Where is the T5 California ?

[GTI-VW]

Has VW removed this model from its line-up ? It appears they don't sell it any more. Does anyone know why ?

I have a T4 California Coach - Belgian reg'd and currently living in the UK. Family of 4 we have taken it all over Europe and off to North Africa next week. It's also our daily driver and runs like a new car even with 190,000kms on it.

The T4 California Coach (built by Westfalia) is very similar to the T5 California (built by VW after Westfalia were bought by Mercedes). They both sleep 4 in comfort and are packed with thoughtful goodies. The T5 just does everything a bit slicker - electric doors, remote heater control, bigger fridge, electric roof, glass tops, pull down blinds in lieu of curtains, better table setup and all the nice T5 improvements. Every now and then I go to VW in London to drool over one.

I'd love to bring it back but as it's a LHD that's nigh on impossible. To my mind the aftermarket conversions in Australia just look too much like a camper. The interiors may be functional but tend to be circa 1980's caravan-kitsch. I'd love to buy a T5 California when we return to Oz but sweet chance if there's none on the market.

[GTI-VW]

. Every now and then I go to VW in London to drool over one.

For anyone who hasn't seen & crawled inside one it really is lickable. The interior is an extension of the luxury VW fit-out and reminiscent of a luxury apartment. Closed up it looks like a top of the line Caravelle with just the thinnest suggestion of a roof and a California badge to give away that its a camper. They sell well in the UK and there are a lot of big name converters here (Reimo,etc) to compete against. If VW Australia won't sell them then they don't understand the market potential.

[phaeton]

Not coming due to high price and tough ADR standards

Although I do swear I at least saw one silver version in South Australia, whether it was just testing or whether someone has a personal import or maybe they were exploring our fine country I don't know.

[WEDEL.1]

Bob Jennings from the Advertiser tested a red version. I believe it will not be introduced to Australia.

Must buy one from TRAKKA, LWB high roof, 4-Motion, Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[jets]

I was waiting to see one after the teaser articles going back for a couple of years & the road test by Bob Jennings. I had a dream of owning one someday but the news that they wouldn't be sold here put an end to that. Although I could never justify ownership on price & how much use I would give it, it's the sort of vehicle that really appeals to me.

[jimmyd]

I was waiting to see one after the teaser articles going back for a couple of years & the road test by Bob Jennings. I had a dream of owning one someday but the news that they wouldn't be sold here put an end to that. Although I could never justify ownership on price & how much use I would give it, it's the sort of vehicle that really appeals to me.

I saw the brochure here in Brisbane, but the salesman said not enough interest due to price..over $100,000, way to expensive

[syncro91]

Not coming due to high price and tough ADR standards

Although I do swear I at least saw one silver version in South Australia, whether it was just testing or whether someone has a personal import or maybe they were exploring our fine country I don't know.

Phaeton - few comments in general

- Yes, they are being produced, in a special section of the Hannover factory. This has been the case since DaimlerChrysler took over Westfalia. I have had factory personnel explain this on my visit to the factory last month

- There are at least 2 in Australia. Silver and Red I believe, on evaluation. I have explored the Silver example whilst it was in Canberra in October 2006. It later visited the Sydney Motor Show of the same year.

- There is a market for $100K plus Campers, as evidenced by sales at Trakka, Discoverer, Frontline etc.

- The California cannot come to Australia for the same reason the Westfalia was never really going to be viable here - the interior configuration is such that the sliding door entry is on the right-hand-side = on the road side for RHD vehicles = entry / egress safety issues.

Regards

Mark.

[syncro91]

PS - the Trakka is the closest example to the California in terms of materials used (eg, timber look cabinetry and silver roller shutters for cupboards etc).

[jets]

I put it to the salesman when he told me they wouldn't be sold here that I thought the RHS slider would be a problem. He said it wasn't that but other features. He obviously didn't know but as with a lot of sales people feel they need to say something. They find it hard to say 'I don't know"

[GTI-VW]

PS - the Trakka is the closest example to the California in terms of materials used (eg, timber look cabinetry and silver roller shutters for cupboards etc).

Shame if it doesn't come to Oz. The Trakka looks nice but it doesn't have the stylish fit/finish of the California. IMO it still looks like a camper interior. Various sockets and assorted stuck on bits spoil the overall look. The exterior decals are hopefully optional.

For interior comparison see

http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/downloads/images/california/gallery/wallpaper6.jpg

http://www.trakka.com.au/images/trakkadu/8AAE2552.JPG2.JPG

also see http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=eW2n2LtgPww

[phaeton]

Phaeton - few comments in general

- Yes, they are being produced, in a special section of the Hannover factory. This has been the case since DaimlerChrysler took over Westfalia. I have had factory personnel explain this on my visit to the factory last month

- There are at least 2 in Australia. Silver and Red I believe, on evaluation. I have explored the Silver example whilst it was in Canberra in October 2006. It later visited the Sydney Motor Show of the same year.

- There is a market for $100K plus Campers, as evidenced by sales at Trakka, Discoverer, Frontline etc.

- The California cannot come to Australia for the same reason the Westfalia was never really going to be viable here - the interior configuration is such that the sliding door entry is on the right-hand-side = on the road side for RHD vehicles = entry / egress safety issues.

Regards

Mark.

Well said Mark

[MultiplexMan]

http://www.vwasia.com/publish/vwasia/new_zealand/en/models/commercial_vehicles/california.html

Are the Kiwis getting LHD models? Or RHD with a driver's side sliding door?

[jets]

Same as UK, RHD with RH slider. Nice link.
The downside of the California, beside the price, is that it's SWB & that fridge looks cheap.

[Seano]

No matter how flash the California looks.........if I were in the market for a camper I'd get the Trakka version every time.

Simply because the former is built in Europe while the latter is built in Sydney. And Trakka's customer service when a fault occurs in their camper fitouts has been well tested and found quite fine while I'd have strong doubts about a regional VW dealer coping with a collapsed camper fitout....

[jimmyd]

No matter how flash the California looks.........if I were in the market for a camper I'd get the Trakka version every time.

Simply because the former is built in Europe while the latter is built in Sydney. And Trakka's customer service when a fault occurs in their camper fitouts has been well tested and found quite fine while I'd have strong doubts about a regional VW dealer coping with a collapsed camper fitout....

Good one Seano, been to Trakka in Sydney, very impressive setup, didn't realise their factory was so big ! I have a swb T4 camper, and while I do love it, next time will def be a LWB. That bit of extra room does make a difference. I had a look at the Kea T5's for sale here at their depot, not a bad fitout, but I think Trakka is better. They have dropped their prices at Kea by $5000, so don't know if they are having problems selling them !!. Frontline will do conversion for $17,000, but didn't get around to asking Trakka. Also agree that fridge on California looks cheap.