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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
- Did the best camper just get even better? This is the new California based on the current T7 Multivan. Admittedly it is still a ‘concept’, but if you base the functional stuff off what’s already available in the MPV Multivan, there’s are plenty of options. Engines are likely to be a 148bhp, 2.0-litre diesel that’s probably going to be the most popular choice, but also the option of 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrols and a 1.4-litre, 215bhp plug-in hybrid.
The Multivan brings with it a bit more dynamic ability than the Caravelle it replaces, as well as more refinement, a whole host of more advanced driver assistance systems and other gadgets. Still recognisably a California, but based on the newer and more advanced platform, with all the good stuff baked in.
There’s no pricing yet, and we’ve not driven it, but this looks like an absolute belter. Given the current pricing of this type of VW product, there’s likely to be a starting price of around £70k and rising from there. But that’s cheap for a house, right?
Top Gear Magazine’s Tom Ford takes a closer look.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 VW California
02:32 Styling
03:19 The Kitchen
04:40 Amenities
05:37 The Bedroom
06:55 Conclusion
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VW hears the call of California's over prices housing market. The California van by the river.
Except they’re not sold in the United States, let alone California, the birthplace of van life and people camping in VW busses. Hence the name.
@@craigcampbell1843why don’t they sell it in North America? I like it so much
@@user-xh8wi2ix3t good question.
It’s expensive to make a vehicle comply with US safety and roadworthy standards - like $10 million per car model. VW probably doesn’t think they can sell enough in the US to make it worth their while.
@@phillipbanes5484 Agree I wont buy anything from VW except the T 7and I D buzz
The california is to “German dream” what corvette is to “American dream”. You get a family, a house, a car and then you get a California to feel and show that you made it. You then travel the world with it!
Sort of true (it's not really "the world", just your nearest domestic "mountain" range and, of course, Garda Lake), and it's one of the things that embarrass me to be German. So cringe.
Great to hear about the german dream from people who have no idea about germany!
I am german, and my wife stress me alot about this car 😂. But 100k for full spec 😅
Yep, if you have no personality whatsoever. 😂
100k buys you alot of hotels, not forgetting all the other expenses that come with a motorhome. Oh yes the great outdoors. Campsite s full of morons discussing fuel consumption and how to wash out the toilet.😮
Plenty of air BnB s with flush toilets and hot water. 😊
The elephant in the room with this van is where to put your stuff. The kitchen cupboards are gone and the underseat storage is significantly smaller. I think it’d be an amazing weekend van for a couple, for a family all the nice features will soon pale in to insignificance when you can’t get all your kit in it. Not sure I see it as a replacement for the Ocean just yet, maybe that comes with the T6.1 replacement.
Also those black glass surfaces are going to look a mess very soon. The stainless steel wasn't as sleek but more functional. It is beautiful though!
Totally agree I was watching and thinking my Duvalay mattress, bedding, clothing will need to be brought to the campsite in another vehicle. Like the kitchen access from outside but compromised by loss of storage and lower head height.
Travelling through the campsites in Norway, what always struck me when walking past Cali vans was the absolute mayhem inside. Even in T5s and T6s, it was dead obvious there's not enough storage space for a family of 3 or 4, barely enough for a couple. I saw some with little storage trailers. I was travelling with 2 other grown up blokes, stocked up on food and booze for 3 full weeks as it was very expensive there and had an inflatable kayak able to fit all 3 of us at the same time. We had everything we needed and plenty of room inside.
But that was in a long wheelbase Renault Trafic converted to a campervan. Absolutely underrated camping car.
Roof Box is possibly available
@@leored79 VW used to recommend up to 50 kg load on the pop-top roof... that went down to 0 in the recent years, most likely due to warranty claims. It's not designed to carry any weight and it's a huge sheet of fiberglass supported by 2 struts/hinges and susceptible to wind blows. It's not worth the risk.
We rented the previous model on a trip to Germany. It was a perfect van for camping in every way, even with the top up it was completely water tight. My only gripe is that I wish the bed mattress had a bit more padding, you could really start to feel the seat hinge in your side after the 3rd night.
Common problem, just get a topper and you‘re fine.
@@matthiaskettner6686 Yeah for the short time we had it (rented through roadsurfer, great company btw!), it was great. Longer term would definitely pick up a few additions like a mattress topper, and probably a chemical toilet.
Watertight?? The current 6.1 has real issues with leaking bellows. Not good when you spend £75k.
@@TheLittleRedCali I'm only passing along my direct experience with a 2022 or 2023 model, not hearsay from the Internet. We had some quite severe rain storms for many hours while we were camping. In fact it was severe enough to close the Wacken Open Air festival grounds, but no water came into our camper. YMMV
@@PaulEubanks me too. Mine leaks and hundreds of others also. Not hearsay. Real customers with long term problems. You probably had one with the old style bellows. The new ones leak.
I like the presentation of regular cars more than those of hypercars. It is closer to my everyday life.
This thing will cost you over 100.000 Euros in Europe, so it‘s probably not too close to most people‘s lifes…
closer than a million dollar hypercar of which only 80 cars are produced and hardly anybody will ever see in real life
£100k for a VW van?...........they have 'seen you coming' 😃
why do europeans use decimals and commas inverted from the way we use them in the uk and usa?@@matthiaskettner6686
work harder, then you can afford a hypercar.
That van is so freaking cool! Love all the compartments and how everything is tucked away.
Is VW planning options:
- solar roof?
- table hidden in the side door instead of the back?
- parking air conditioning?
- factory fitted mosquito nets?
- curtains on all windows?
- opening rear window?
- and what will be the capacity of the tank, because I hope not 40 liters as it is in currently produced models?
Due to the 2 sliding doors design it has less storage under the kitchen as well as under the 2 back seats. Where do you store all your clothing or food?? Because the side cabinet needs to be used for your cooking stuff.
What about cooking inside seated and access the fridge?
Also for example I usually work remotely in my T5.1 and use the sliding table. In this model you have to use the table that is on the garage (that is also reducing the storage space under the back seat).
I see a lot of downsides on this design compared to previous versions.
Each new version gets worse.
This is no longer a minibus, this is a minivan.
The T-series ended with version 6.1
This is such an awesome van! It’s ridiculous that it’s not sold in North America.
in us this is more little than normal car
Perfect, I'm tired of every car in America having to be giant. I'm tired of $170,000 Sprinter van campers. Why is it not possible to have a normal size car you can use daily and then also use it as a weekender camping van. We might get this someday, but sadly, it will be bloated, and it will be only electric.
@@phillipbanes5484north America is only 3 countries my friend. USA, Canada and Mexico.
NA Market (commonly known = 3) vs NA Geography (technical definition not used in automotive marketing =22).
The OP is talking about marketplaces. When VW refers to NA it is 100% referencing the NA market (MX, US, CA) … aka nafta not Greenland. 😂
That’s probably my favourite review you’ve ever done Tom - great cinematography, great location , great humour & all the information you need - probably the best review of the T7 multivan California concept too :) #niceone
THIS👏VAN👏NEEDS👏TO👏BE👏SOLD👏IN👏CALIFORNIA!!!!👏
Absolutely👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
YES!!!!!!
would love to get something even close to this good, in the US!
This video referenced the VW Crafter -- which looks like a Mercedes Sprinter. These models would sell out in the US, yet not offered. Still waiting for the the ID Buzz...
Amazing that the California isn't available in the States.
@@mls01981, Don't bother waiting for an ID Buzz. I test drove one in Wolfsburg, Germany in June 2023.
I own a 1985 Vanagon weekender and 2002 Eurovan weekender. Compared to those 2 camper vans, I would call the ID Buzz an SUV disguised as a van. The Eurovan design lost several feet of interior space compared to the Vanagon and the ID Buzz lost several feet of interior space compared to the Eurovan.
We were told the ID Buzz vans going to the USA will all be long wheelbase versions, but I still have serious doubts about that thing being a good camper van. Being electric they will lack range & being space inefficient they will certainly not measure up to a Vanagon ... or even a Eurovan for that matter. I could afford to .... and would .... buy a T6.2 or T7 in a heartbeat if they were available in the USA.
@@wvusmc - the US imposes a 25% tariff on light trucks made outside of the US. That has been the obstacle to importing the VW California
@@wvusmc Something called the chicken tax, same reason we can't get the Amarok.
I wish more OEMs would do camper style cars like this. Shame you can't actually buy one in California. I would love a factory pop top on an off roader here without having to go to the aftermarket.
@@phillipbanes5484 I heartily disagree.
Such irony, innit? 😆
Absolutely fantastic design and will most certainly trade our T6 California Ocean up for this I suspect!
FINALLY!! Doors opening both sides. So we’ll finally get it this in Australia now it’s street legal 😊
My 2014 T5 which I have converted has 2 sliding doors. They have always had that option. You just have to be prepared to do a custom conversion.
You won’t be able to charge a hybrid and run the camper when plugged in on a campsite… you would be pulling too many amps and will fuse the supply. As most motorhome/ caravan owners already know .
Price point. Like the electric Harley, you’re catering to an audience that has no money. 70k may as well be a down payment on a house.
Exactly. This is alternative housing for someone who already owns a damn house.
This is for people that can afford it. If you still don't own a house, then you are not in that class of people.
Or this can be for someone who couldn't afford a house or who choose to live a van life.
@@PeterPanQuails It's too small and too cramped to support a true van life.
The most recent version sold out in Australia in 9 hours. They are still cheaper than a Land Cruiser
As a Californian, this reminds me of the Honda Element- but updated. Many Element owners create this floorplan.
Can the seats be installed in the Regular Multivan T7? Because i like the seats better that the original one.
what a cool concept - I want one!
A well thought out concept, but no excuse for not having a 100% solar roof, especially in sunny California. I would also recommend large foldaway solar panels that could be plugged into the vehicle for extra energy capture. Off grid sustainability is highly desired now-a-days.
Solar roof won't generate much energy and where would you store the energy? This isn't an BEV
@@mluu510 A solar roof can add 30-40 miles of rage per day for an Aptera EV. Obviously, in this case it should have a lithium-ion battery pack to provide quiet reliable power while camping.
@@mluu510Even if it's not for BEV, you can use it for portable power stations.
@@SoCalFreelanceAny van’s mass or aerodynamics won’t even come close to the Aptera lol…
Not denying the interest for solar panels tbh, but it’s definitely not the same usage and scale.
It’s called the California but will not be sold in the United States.
OMG THIS GUY!. feel like when i was growing up... (looks my age 40s)n not seen him in 15 years. Man we got old!!!
The Transporter comes with double sliding doors and there are many many more options for layouts available on the aftermarket. Why you would spend £70k+ when you can get a custom build for much less I'll never know.
There are people out there who'd rather spend big bucks on an overpriced and subpar product as long as it's OEM and they have one place to go to with all their complaints. The resale values are also quite good on them.
Gorgeous. Thank you, Tom.
I've noticed that in more than one of these vids they brush right over the bed, it is still a challenge to give you a comfortable
bed in these smaller vans but all these clever gadjets do not replace a comfortable bed.
So, is there a place to sleep in the net thing on the roof?
What a brilliant design. So fun.
I wish I could afford this, its pretty dang cool!
I want one. I hope they actually make it.
Does a gas powered generator come with it as I don’t see many charging stations in camp grounds!
Having owned a Jobl for 4 years I'm sceptical about this being suitable for a family of 4 taking a fortnights hols. Looks lovely though and would be great for 2 or maybe 3 people.
Looks nice i had a use for it.
haha "thousands of years, ever since the 1950's". i'm going to steal that.
Amazing videography! Definetely one of the rarest review ever with one of the most interesting campers nowadays!
Bling over real practicality. Crazy price no doubt.
Exited, also as T6.1 California owner 🎉 good job
Informative AND beautiful. Thank you.
Seems great, but so much storage space lost(below the seats and below the kitchen), I don't see where I would go the non-cooled-food, my pans, the plates and everything for cooking
Never understood why instead of the ID Buzz Volskwagen did not electrify the T7 which is soooooo much more practical than the IdBuzz... would also take a bigger battery under the chassis... 🤷♂️ and they could have had Diesel next to an EV in the same line as BMW does it
its stunning and some lovely additions however why have they not improved the downstairs sleep arrangement this will not be comfy looks worse to sleep on than my t6! and one ring for cooking , ok so its got a grill for use outdoors great if not in uk lol , any better fly screens ? going to need a trailer for storage !!
if someone from wolksvagen is reading this you did a really great job, im just curious about the price
I have a California and done lots of traveling, but really like this one too just a question, where is the toilet?
This is my future retirement home. Just needs to be off-road capable.
The front end needs the round headlights. Other than that it looks awesome!
This is great. Only one problem and it’s a big one. It’s a VW. I’ve had more VWs than any other brand and I’ve had major probs with all of them. Both fuel, mechanicals and electrics. My last VW destroyed the wheel bearings at 60,000 kms followed closely by the water pump. My current camper Is a Hyundai Staria which I built myself. Total cost just under A$60,000 complete with 180 degree awning 47 litre fridge, massive storage, dual batteries and 40 litre water capacity. The last camper I had was an iLoad. Almost 200,000kms and not one problem!
OMG you want me to get the manager, Karen?
will you make a small video of your camper please? would love to see it.
I swear I’ve seen these around the VW HQ building in Bucks in the UK plenty of times.
The nice clean hiking boots add authenticity to the review. Where is Jeremy when you need him?
At 6' 4", do you think anyone would ask him to review a van that size? I laugh just thinking about how it would go.
Just watched a video of the new Ford Nugget. It was like watching a video of the exact same vehicle with the exact same features. Just a slightly different layout.
Will it come with a 4x4 option?
Watching this whilst camping in the VW camper
This is really nice 👍
Hopefully it ends up in the states. Really want to get something new I can live in for a bit while working here in Texas.
Suppose you camping in the rain and cold. Want to start cooking. Need your table. Then you have to go outside!! While there was a much better solution: the table in the door!! Hope t7 goes back to that brilliant solution!!
So cute...both the camper and the presenter!
No soar panels on the roof?
Though, got to admit, those spare chairs pretty cool. Wish every car came with those
Absolutely Brilliant!
Yes, but are the springs able to be locked in position during park? lol.
Hear me out; this ride with full autonomous driving -with follow me function- + dream car. Done. It's over. Housing crisis averted.
Create legal framework in order to register as an address with town hall. (Location must be live at all times, all else equal with home address, for example.).
May I ask how long can I use the air conditioner without starting the engine? Thank you.
2 minutes.
@@roygavin8219 If it starts from 100%, how long can it take to start? Thank you.
Hopefully, the larger North American ID. Buzz will have a version of this with more storage.
Exquisite!!!!!
Is it coming to the us?
I love this van.
As someone whos built many rigs over the years, they couldve used the space alot better. People who enjoy the outdoors have gear they want to lug around. Having predesignated storage areas (cutlery, tea cups, bbq) make for a clean look, but thats prime real estate being directly behind the driver. I can think of 100 things i need quick access to on a road trip before i need a cup of tea or bbq something. Only cool features, in my opinion, are the retractable interior counter and storage location for the chairs / water tank. Other than that id one an empty van to personalize.. the hidden chairs embody the van life storage solutions - making every inch count. It sucks they didnt keep that mind set throughout the entire build.
I'd want an empty one*
I am sure VW have copied my build :), I ordered it last year in the beach format and added a Cooking pod has many of the same features, two door, versatile cooking sliding seating configs, captain seats (Hight adjust is a great move, I have not got that). But I do have an options for a totally or an eight seater. It is my dream car and I use it as a daily driver too. Looks really good, can't wait to see on in the flesh one day
To me Its areality in digital generation under road campers like me.soo amazing camper van.well Done VW for this amazing handcraft,well TopGear BBC for the fantastic car review(Tom Ford).Thank you Guyz
what kinda shoes are those? i want them.
ID on the Salomon’s?? Speedcross?
Very nice van
Great review
We used to cross Europe in one to the Black Sea. Would take 3 days in an air cooled petrol
5 days in that.
Wow TWO SLIDING DOORS! What a surprise for someone just woke up from the 70’s!😂
When will have in the USA?
Please bring this to America!!!! I've had the 2003 Eurovan Westfalia Camper Van which still runs great but want this one as replacement!
Would so get the phev for off-road power. Fantastic
You need to bring this over to the States 🤣
Or I'll just stick with my Ford Transit that has a pop top roof and has probably cost me about £16k all in. It's hardly harder to drive but way more space
Nothing drives better than a Transit.
@roygavin8219 It's a Mk7 so yeah it drives great. RWD loads of torque. It's a winner for sure :)
Can’t wait for the ID BUZZ California version!
Na, Na, Na .... such a bad idea VW cancelled the project. ID Buzz is glaringly space inefficient. I drove one in Wolfsburg last June. It's a small SUV disguised as a van. Good for soccer mom's.
It should connect better with existing campground situations, which provide space for a stove, picnic table, etc. Sleep up top, change clothes or entertain below, and have a shower curtain.
Ahh lovely van 😊 How many of these hi-top vans get blowin over when in gale force winds🤭 not an all rounder for me 🤓
Shower and toilet are the first things I look for. I only saw the shower.
I have come to the conclusion that these people live in a different universe to me, they dont cook , dont need plates, saucepans or food, certainly never need the loo and who in their right mind would want to shower outside in the UK where there is never any privacy and the temperature rarely gets above 18 degrees on a good day. Oh sorry we do have 5 days of a heat wave once a year if we are lucky.
It would make a great mobile office, road trip car, and luxury touring vehicle you can park in a normal parking space. In addition, it can serve as your daily vehicle. As a 'Yank', it still isa sore point to know we can't get one in America.
Vw has been teasing a retro remake like this FOREVER. wake me up when they’re on the lot.
This would sell like crazy in California, especially near the coast. Please bring this to California, USA, please.
Looks smaller than the Transporter platform?
2:44 The caddy is for people who like to tuck in small space 😂
Looking forward to the conscious California version. Built and powers by wind and sun.
Those who have seen Jacques Tati's 1971 "Trafic" may notice many similarities between the nifty design features of VW's concept car and the camper van that Tati (playing the designer) is trying to get to an auto show in Amsterdam. Of course, things do not go as planned. I wonder whether any of VW's designers saw the film, and thought about it as they were working on the new California.
The biggest issue I see with this concept is its range. At just under 240 mi. its not going to get far off the beaten path. Not unless you want to get stuck without power in the wilderness. Strictly, city adventures for the foreseeable future.
Awesome review and product...but...beware, I've owned both a T5 + T6 and they're treated as a commercial vehicle by the dealer network. As one of the most expensive vehicles in the VW range I believe they should have their own sub-brand of dealerships/service departments...
What's the difference if they treat it as commercial? Are the services more expensive? Or is it just that less dealers will service it?
It fits perfect for California considering all those living in their RVs.
It's for the European market
@@theracer6882so Europeans can experience California homelessness!
Every time I see a "T7" in my T6 I notice just how much shorter it is (to be suitable for car parks) but it makes it so much less practical than the T6 for work. As nice as the California is more panel vans are converted than California's/ Beaches sold. Still waiting on a true T7 to be announced as it's apparently being built by Ford in Turkey anyway so I guess this is VW splitting off the camper line entirely.
Yes that’s what I read just wonder if it will look like a transit custom or a t6! I also read the VW Buzz California has been canned.
@@mathewdymond8375 The Buzz only has a payload of 650kg and the California's are all on T32 rated Transporters so they have a 1200kg payload. Buzz is basically an electric Caddy van.
I don't really mind what it looks like as long as the aftermarket business isn't effected, we like customizing our work vans. Our worry is it'll be like the new Amarok where the Ranger is hands down the only sensible option of the two as the Amarok has so little functionality in comparison.
This concept van is 5.17m longer but lower height than t6/6.1
@@rubymouse6904 Yes the current SWB is 4.9m and LWB is 5.3m. Given how tight parking spaces are in the UK now LWB and anything over 5m isn't really practical for work vans, hence I think this will be a spin off product.
Send this to the USA or I may have to import one on my own!
@@phillipbanes5484 All true. However, I bet they'll start evolving the Buzz in this direction just as they have with their previous vans/campers.
Cool, but: why is this not based off of the ID Buzz?
Only place you can camp withthis van isin the city, thankfully with housing prices going through the roof this is more affordable than an average California apartment
Californias always have been a Swiss Army knife on wheels. Great vans
Fair play that's very cool. What madman would chop things on that wooden board though. There's no way that I'm putting knife marks on a permanent part of the van! Also they should have installed solar panels on the roof. Did he mention the travel range of this thing? As a heavy EV van, I assume you'll need to stop every hour to charge the thing.
Seems nice anyway is the Top Gear TV show dead?
Coming to a neighborhood near you!
Very nice! But come and test that to Finland in winter when its -20C :) Especially that shower would be nice ;)