I do not believe for one minute that Volkswagen spoke to consumers ,never contacted me or anyone else that i know of about what they would like to see in there next generation California ,certainly not less room inside , because if they did i’d believe we would have had a better upgraded 6.1.
@johng59703 ай бұрын
I have a 3 year old Ocean 204hp 4 motion and I bought that spec as I use it for both travelling independently and also for pulling our caravan. I do like the look of it and the more modern interior and facilities. However without a capable 4 wheel option alone puts a very big question mark over it for me. The logic applied to the design of the kitchen offering options for inside and outside cooking is great for warmer climates, I do question how often that will work for the majority of the year in the UK. Time will tell but sadly I feel it’s a step backwards for functionality but it looks nice!!!
@TheLittleRedCali3 ай бұрын
Sadly VW have totally cocked up this iconic brand.
@dannyheyrman48483 ай бұрын
As a car, the T7 is a step forward. As a camper, it's 2 steps back. filling water on the inside? really? 1 hob: so you can cook spagetti but not the sauce? loosing so much storage due to choosing for a 2nd door (only handy in the uk and australia) rear individual seats will move more easily compared to the old style bench, but again at the cost of storage. and dropping the smaller inside table for a 1 person table means you have to use the outside table. wich isn't in the door so you have to go out, even when it's raining. and in the back = less storage. keeping my T6.1 for sure.
@scottmyles4377Ай бұрын
My thoughts exactly ! Too many backward steps for me ! I can’t understand why you need a split rear seat with headrests that need to be removed, turned around and replaced when you want to make the bed ? Let’s hope they sort all these backwards steps out in the facelift in five years time ! that’s when I’ll buy one !!
@alanbenham41393 ай бұрын
No 4WD not issue for me. I'll stick with my T6.1 Ocean as the new one seems more day van than camper.
@gunner81uk2 ай бұрын
Not having Physical controls for AC is a step backwards. Skoda did it but are now reverting back to physical controls
@lequimper3 ай бұрын
Big sacrifices made to have the extra side door. Probably fine in summer, but not much good in autumn, spring or winter when you need to spend more time inside. One gas hob? Also, I’ve never noticed that it’s a problem to hold my arm up for ‘a long time’ when raising or lowering the pop-top. 😂.
@goldensun41902 ай бұрын
Excellent review, with experience to back it up! Thank you so much. After getting stuck on the sand with a front wheel drive, 4 wheel drive is a must! And I like the hybrid option.
@aligolds3 ай бұрын
I have a 2019 T6 Ocean 2WD. I had a new Coast 6.1 for 6 months but hated the lack of space for my left foot, & sold it back to the dealer for a tad less than I paid for it after 6 months/600mls. The lovely T6 Comfort dash is worlds apart from the T6.1, & by the looks of it, the T7 as well. Does the T7 have a space for left foot, or a left footrest? I can't see from the video which is an unfortunate omission. Being longer than the T6/6.1 makes it too long for parking spaces. Not good. Only one hob-not good. The bench fridge in previous Calis must surely be much better at keeping the cold in. The new one must loose all the cold when you open it. More like a cool box. I prefer the bigger table inside with the T6. If you want one outside, you've got one anyway. Overall, this T7 seems a step down to me. Good video anyway. Many thanks.👍
@williamshaw79702 ай бұрын
Picking up my MV in Starlight blue to see if the seats are comfy. As the 6.1 seats are awful no adjustment van type seats. No height or squab adjustment. Lumbar is at the base of your coccyx, useless. Think the MV Ocean will be perfect for my needs. Although the new James cook pop top with 4 wheel drive looks pretty perfect too !
@danielheathcote56252 ай бұрын
You’re right about the 4 wheel drive. I’d want it, to get on and off sites - there’s definitely places I’d take it here I; uk and Europe that are grassy sites and you don’t need much rain to hsv3 a problem. Silverstone camp site just off dadford road is a great example. Grassy, mud, you’d just slide about. Of course, you’re not going to get too far without mud tyres and a diff lock or two but just lates5 generation; haldex would be fin3 for most situations I’d be wanting to take it.
@Jazzman53 ай бұрын
This looks great as a weekend camper. The second sliding door, is a fantastic addition. I also like the styling. For me, a 4wd version maybe more apt, but not necessarily needed. Love the bigger lights. Shame about the blinds. I have a concern that the length of the dash and front combined would be a tad difficult in tight cities. And, an after thought as it comes from the commercial world, and I'm a truck driver, with the extra weight that you feel in it, maybe they could think about an engine retarder like we have in trucks. This also saves brake linings and allows you to scrub speed off - usually just a lever switch like the indicators. Very useful for a weigted vehicle. You didn't mention if this needed ad blue - which a lot of new diesels do. The engine detergent. And it's good to see real fuel versions being made, rather than all electric.
@ameliaautomotive3 ай бұрын
Interesting insights!! Not sure about the ad blue to be honest 😊
@hyperben19853 ай бұрын
Sadly this is a completely different type of camper to the T6.1 version. I don’t think it will work for a family of 4 anymore. Much less storage, narrower beds and it’s too long to fit in a standard UK parking bay now. Yes some clever features there, but only 1 hob?? That’s not really going to work… Such a shame as the VW camper is supposed to be a classic. Maybe VW will do a California version of the new T7 as well?
@teaforthree13 ай бұрын
The new Transporter is a Ford. Who would want one?
@rgray83z2 ай бұрын
I think most independent vw camper van builders are going to be using the T7 as the base model for conversions
@hyperben19852 ай бұрын
@@teaforthree1 I would be interested in the VW version.
@0836whimper3 ай бұрын
Fundamental problem for the UK market is the ‘Outdoor zone’ doesn’t really exist. So you then have a less practical kitchen/interior with nowhere to store anything.
@margaretbell5028Ай бұрын
We have owned our T6 150 hp Ocean for over 8 years, been all over UK and Europe since retirement, two wheel drive totally fine, we have never had any problems getting on/off pitches. Long term fuel consumption reading is over 40 mpg and still runs beautifully. I am afraid that this new vehicle is just not usable for us, the extra door is unnecessary, we saw you walk between the front seats easily, the T6 has even more space to access the nearside passenger door from the rear. The storage available has been reduced dramatically, no large under seat drawer, storage of large table/folding mechanism in boot, a place that is totally clear in the T6. No mention of the storage of a portable toilet anywhere in the new vehicle, us human beings find such things very useful in emergencies. Full standing headroom under the rear hatch and sitting headroom for a 6 foot+ husband, again not available on the new van. Both beds are now narrower, again not really acceptable for normal sized people. The ability to fit an additional seat is very useful in the T6 when transporting grand children again not an option? I could go on but it is a shame that VW has gone down this route, we will hopefully keep our current van for many more years now.
@Chris70-h2n3 ай бұрын
My issue is I use as a days out also with family of 5. My 6.1 has 130cm 3 seat rear bench/bed with slimline units so works well. a lwb would also work so could put a single middle seat in the rear and a two seater at the back but doesn't seem to have this option. Not keen on the two tone. However prefer the twin access doors one for sun canopy and other for awning tent
@StaycationLifestyle3 ай бұрын
Love it ❤ I need to get myself onto these press trips. It’s exactly what my channel is about.
@hyphenphotography3 ай бұрын
Unfortunately, you're not as good looking as the young ladies that seem to have wrangled this gig somehow 🤣
@StaycationLifestyle3 ай бұрын
@@hyphenphotography I thought a middle aged, dad bodied, greying bloke might be appealing, but maybe not 😂
@hyphenphotography3 ай бұрын
🤣
@AutoSocialUK3 ай бұрын
Work hard enough and you can get to them ☺️ 4 years ago I could have only dreamt of going to something like this but now I have well and truly earned my chance of being there.
@StaycationLifestyle3 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m only small so not expecting anything yet. I have several camper manufacturers contacting me, so I know I’m doing something right. I also know some VW sales people watch, but not those that open the doors, YET 😀 I only do it in my spare time and I’m really enjoying it. Thanks again
@DavidHill-g2d3 ай бұрын
Great design and looks really nice. Finally coming to Australia
@philpoole56703 ай бұрын
Yes 4Motion should be available on all models VW need to rethink
@AlamAhmad-ur8sq3 ай бұрын
The 6.1 all day long for me
@grahamwest24872 ай бұрын
This version is terrible because (1) totally inadequate storage, (2) beds now too narrow (6.1 was as narrow as is practical) (3) loss of the rear bench seat or "sofa" is a massive loss imo. Will never own one of these - its a car platform not a van hence narrower. Converters must be laughing their socks off as the new commercial van is bigger than the T6.1 so conversions are a winner. This new version is basically an over-priced day van and not a camper van for week long touring....
@andrewpease3688Ай бұрын
No one wants the T7.A bit too wide and it’s just a ford transit with all its flaws including the dreaded wet belt
@philipalton43183 ай бұрын
I wish my T6.1 Beach had come with the outdoor zone would have been very useful
@hyphenphotography3 ай бұрын
No mention of the leisure battery setup, unfortunately :( What capacity are they? Are they/is it LiFePo4?
@JamesWilliam703 ай бұрын
Looks allot smaller than the T6.1, doesn't look like a camper van any more. Might be OK for one or a family of midgets. I like the High riding position of my 6.1, this is more like a low down car.
@AutoSocialUK3 ай бұрын
Really good video Amelia! You’d be mad to buy one of these without gap insurance!
@fraserhardmetal71433 ай бұрын
Good for a couple - I'm buying one.
@chris_camper2 ай бұрын
very nice video of the T7
@brankojerbic604028 күн бұрын
Nice design but just too small compared to the T6.1, especially the LWB. Also that Ford wet cam belt engine is very questionable in terms of longevity. I bought one of the last T6.1 LWB Multivans and got the flexboard and bed kit in the back which is huge compared to that large single bed in the T7. I added a nice 45L fridge / freezer in the back, thermo blinds and it still has 7 seats when not in Camper mode for a lot less money. That was a no brainer for me...
@yasi48772 ай бұрын
At 12:02 I could see the building behind with "arabrab atnas" (santa barbara). You mirror-imaged the video and it looked like a RHD car with kitchen behind the driver.
@williamconrad10872 күн бұрын
I thought is was RHD thanks for the clarification.
@Rowtheboat993 ай бұрын
I wouldn’t rely upon a VW app to control the functions. The VW app for the Cali T6.1 is shocking since they closed down WeConnect.
@GadgetsBoy3 ай бұрын
Amazing
@Kreebs8883 ай бұрын
Quick feedback. I like your videos, but you have some audio issues with mono audio lines mapped only to one stereo output. Just as quick feedback. 😊
@ameliaautomotive3 ай бұрын
Thank you! I’m working on this but not sure why it keeps happening. Is it the voice over bits or pieces to camera that has the issues?
@Kreebs8883 ай бұрын
@@ameliaautomotive I think the device you are using for recording your voice is only mono (maybe you can change this device to stereo?) and then during the postprocessing of your video you need to map the monoaudio lane to a stereolane. Interesting is, that the recordings you have done afterwards is in stereo. So you can hear a difference between the outdoor recordings and the studio recordings done in post. I hope I have helped you a bit. :-) But keep going, your videos are great and this is just a small improvement of your quality ;-)
@yodavdarth2 ай бұрын
To me seems like a bit of a cop out, more about pushing buttons than actually useful camping items like seating, size and cooking. I’ll stick to my T6 thanks
@majormaccas2 ай бұрын
my left ear really enjoyed the bits to camera 😂
@jamiep613 ай бұрын
I enjoyed watching the video review, the best California Model 😊
@dennisluyt65003 ай бұрын
Smaller interior, totally useless (no) storage space, narrower beds. An all around much less attractive package. Can’t believe VW came up with this. Ends the California legacy. Will not trade in my T6.1 for sure.
@Maximius3813 күн бұрын
smaller kitchen, no table, less storages, etc etc.... VW didn't ask any one, I think the designer of this new one have never touched a campervan in his life!!! the argument of the 2 doors lol, this thing works for a city car, for a work car, not an argument for a campervan where you can't place a single pan.... how the 6.1 had a bigger kitchen, better lounge seating, bigger boot, larger bad, more storages, etc etc IN A SMALLER VEHICLE!!!!!!!
@jochenradke14302 ай бұрын
Nice video, however: I have T6.1 and if still available, I will buy another T6.1 when needed - this new smallish looking design with controlling electrics, which I do not need, is not for me….
@vanessagardiner76633 ай бұрын
Great video, thank you
@paulbenoit249Ай бұрын
total disaster on the kitchen side. Last thing we needed was an extra opening door: 1 burner down, way less storage space. Previous verison much better.
@thisdude43472 ай бұрын
"outside living is a great concept", if u like mosquitos while cooking, and then flies in your food.
@romanomorelli28313 ай бұрын
Wait for new 2025 VW transporter the converters will make a more practical camper van bags more room
@teaforthree13 ай бұрын
It’s a Ford. No thanks
@andreaswirth9823Ай бұрын
Making the bed is now much easier? Folding two seats instead of a bank is faster? Not sure you are honest here ...
@tonyg309110 күн бұрын
Love the accent...
@stewartmacdonald6013 ай бұрын
Looks significantly smaller than the T6.1 to be fair.
@hyperben19853 ай бұрын
Agree with you. We couldn’t cope with less storage than our T6.1 has. Yet the new vehicle is actually bigger…
@stewartmacdonald6013 ай бұрын
@@hyperben1985 Are you sure? Not according to this... And every review I;ve seen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXXEioqvgqdlp6csi=BMkyaAFI3XxDQzDJ&t=450
@richardsracingmad3 ай бұрын
I think it’s bigger🙋♂️
@hyperben19853 ай бұрын
@@richardsracingmad on the outside it definitely is. But on the inside it looks less spacious. About the same dimension internally but with a lower ceiling and that extra sliding door way less storage space.
@robbrigham59263 ай бұрын
Much narrower beds both top and inside too
@dongraham15593 ай бұрын
Sorry, the T6.1 is a much better camper and it is a classic! The new is just a compromise camper, not the real deal. Really cannot understand what path VW are going down at the moment, especially with the Ford T7 which compared to the T4/T5/T6 will be a disaster!. I'm a VW fanboy, but for this (and the T7) the answer is a def No!
@ataltube2 ай бұрын
I agree. Never want to change my T 6.1 4 Motion for this.
@JuliusCesar-fy9mk2 ай бұрын
The new T7 is based on the family car "Sharan" and it is not the real replacement for the 6.1 But now the new T8 will come but it will be 98% build by Ford.
@moobaz86752 ай бұрын
VW have done to the California what Land Rover did to the D4 with the D5 - totally missed the mark. I'm in the market for a camper van and the new California isn't it. Personally I prefer the style and practicality of the T6.1. It also needs a 4x4 diesel variant.
@ZalleyАй бұрын
What do bike lovers do?
@lisafaulds32763 ай бұрын
You have much less headroom in the back than in the t6.1. You only benefit from headroom when the pop top is up. In my t6.1 I still have headroom in the back with pop top down. It’s a massive issue
@federicomartinoli37932 ай бұрын
I prefer T6.1
@gk310Ай бұрын
This is not a step forward or even an equal, try cooking outdoor and having all the doors open in Scotland in midgie season and what a disappointment in storage space. I can see the last T6.1’s being very sought after
@StewartPF3 ай бұрын
The kitchen storage is laughable vs the 6.1 plus no under bench seat storage. Hard pass …
@AUDIDTM12 ай бұрын
This car is terible! T6.1 forever camper van!
@FromTheZion3 ай бұрын
Volkswagen is no longer brand it used to be as with all German cars
@ishbOutu1Ай бұрын
No 4 wheel drive means no interest for me.
@cedarcanoe3 ай бұрын
A holiday? I paid show by VW you mean?!
@ameliaautomotive3 ай бұрын
Hate when people assume this!! The only paid promotion in this video is clearly labelled ‘AD’ with Ala Insurance. I’ve never been paid by a car manufacturer.
@FergusNCasey11 күн бұрын
The new kitchen is a disaster. Just one gas ring and so little cupboard space! Come on VW! Must do better!!!!!
@AJ-qn6gd3 ай бұрын
It’s a badge engineered Ford !
@teaforthree13 ай бұрын
No it’s not, it’s a VW Multivan base vehicle. The T7 will be a Ford. It’s still crap though