California Beach @ Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf

[BobD]

BrianJ,

The main reason I said that old people (or should I say people that can afford a Beach) wouldn't like it is because it seems to be aimed at young people and should be a lot cheaper. However, having driven both my other comments about the Beach being a more commercial based vehicle still stand.

My understanding is that it is not derived from a Multivan but is a more commercially based vehicle (although I am no expert). It certainly doesn't seem to have the same attention to NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) as the Multivan. However, if you are after the bed and not the seats then it is probably exactly what you are looking for.

I was quite happy with the 75kw TDI in the T4 so 96kw seems huge. I also thought it would be plenty and it would be good to get lower fuel consumption. However, one drive of the 128kw TDI and I was hooked and the official fuel consumption is about the same. In practice, I am getting much worse fuel consumption than the official figure in the Multivan, so the 96kw may prove to be much better in this regard in real life.

Anyway, do your research and get what you need and I am sure you will be very happy with the T5, even if it is a bit pricey. Have a drive of the Beach and a 128kw Transporter and/or Multivan and let your brain do the talking, not your heart. Enjoy the new car when you decide.

[jets]

Phaeton,
I like the look of the Beach with pop up roof so can you tell me where you found these details please?
We have a T4 with pop up roof at the moment.

We are in the prosess of moving from UK to OZ and have been looking at bring VW with us or get one out there...

I could order a van in UK with KPH clocks but what other thing would have to be inorder for it to pass customs etc?

I heard that it has to be right hand drive does this apply to yhe sliding door?
What about head lamps?
Any info of anyone out there would be good!

Thanks Rob

Headlights I think would be fine, don't know about RH sliding door.I have a twin slider, but don't know how they would view just 1 on RHS>
Don't forget to look into import duty.

[Altered Sprinter]

head lamps must comply to ADR regulations in Australia UK are not accepted.
Look at the arrow direction on local units UK are opposite these lights are not fog lamp units.
Sliding doors you can have both sides but with on e only door being on the right hand side may cause conflict with the Local DOT ans EPA regulations as this would be deemed the leading door. It would be easier to order a RHD export VW as this at least would compliant, Euro 4 emission standards must be included on the vehicle if it's a stand alone import. All paper work from original seller must be included for import taxation the bonus is you can apply for GST exemption in the UK as the unit is tax exempt for export you need an export broker to do the paper work local sales rep would not a the slightest clue
Warranty forget it unless your high up in the ranks as you would be bring in a model that is already sold in Australia irrespectively of it being fitted out as an RV The standard model is what the regulators will look at VW not happy little chappies on this one.
The RV has a lighter suspension for ride the lower KW engine is for this model as to fuel economy but in part based on weight configurations for the front axle loadings, for example your loading capacity on a transporter delivery van is rated for max GVM between 2.8 to 3.2 T but the van remains in the 2500 series as the options from 2.5 weight variants to 3.2 t are optional The above vehicle has a loading capacity of from the SWB unit 1,391Kg to the LWB unit 1311Kg they are registered as 2.5 or 2.8t GVM.

Kombi
GVW 2.6 to 3.2 the GVM ranges from 2.6 to 2.8 GVW based on its GVM Ranging from SWB units at 1326 Kg to 1236Kg

Shuttles are limited to two body variants in Australia unless the newest model has offered more
SWB unit has a higher GVM of 1326Kg the LWB unit or MWB unit in Australia has a lower GVW due to the longer wheel base it can be ordered to match the SWB unit by ordering a higher front and rear axle Kg rating special orders.

If you look at the UK options you will find differences in the mechanical make up you need to match one for AUS ratings or it may not be accepted by the DOT as that model has not been through the ADR regulators for compliance to EPA regulations etc. little things like crash testings etc.
One thing to consider both Kombi and shuttle are classed as passenger carrying vehicles there are now speed limiters on the VW in Australia under this class, of vehicle unless you exceed 3.251KG limiters may apply in different states but to the best of my knowledge with out checking up speed limiters are not required on the vans in your class .
still follow the above links for import and requirements I have not done this since 1998 except for 4.4 GVM and 5 Tonne special purpose vans.
Richard
Australian RHD lighting ambiance
RHD
R side <- <- _ -> L side ->->->