WHEN Volkswagen Philippines introduced five new models last year, one of those was the German automaker’s entry to the compact sedan segment—the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline variant. This latest addition will go up against the veterans in the compact segment field such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Let us not even discount the other players that are also showing steady presence in the market. So we recently had the chance to test this newcomer clad in neat Polar White shade. As expected, it didn’t disappoint and even impressed us in so many ways.
Just like its siblings, several of Volkswagen’s design cues are also evident with subtle differentiations for individuality. Like the stylish fascia bearing the brand’s signature slender halogen headlamps aligned to the grille with chrome lines and emblem in the middle. Likewise, there’s that secondary grille vents in the lower section of the bumper. Visibly, the exterior frame is faithful to what a three-box configuration should look like. No fuss, no mas. But those profiles and character lines all over are the ones creating that overall sleek aura. You’ll also see every top angles of the headlights and grille giving emphasis to the bonnet and the belt line. Those delineations on the wheel arcs complements the contours at the door bottom panels and bumpers. The wheels, meantime, sports a standard 16-inch Euro-inspired multi-spoke rims.
Interior-wise, the Lavida has that monochromatic themed interior most Volkswagen vehicles are known for. We appreciate the retro-like and straightforward layout from almost every Volkswagen compact cars. But since the Lavida variant we tested was a Comfortline Edition, there are premium silver and metallic details consistent to the dark theme interior. These added trims complemented well with the hard plastic materials. The D-shaped chunky helm, meantime, has piano black inserts and integrated controls. While the fitted audio system is good enough, which is equipped with phone connectivity and digital audio functions, we’re hoping to see an upgrade in the near future showcasing larger touch-operated system. But we liked the ignition button placed near the shift lever and, of course, the sunroof.
While the Lavida possesses that minimalist yet solid built look, we can all agree that its powertrain is where more of the fun lies. Powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, the delivery is more than enough for the daily grinds. Every demand for a quick sprint was unrelenting and effortless even on ascents. With 225 N-m of maximum torque dishing out early on between 1,400-3,500 rpm, it’s more than enough to put a grin on your face every time you step on it.
Another wonder was how the mated seven-speed DSG automatic transmission operated with the mill. Seamless shifting was given. But the way it maximizes the engine torque while continuously upshifting and keeping a low rpm was sublime. Position the lever to the manual mode position and you’re in for spirited driving. The best part was, we didn’t even have to push the motor to on higher rpm ranges to get a good kick.
Just like the affordable Santana, one of the Lavida’s highpoints is how it behaves on the road. For a compact sedan, the noise, vibration and harshness suppression is simply superb. Throughout the test period, everything was like driving a midsized sedan. That fast-cooling climatronic air conditioning system really works best in our kind of hot weather. Meanwhile, we were also impressed with the damping system’s reaction to every road imperfection. Presumably, the high series rubbers also aided in absorbing certain amount of rebounds.
Handling-wise, it was downright nimble for its size and with enough steering feedback from electronic power steering. This made tackling bends manageable with minimal twist. As for the safety features, aside from the standard multiple airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, ISOFIX for child seats and immobilizer, among others, this version of Lavida is also equipped with cruise control, tire pressure monitor, electronic stabilization program, and hill hold control functions.
Priced at P1.171 million, the Lavida falls under the price point range of mid-variant compact sedan models. But the midsized sedan-like road behavior plus its potent 1.4-liter turbocharged motor puts the Lavida ahead of its Japanese counterparts. This sedan’s standpoint is simply straightforward in what it has to offer—more of the driving feel than the looks. Period.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino