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Would love the new VW multivan T7 thing, drove one a few weeks back and it was way better than I expected. The hybrid was really good. But can’t really afford one.
So next on the list is a transporter shuttle ?, or ideally a caravelle, most recent as budget will allow. Ideally I think it’s the 6.1 with more tech and toys, but probably way too much cash.
But none of the bloody things came with a panoramic roof ! How can you call this thing a “day van”, “lifestyle” blah blah blah if you don’t get a decent view of the sky.
I’ve googled this and whilst I know it can be done diy and I have done this but it’s been a very very very long time since I cut a hole in my cars roof to diy fit a sunroof. Not doing that again.
So has anyone retro fitted a panoramic roof to their VW van ? Or know of a company that does it.
Also any pointers on what to look out for when looking vans please.
Still can’t wrap my head around why I’m considering this, when for the same money I can get a decent fastish car.
I'm sure there are plenty of firms fitting after market sunroofs. It'll probably add weight which if its really big might actually be noticeable, however I can see that a lovely big glass roof would make the van interior light, airy and very pleasant.
There was a sunroof option on the T6, it's just a small one over the cab, though.
The Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroen etc) rival van based mpv do have big sunroofs, but they're not a VW.
T6.1 Vs T6 - Caravelle spec (that's all I've looked at) you get more kit in terms of LED's as standard, lane assist, crosswind assist, ACC etc. Virtual cockpit, and a better infotainment system. But the dash is more basic, no 'comfort dash' as on the T6. Otherwise there basically the same from the front doors back.
I went with a T6 purely because a T6.1 Caravelle would have been well over £50k, minimum.
Engines - 150bhp or 204/199bhp TDI, and DSG. The 204 is brisk for something that weighs 2.5 tonnes, but tbh the 150 is plant fast enough, it's a van. The extra steering lock and seating position means you tend to waft along rather than drive enthusiastically. And there's some issues arising with some of the 204bhp engines.
Here's mine 😉😁
Theres a company who do/did a poptop with a panoramic roof. Never seen one simply grafted into the van roof itself because, well, they're vans. The T7 was designed from the ground up to be a big people carrier thing, not a van first.
Still can’t wrap my head around why I’m considering this, when for the same money I can get a decent fastish car.
Oh I get that totally. I could have bought a number of "realistic" dream cars for the price of my 2l diesel van but don't regret buying it (do have the odd wobble where I want to get rid and buy a B7 RS4).
Yep was looking at a RS6 & then the van, wondering… is this the most boring mlc, or am I losing the plot
I'm looking at the Multivan to replace my van - basically because the Multivan isn't a van - despite the name it seems it's really a big people carrier (if the reviews are to be believed). That's what I'm after - something big but less van than a van!
If the multivam is big enough a Sharan might also be (it's between that in size and a t6). The Sharan is cheaper to buy, run, nicer to drive and can have a Pano roof.. worth checking one out for size
Oh I get that totally. I could have bought a number of “realistic” dream cars for the price of my 2l diesel van but don’t regret buying it (do have the odd wobble where I want to get rid and buy a B7 RS4).
It's easier just to not look!
I saw this 911 for sale for only 5k more than I paid for my Caravelle a few days after buying it, when looking at a new car for my sister.
I can't get 2 bikes and sleep inside a 911 though...
T5/5.1/6 can be specified with a traditional webasto style tilt/slide roof. But not a pano: the headlining is littered with ducts wiring and controls for the rear HVAC system.
T6.1 can’t have one as VW in their infinite wtaf were you thinkingness decided to fit all the comms system for the naff “connected” infotainment system in the place where the webastos workings would otherwise be.
TBH a velle’s windows are so huge a pano isn’t really necessary - it’s got there same glasshouse feeling as a Range Rover. I do love the sunroof on our velle, but I’m not sure the kids would be bothered by a pano.
Multivan isn’t really a proper van. It’s a people carrier. it’s adjacent to the T6/T6.1
I can’t see why you can’t fit a panoramic roof but I’ve also not seen one on a transporter before. People changing the roof put a pop top on
I’m looking at the Multivan to replace my van – basically because the Multivan isn’t a van – despite the name it seems it’s really a big people carrier (if the reviews are to be believed). That’s what I’m after – something big but less van than a van!
Test drove one 2 weeks ago, really liked it - whole family did, drives really easily for a big car. Drove the hybrid 1.4 & the battery pack and was pleasantly impressed.
The orange and silver combo is luverly. The dealer - lookers at Guildford had a number of the commercial id buzz’s there and they do look good, they look more compact than the multivan.
If it wasn’t for the price, I’d have one. Was advised lead times of 12 months from ordering.
why TF would you want a panoramic sunroof? Ignoring it will leak if it an actually opening sunroof (mine is VAG based, with a known issue), they just heat the car up in the summer to unbearable temp's or blind the passengers. I have one on my car and never have the cover screen open, let alone the sunroof, There a ridiculously stupid idea, & god help if you managed to actually crack it (small crash).
Test drove one 2 weeks ago, really liked it – whole family did, drives really easily for a big car. Drove the hybrid 1.4 & the battery pack and was pleasantly impressed.
I'm gonna book in a test drive. Looking at 1.4 PHEV, already have a wall box because mrs OD has a full EV. Not fussed about two tone - not least because there's a long order time
The long lead time wasn’t related to the two tone option. Just in general.
why TF would you want a panoramic sunroof? Ignoring it will leak if it an actually opening sunroof (mine is VAG based, with a known issue), they just heat the car up in the summer to unbearable temp’s or blind the passengers. I have one on my car and never have the cover screen open, let alone the sunroof, There a ridiculously stupid idea, & god help if you managed to actually crack it (small crash).
It’s quite dark in the back of VW’s people mover-ish van, esp for my discerning passengers who accompany me on many many trips. I agree with them too. That is why.
If I can source one to fit, it wouldn’t be an opener, would have a blind and FWIW have the many sunroofs option in the disco and pano roof in the countryman and even with the blind pulled across, it’s a lot lighted in the cabin than without a pano roof.
Edit: none of them leak, shock alert - even in the disco.