Looking to buy

As per my introduction , I'm.currently researching the vw cali, we're these available anywhere in LWB , also for the 4motion owners, is this an option worth holding out for

No OEM LWB California Ocean exists.
4M is the icing on the top, the cherry and the buttery biscuit base.
It makes the drive so much better.
I’ve had both. FWD MY22 and now 4M MY23.
And the difference is absolute. IMHO.

To counter Bill above, there are some drawbacks to 4Motion.

1. You loose the 3rd rail inside. That limits you to four seats only.
2. It also commands a higher premium with stronger residuals; great for the seller, bad for the buyer.
3. Worse MPG
4. Higher maintenance costs
5. Weight limits of spec. Dont quote me on what - we've not dived too deep into that. A dealer should be able to advise.
6. This is unfounded and more along the 'I heard it once, but not researched further' - that 4Motion isn't your textbook 4WD as the power distribution isn't balanced between front and rear axles - there are limits as to how much power can reach the rear axle. Again, uneducated and might be complete baloney and would welcome correcting with open arms

CamperFam said:

6. This is unfounded and more along the 'I heard it once, but not researched further' - that 4Motion isn't your textbook 4WD as the power distribution isn't balanced between front and rear axles - there are limits as to how much power can reach the rear axle. Again, uneducated and might be complete baloney and would welcome correcting with open arms

Click to expand...

The system used on the Cali is a Haldex all wheel drivetrain. It normally operates in FWD only but automatically sends power to the rear wheels to gain traction when necessary (if you're really interested in the technology involved, there is TONS of stuff on this forum and I don't propose to regurgitate it here).

There are other AWD systems out there and they have their technical and cost pros/cons but the Cali 4 Motion system is probably as good as any of them unless you're planning serious overlanding in extreme terrain which is about the only time a "true" 4WD system will make a real difference.

(I have no axe to grind - my Cali is standard 2WD, I might go for 4Mo if I was changing the van, as I do a lot of towing with it, but for most purposes 2WD is fine IMO).

For me the 204HP and 4Motion system paired with DSG transmission is the ideal drivetrain. Wheel spin has never happened even in damp road conditions. I considered adding manual diff lock but for the number times I thought I might need it the additional cost just couldn't be justified. And it's one more thing to go wrong, with £4K+ to replace.
Def go for 4Mo if it's within budget and you plan to go for the more powerful engine.