VW Grand California (1 Viewer)

[ymfb]

Just saw this on Facebook

VW have just revealed the production version of their new maxi-sized camper to be unleashed on the world later this month - and it's set to be known as the Grand California rather than the XXL as previously believed!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volksw...-volkswagen-grand-california-revealed-in-full

I can’t imagine there will be much change from £65k, but I bet the build quality is better than the other PVCs. We didn’t have one issue with our T5 California, given up counting with AutoSleepers......

 

[Guigsy]

The VW Crafter is a fair bit narrower than a Ducato. I wonder how they are managing to sleep across the van? Westfalia only managed it with a pop-out panel for your feet!
https://www.westfalia-mobil.com/bilder/2017/news/2017_sh_premiere/2017_sh_hom_333_0.jpg

 

[SpeedyDux]

Its nearest competitor might be the 2019 Westfalia James Cook which will come in 3 versions.

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/m...eases-details-of-all-new-james-cook-campervan

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I belueve it does 100 mpg and has zero emmissions as well, the MD himself told me at visiting time

 

[PP Bear]

Think that's an acquired taste, not my cup of tea at all. Lot of space given over to a fixed bed too.

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[buttons]

Just saw this on Facebook

VW have just revealed the production version of their new maxi-sized camper to be unleashed on the world later this month - and it's set to be known as the Grand California rather than the XXL as previously believed!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volksw...-volkswagen-grand-california-revealed-in-full

I can’t imagine there will be much change from £65k, but I bet the build quality is better than the other PVCs. We didn’t have one issue with our T5 California, given up counting with AutoSleepers......

I've had 3 fantastic T5 California's one of the benefits was being able to fit under height restrictions but this looks lovely. Will be interesting to see where they store the camping table and chairs without the hatch rear door. Loved my California's.....

 

[buttons]

.

 

[ymfb]

No plans to change our Kingham despite the annoying foibles, they are all fixable, but if we decide to change to another PVC, this will be the first one we check out.

 

[Emmit]

The VW Crafter is a fair bit narrower than a Ducato. I wonder how they are managing to sleep across the van? Westfalia only managed it with a pop-out panel for your feet!
https://www.westfalia-mobil.com/bilder/2017/news/2017_sh_premiere/2017_sh_hom_333_0.jpg

The Couple in the photo are VERY closely related to Snow White's mates.

 

[scotjimland]

The VW Crafter is a fair bit narrower than a Ducato. I wonder how they are managing to sleep across the van?

I've had 3 fantastic T5 California's

@buttons can you answer this.. seems too narrow for a transverse bed

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[Emmit]

According to Autodimensions the California is 1.904 Mtrs
Thats about 50mm less than the Renault or Fiat equivalents

 

[buttons]

@buttons can you answer this.. seems too narrow for a transverse bed

The T5 is not wide enough for a transverse bed, not for me or you anyway Jim. Having said that, the T5 has four good sized in line beds I will be looking out for a demo asap will let you know..

 

[Guigsy]

According to Autodimensions the California is 1.904 Mtrs
Thats about 50mm less than the Renault or Fiat equivalents

That's at it's widest point. The Fiat has vertical sides, whereas the VW Crafter, VW Transporter and Merc Sprinter (don't know about Renault) all taper in towards the top. So you aren't even going to get that width as it's narrower by the time you're above the wheel arches.

 

[Minxy]

The VW Crafter is a fair bit narrower than a Ducato. I wonder how they are managing to sleep across the van? Westfalia only managed it with a pop-out panel for your feet!
https://www.westfalia-mobil.com/bilder/2017/news/2017_sh_premiere/2017_sh_hom_333_0.jpg

If you look at this photo you can see they've incorporated an 'extended' bits on the sides at the rear (looks like a jutting-out side window) so this is how they get the extra length but it will still be tight.

The interior is a bit too 'plastic' for me though ...

 

[Minxy]

Will be interesting to see where they store the camping table and chairs without the hatch rear door. Loved my California's.....

Its got double opening doors so under the bed ...

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[scotjimland]

you can see they've incorporated an 'extended' bits on the sides at the rear (looks like a jutting-out side window) so this is how they get the extra length but it will still be tight.

ah yes.. see it now

sorry.. it's not for me.. the Possl / Globecar are far better design.. but with the VW badge it will sell

 

[Minxy]

ah yes.. see it now

sorry.. it's not for me.. the Possl / Globetrotter are far better design.. but with the VW badge it will sell

Harlem??? I used to like Curly!!!

 

[scotjimland]

Harlem??? I used to like Curly!!!

damn predictive text... well, thats 'my excuse

 

[Makingtrax]

Just saw this on Facebook

VW have just revealed the production version of their new maxi-sized camper to be unleashed on the world later this month - and it's set to be known as the Grand California rather than the XXL as previously believed!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volksw...-volkswagen-grand-california-revealed-in-full

I can’t imagine there will be much change from £65k, but I bet the build quality is better than the other PVCs. We didn’t have one issue with our T5 California, given up counting with AutoSleepers......

Looks a really nice van inside. The light grey plastic looks better than wood veneer. Very sporty.

Would be nice if there was one at the NEC in Oct.

 

[Guigsy]

Looks a really nice van inside. The light grey plastic looks better than wood veneer. Very sporty.

Would be nice if there was one at the NEC in Oct.

A lot of vans look quite dated with the fabrics used and too much fake wood. I mostly like this look, but it is a bit like the inside of a 747.

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[Makingtrax]

A lot of vans look quite dated with the fabrics used and too much fake wood. I mostly like this look, but it is a bit like the inside of a 747.

I like the aeroplane look.

Modern van interiors are improving hugely. It wasn’t that long ago, every caravan and Motorhome had gaudy floral or Aztec design upholstery so they wouldn’t show up the paw marks and dropped chocolate.

The heavy wood also made the inside very oppressive.

 

[matt34]

I use to be a massive be fan and had many splitscreens, bay windows,t4 troopers etc, my cars were all vwI now have zero vws in my possession and realised going out of be gets you more for your money my last motorhome Karrmen Colorado did hold its price because of the trendy vw scene the new one will be overpriced I doubt I will ever go back happy in my swift 630g which has everything we nee.

 

[ymfb]

The plastic finish in our T5 Cali was utilitarian but functional and without fault. It has to be lighter and more robust than the mdf/ chip board used by others.

 

[Nasher]

The VW Crafter is a fair bit narrower than a Ducato. I wonder how they are managing to sleep across the van? Westfalia only managed it with a pop-out panel for your feet!
https://www.westfalia-mobil.com/bilder/2017/news/2017_sh_premiere/2017_sh_hom_333_0.jpg

I know that for van conversions the DVLA requires a bed at least 1800mm (6ft long) in order to be re-classified as a 'motor caravan' I assume it is the same for new vans?

It might be that one of the other beds is long enough?

Or maybe not available in UK?

VW wouldn't fib would they?

 

[rod_vw]

I know that for van conversions the DVLA requires a bed at least 1800mm (6ft long) in order to be re-classified as a 'motor caravan' I assume it is the same for new vans?

It might be that one of the other beds is long enough?

Or maybe not available in UK?

VW wouldn't fib would they?

Check the spec of a VW California 'Beach', then look at the DVLA requirements. They class that as a Motor Caravan!

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[CazPaul]

Expensive but a lovely van, the transverse bed will sell well in Germany, some of the top end PVC converters(CS Reisemobile, HRZ, La Strada Regent S) etc will lose sales to this one.
I love it although not seen one in person yet.
If its well insulated/winterised it will be very popular.

 

[CazPaul]

ah yes.. see it now

sorry.. it's not for me.. the Possl / Globecar are far better design.. but with the VW badge it will sell

Looks different class to the Globecar range Jim.

 

[tacr2man]

All that plastic doesn't bode well for condensation I would think .
It will probably sell reasonably in a niche market , especially if its considered fashionable ,as that matters more than practicality etc .

 

[CazPaul]

All that plastic doesn't bode well for condensation I would think .
It will probably sell reasonably in a niche market , especially if its considered fashionable ,as that matters more than practicality etc .

Surely if its got some good insulation in the walls/roof it will be fine. I think it will be both fashionable and practical.

 

[Northernraider]

Don't like it

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