquid with radiator, or also tied into the HVAC? - Is there battery and/or cabin preconditioning? More generally: - Is there a spare wheel standard or option (please!), even just a space-saver? Where is it stored? - Is the rear middle seat of the Beach REQUIRED to support the deployed bed, or can I leave it home for more space, convenience, and weight saving? I see there are a lot of haters for this vehicle but, depending on answers to the above, looks great for me & sometimes one passenger. As mentioned I would cook exclusively on electric (kettle, toaster, InstaPot, portable induction off powerstation) outside or under tailgate if raining to keep smells/mess out of the van, so single gas burner no issue. I'll never use it. Thanks so much for making these videos.

Will the hybrid version be coming to the UK?

Hi Chris just wondering if a porta pottie will fit on the kitchen side ,beside the sliding door ? especially if the front seats are pushed forwards as far as they can go ? Thanks for another great informative video , , looks like a lovely van 😀

On the california 6.1, preparing a meal was clearly thought through - split counter, sliding doors to food and crockery storage below and sliding table. With this latest van, the storage is behind the rear seats which means getting food and crockery out is really difficult. The worktop has to be up whilst the hob is being used and the table set up is a real hassle. It is surprising how the practicalities of using the kitchen have not been analysed. We saw the new van last weekend and were also very surprised how narrow the two rear seats are.

Some great new features with the T7 but won’t be upgrading from my T6.1! ❤

Never never ever am I going to replace my T6 California with a T7

Almost everything feels like a downgrade compared to the 6.1... Maybe I have to experience it for myself... Great video btw!

We are in the market for our first campervan later this year. It will just be for my wife and I for trips and as our family car to transport two big teenagers and our dog for ski holidays. Then in about 2 years time I will retire and my wife and I will do more extended multi week trips. This new Cali looks better than the old one for car duties as the bench seat in the T6.1 is pretty uncomfortable for two big teens to sit on all the way to the Alps. However, the T6.1 looks a much better layout for camping with the double hob, bigger storage cupboards and bench seat drawer. The compromises each has is actually steering me towards a T6.1 conversion with a nicer rear bench seat! Decisions decisions!

Love this, so exciting to see the same spec and colour I’ve ordered! Mine cant be far away now… Out of interest, is this the TDI? Wondering what the head room is like in the rear with the ceiling down.

So what's the advantage of this over the 6.1?

Great video Chris. Would it be possible to see how is the bed removed? Does it recline?

Thanks for the video. Interesting to see the 7 in detail. Personally I think the compromises made to allow for the doors on either side are the model less practical, even for just a couple like us, because storage looks so limited. Looking forward to new owners reporting on how they make it work!

Is it Possible to remove the rear seats or at least one and still be able to use the bed?

Can you get the ergo seat (electronic) and still be able to move them forward enough?

Hi Chris. Please forgive my questions from Australia. VW here refusing to say anything about these yet. Really the RHD Coast/Ocean retains kitchen layout as for LHD as it appears in this video? I'm an old-skool look-over-my-shoulder before changing lanes kind of guy. I'll be looking straight at full-height cupboards? Had assumed they would always be directly behind driver and so on the daily I could remove the rear window bag for optimum visibility? Also for the 5-seat Beaches, is the rear middle seat required to support the bed, or can it be removed to save space and weight, and retain easy internal access to front cabin when bed deployed? Thanks so much.

Thanks Chris, Have watched a few videos on new van , still undecided ,however none of them show you where the gas bottle goes can you put that in one of your videos also .thanks

Where is the gas bottle?

Some great videos from California Chris. We have had a T6 Ocean for the past 6 years. We have just bought a Grand California 600. Whilst we are still to learn and test the functionality of the GC600, we had gotten to a point where the Ocean was just too restrictive for us. We preferred to use the upper bed in the Ocean and only used the lower bed on 2 occasions in 6 years - due to inclement very wet and very windy weather. We absolutely loved the Ocean and it almost became our preferred daily drive. With the Ocean it did take a while to decide on what we could carry and what we actually needed. I guess that it will be the same with the GC600

What is the best way to keep the battery charged when not using the vehicle for extended periods of time?

Thanks!