So glad we have the T6.1 California 204 4 Motion, so much more storage and having the 2 gas burners is a deal breaker for us, we’ve had ours 2 years now and have never looked back.
We have a T6.1 Ocean that we love and you are correct to point out lack of storage space in the new one. No Table! Looks as less livable space to be in if/when it gets wet or cold. You mentioned heritage but this could break the link with its illustrious past.
Im so happy i got a T6.1 Beach 4 motion, the new California just would not fit my needs, it is a shame that after such a long successful run, VW dropped the ball on this one
Great video as always! Think I’ll be sticking with my T6 cali for another 5 years! The amount of stuff I’ve got in my under bench drawer and cupboards won’t work in the multivan version plus I don’t think those rear seats look as comfortable when you are using them in camping mode - ie. One person sitting across them and one person up front. Table situation also not good and I’m sticking with my red pop top!
Hi guys , we have a M A N van. Not a sven but not that different. We park in supermarket car parks overnight legaly , access to thair toilets and obviously all you're shopping needs catered for . Just get ( your parking space app ) I simply put in arrival time hours before we get there , then your exit time the next day . I do this near towns of interest , approx cost £ 5.00 24 hours .... even you're own security guard , what's not to like
Hello, we saw you in the Redesdale Arms earlier today in Morton in Marsh - didn’t want to intrude and interrupt your dinner, but wanted to say hello and thanks for your content! Dan and Joanne, fellow campervan owners, at the Mororhome and Campervan site in MiM this weekend.
Good video. We are buyinga VW California this time next year in anticipation of my retirement in 2026. We have the budget for a new one but hearing your experienced thoughts and reading the comments is definitely making me think a nearly new T6.1 will be a better bet. We want to do month long trips to Europe and the lack of storage, table and second stove burner seem to be problems. The ability to remove one of the back seats would be a plus for us I think when travelling with just two of us, but then again people mention lounging across the back bench in a T6.1.
Gladly registered my interest with VW Commercial today, as a solo traveller it will very likely meet my needs with help of a couple of retro-fit additions.
We brought our new ocean 18 months ago we have had 3 weeks in Scotland and a month in Europe this year it ticked every box really glad we didn’t wait for this new version. Totally agree it lacks storage space and the very practical drop down table we would never have managed cooking on a single burner when off grid in Scotland I think the two sliding doors are a total waste glad we brought ours when we did
Nice van and a good honest review thank you both. I think I would miss not having a sunroof above the cab and especially no lockers above the kitchen (strange decision to just have an open shelf). Also I’m not sure the bathroom works for me. You mentioned the carpet wall covering for one and the shower curtain would be a pain. But wouldn’t turn it down if someone gave me one. Thanks again
Took one out for a test drive yesterday. Currently have a T6 Ocean. Until you see one in the flesh, you miss some of the features. Losing the table in the door sounded like a disadvantage. But you now get a fairly big storage pocket in both back doors. Which helps. The wardrobe was always a bit rubbish in the old one imo, and the two large cupboards which replace it will go some way to making up for the under kitchen storage. The rear window storage bag actually seems pretty decent for clothes storage. But even with those features it will come down to whether you can live with less total storage for the benefits of a second door and the other positive features. The inbuilt table will be a sore loss. The separate one in the boot won’t be as useful and actually feels too big inside the cabin for me. Could see me replacing that with a smaller aftermarket one you can keep in the cab. Other big downside for me is losing the current style fridge. The old cali fridge had the great benefit of keeping in the cold air because it sinks. The new slide out has perforated walls, so will need to cool down again every time you open it which will increase battery usage. But will be handy when cooking outside etc. the other storage issue to address is that the new bed does impact on storage in the boot. Also a shame you still can’t get factory fitted solar! Overall I think this will be a good van for weekend trips, but if you are going for a longer trip, you will probably end up taking out a rear seat to give you space for storage boxes if you are anything like us.
Rear sliding seats and dealer discount were the deal breakers for buying a California Coast 3 years ago. Realising the 6.1 was nearing the end of its run we had considered delaying for a couple of years for the new model, but so glad we didn’t. As well has enjoying some amazing family adventures it has become apparent that the new model would not have allowed the same degree of engagement. As you point out, lack of storage, no indoor table and cooking limitations mean the new model is not on our wish list.
Some dealers now have them in showrooms, we saw one at Breeze in Poole this week …. It’s certainly a very good looking van, but not designed for UK or cool weather camping
My budget in May could only stretch to a Beach camper with advised extras on forums, eg: Aux heater, heated seats. If I now compare this to the new model it’s just not versatile. Bed width, storage down one side and even though we don’t really cook inside the hob inside is great for warming up a soup, kettle inside if weather bad. Now we’d be outside extending a single burner. The Ocean is now with extras in the price band of your current van if looking for a good 12-18 month old possibly, I know what id choose,
SMG have one in Tonbridge to view, apparently... The petrol version VED is quite hefty! Have you sat in a MV? They really are cosy, I'm going to be very interested to have a look at one of these in the flesh.
Really hate the split A-pillar. Have this in our small sedan Honda Jazz (Australian model name) and it really interferes with your forward vision. Still very happy that I’m waiting on delivery of one of the last run of T6.1 Beach (Australian market version) that will be delivered here.
Not a van for the UK weather! Recently made sure we bought a 6.1 4 motion with the extra fuel tank to maximise range / economy and traction, as not such good options in the new model. It is a shame that VW didn't consider upgrading the 6.1 with things like hot water, roof solar panels for better off grid, air suspension to self level / better ride and perhaps a long wheel base to name but a few. The new model appears to be a day van with much less storage which is critical in a space this size. Loads less storage in the kitchen and under the bench seat. No internal table you have to get out to extract it from the boot where it takes up space and no door table any more? The blinds are not a patch on the newer model from what I have seen. Yes it looks nice, yes there are some nice features, like the electronic hand brake, but it feels like it has been put together by designers who have no idea about actually staying in a vehicle of this size, where every space has to count. Everything I have seen so far just makes me so glad we bought the van before they stopped the build. There will need to be several new versions before it becomes as good as the current 6.1
I currently have a 6.1 Coast. Having watched the VW launch & your analysis of the new Cali I will not be in any rush to change it. Personally I think I would go for something like a Bailey Endeavour and get a lot more van for less money. The B62 is about £10k cheaper and has a lot more space plus a shower room. The VW badge isn’t that valuable to me.
Great talk-through, as always. I really struggle to see what's actually better in the new Cali besides... being new. Apart from the 2nd sliding door, I mainly see aspects that are either lacking and/or (even) smaller and/or less usable. BTW there are quite a few T6.1 pop top campers that have 2 sliding doors for years, including swing-out kitchen units etc. This looks more like a luxury day trip MPV than a camper. Why VW decided to build the new Cali on the Multivan and not on the upcoming 'T7' is a mystery to me.
Will this push the price of previous versions up I wonder as this is rather limited as a camper van. I’m sure it will be a better drive and great for day trips. the loss of the bench seat seems odd as I do t quite see how it can be made into a comfortable double bed.
Interesting to read all the comments from existing Cali owners…..a unanimous thumbs down for this new one. Personally I don’t think the “Cali heritage” will count for anything with this new one. If people compared all the other new Campervans available for design, quality, practical campervan use then very few would realistically choose this new Cali. I don’t know what VW are trying to do with this option but, as ever, time will tell 🤷🏻♂
So glad we have the T6.1 California 204 4 Motion, so much more storage and having the 2 gas burners is a deal breaker for us, we’ve had ours 2 years now and have never looked back.
We have a T6.1 Ocean that we love and you are correct to point out lack of storage space in the new one. No Table! Looks as less livable space to be in if/when it gets wet or cold. You mentioned heritage but this could break the link with its illustrious past.
Im so happy i got a T6.1 Beach 4 motion, the new California just would not fit my needs, it is a shame that after such a long successful run, VW dropped the ball on this one
Great video as always! Think I’ll be sticking with my T6 cali for another 5 years! The amount of stuff I’ve got in my under bench drawer and cupboards won’t work in the multivan version plus I don’t think those rear seats look as comfortable when you are using them in camping mode - ie. One person sitting across them and one person up front. Table situation also not good and I’m sticking with my red pop top!
Hi Guys, great work as usual.
FYI I saw the new California in the flesh @ Sinclair VW Van Centre Swansea last week, it had just arrived.
Hi guys , we have a M A N van. Not a sven but not that different. We park in supermarket car parks overnight legaly , access to thair toilets and obviously all you're shopping needs catered for . Just get ( your parking space app ) I simply put in arrival time hours before we get there , then your exit time the next day . I do this near towns of interest , approx cost £ 5.00 24 hours .... even you're own security guard , what's not to like
Hello, we saw you in the Redesdale Arms earlier today in Morton in Marsh - didn’t want to intrude and interrupt your dinner, but wanted to say hello and thanks for your content! Dan and Joanne, fellow campervan owners, at the Mororhome and Campervan site in MiM this weekend.
Hello 👋🏻 you should’ve come and said hello!! Please do come and say hi if you see us tomorrow ☺️
Good video. We are buyinga VW California this time next year in anticipation of my retirement in 2026. We have the budget for a new one but hearing your experienced thoughts and reading the comments is definitely making me think a nearly new T6.1 will be a better bet. We want to do month long trips to Europe and the lack of storage, table and second stove burner seem to be problems. The ability to remove one of the back seats would be a plus for us I think when travelling with just two of us, but then again people mention lounging across the back bench in a T6.1.
Gladly registered my interest with VW Commercial today, as a solo traveller it will very likely meet my needs with help of a couple of retro-fit additions.
We brought our new ocean 18 months ago we have had 3 weeks in Scotland and a month in Europe this year it ticked every box really glad we didn’t wait for this new version. Totally agree it lacks storage space and the very practical drop down table we would never have managed cooking on a single burner when off grid in Scotland I think the two sliding doors are a total waste glad we brought ours when we did
Nice van and a good honest review thank you both. I think I would miss not having a sunroof above the cab and especially no lockers above the kitchen (strange decision to just have an open shelf). Also I’m not sure the bathroom works for me. You mentioned the carpet wall covering for one and the shower curtain would be a pain. But wouldn’t turn it down if someone gave me one. Thanks again
Took one out for a test drive yesterday. Currently have a T6 Ocean. Until you see one in the flesh, you miss some of the features. Losing the table in the door sounded like a disadvantage. But you now get a fairly big storage pocket in both back doors. Which helps. The wardrobe was always a bit rubbish in the old one imo, and the two large cupboards which replace it will go some way to making up for the under kitchen storage. The rear window storage bag actually seems pretty decent for clothes storage. But even with those features it will come down to whether you can live with less total storage for the benefits of a second door and the other positive features. The inbuilt table will be a sore loss. The separate one in the boot won’t be as useful and actually feels too big inside the cabin for me. Could see me replacing that with a smaller aftermarket one you can keep in the cab. Other big downside for me is losing the current style fridge. The old cali fridge had the great benefit of keeping in the cold air because it sinks. The new slide out has perforated walls, so will need to cool down again every time you open it which will increase battery usage. But will be handy when cooking outside etc. the other storage issue to address is that the new bed does impact on storage in the boot. Also a shame you still can’t get factory fitted solar! Overall I think this will be a good van for weekend trips, but if you are going for a longer trip, you will probably end up taking out a rear seat to give you space for storage boxes if you are anything like us.
Rear sliding seats and dealer discount were the deal breakers for buying a California Coast 3 years ago.
Realising the 6.1 was nearing the end of its run we had considered delaying for a couple of years for the new model, but so glad we didn’t.
As well has enjoying some amazing family adventures it has become apparent that the new model would not have allowed the same degree of engagement.
As you point out, lack of storage, no indoor table and cooking limitations mean the new model is not on our wish list.
Some dealers now have them in showrooms, we saw one at Breeze in Poole this week …. It’s certainly a very good looking van, but not designed for UK or cool weather camping
My budget in May could only stretch to a Beach camper with advised extras on forums, eg: Aux heater, heated seats. If I now compare this to the new model it’s just not versatile. Bed width, storage down one side and even though we don’t really cook inside the hob inside is great for warming up a soup, kettle inside if weather bad. Now we’d be outside extending a single burner. The Ocean is now with extras in
the price band of your current van if looking for a good 12-18 month old possibly, I know what id choose,
Forget UK website - look at German site for engine choices etc - many more options. UK initial offering is the poverish one!
Simple 6.1 conversion here, no fancy VW effort and super happy with it.
According to the Late Break show, the outdoor table doubles up as the indoor table.
It does and it's great quality
SMG have one in Tonbridge to view, apparently... The petrol version VED is quite hefty! Have you sat in a MV? They really are cosy, I'm going to be very interested to have a look at one of these in the flesh.
Really hate the split A-pillar. Have this in our small sedan Honda Jazz (Australian model name) and it really interferes with your forward vision. Still very happy that I’m waiting on delivery of one of the last run of T6.1 Beach (Australian market version) that will be delivered here.
Not a van for the UK weather! Recently made sure we bought a 6.1 4 motion with the extra fuel tank to maximise range / economy and traction, as not such good options in the new model. It is a shame that VW didn't consider upgrading the 6.1 with things like hot water, roof solar panels for better off grid, air suspension to self level / better ride and perhaps a long wheel base to name but a few. The new model appears to be a day van with much less storage which is critical in a space this size. Loads less storage in the kitchen and under the bench seat. No internal table you have to get out to extract it from the boot where it takes up space and no door table any more? The blinds are not a patch on the newer model from what I have seen. Yes it looks nice, yes there are some nice features, like the electronic hand brake, but it feels like it has been put together by designers who have no idea about actually staying in a vehicle of this size, where every space has to count. Everything I have seen so far just makes me so glad we bought the van before they stopped the build. There will need to be several new versions before it becomes as good as the current 6.1
I currently have a 6.1 Coast. Having watched the VW launch & your analysis of the new Cali I will not be in any rush to change it. Personally I think I would go for something like a Bailey Endeavour and get a lot more van for less money. The B62 is about £10k cheaper and has a lot more space plus a shower room. The VW badge isn’t that valuable to me.
Great talk-through, as always.
I really struggle to see what's actually better in the new Cali besides... being new. Apart from the 2nd sliding door, I mainly see aspects that are either lacking and/or (even) smaller and/or less usable. BTW there are quite a few T6.1 pop top campers that have 2 sliding doors for years, including swing-out kitchen units etc. This looks more like a luxury day trip MPV than a camper. Why VW decided to build the new Cali on the Multivan and not on the upcoming 'T7' is a mystery to me.
Will this push the price of previous versions up I wonder as this is rather limited as a camper van. I’m sure it will be a better drive and great for day trips. the loss of the bench seat seems odd as I do t quite see how it can be made into a comfortable double bed.
SMG Tonbridge have one and they uploaded on UA-cam.
Interesting to read all the comments from existing Cali owners…..a unanimous thumbs down for this new one. Personally I don’t think the “Cali heritage” will count for anything with this new one. If people compared all the other new Campervans available for design, quality, practical campervan use then very few would realistically choose this new Cali. I don’t know what VW are trying to do with this option but, as ever, time will tell 🤷🏻♂
Marcus’ form fan4van is a german. But he had a play around all of them in the flesh ;)
The camper van market is huge, this is going to struggle in such a diverse market, where pricing is starting to be more competitive.
A California for small people who don't cook much. I don't see anybody cancelling their order on one of the last T6.1 Calis for this.
We have a T6 Ocean, wouldn't swap it for the new one.
We have an Ocean on order!
Check out The multivan configurator. You might find similar options to makr The multivan an ocean. 😎
No thanks, I’m out. Will keep our T6.1 Beach.
T6.1 twin slider Beach is the ultimate flexible camper in my view.
It is so customisable!
Erring on side of std 6.1 Cally or Club Joker
The new California with the wet belt diesel engine 🙈 good whilst it's still in warranty
New Cali isn’t Transhit based, it’s on the multivan platform.
@Transporter2084 Thank the lord for that 😅
Wrong
@@JsJourney-nz7ci whats wrong exactly?
Is VW playing with a new Fordmula?
No, this is the VW multivan, not the new Transporter
Seems big lack of storage and only one burner seems short sighted
Nope! Sticking to my T6.1 Ocean. - "The last edition" of a proper California.
Not for me! T6.1 Ocean is a camper and the new one I'd say is a "day van".
Too much compromise on space by the looks of it
Big problem for me is that it is no longer beautiful. 😢