Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
FOR a car brand that has been an integral part of the country’s rich automotive history and passion, it is high time it reconnected its tradition with the Filipinos.
Recently, Volkswagen Philippines made another milestone, as well as a big step forward, by introducing five new exciting models to the local market. These new models are the Santana MPI M/T Trendline, Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline, Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline and the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline.
“Volkswagen Philippines takes the Filipino car-loving public into an old, exciting future, yet remaining faithful to the original intent of Volkswagen to offer cars that are accessible to the people, whatever aspirations in life they might have, however they may be inspired toward their own personal fulfillment,” Volkswagen Philippines (AC Industrials) President and CEO Arthur Tan said. “With these new models, Volkswagen will once more become top of mind of both: a new generation of Filipinos and of those who still remember the good old days when the iconic Volkswagen cars dominated the motoring landscape everywhere you looked.”
Also present during the launch event was Shanghai Volkswagen First Vice President David Powels. “Having all been ‘tailor made’ for our Asian customers, these Volkswagen models are key pillars to the great success that the Volkswagen brand has enjoyed within the Asian market,” he said. He also shared that Volkswagen continues to be a strong brand worldwide and even the No. 1 choice for car buyers in many markets. In fact, these five models have had notable successes in China, the world’s biggest and most competitive automotive market.
Taking center stage and presented by none other than Ayala Corp. President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala is the Santana MPI M/T Trendline.
“These newest car models are the latest expressions of the Volkswagen tradition of world-class, superior German craftsmanship passed on from generation to generation. They represent the kind of craftsmanship, engineering, and design that Volkswagen is known for—and that has endeared Volkswagen to Filipinos as one of the premier European automotive brands in the country,” Zobel de Ayala said.
The subcompact sedan was among the 10 best-selling models in China in 2017. It is powered by a 1.4-liter Multi-Point Injection (MPI) four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 89 hp at 5,500 rpm with 132 N-m of maximum torque at 3,800 rpm and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle features electronic power steering, front McPherson independent and rear composite torsion beam semi-independent suspensions. Safety highlights include ISOFIX anchorage points (mounting fixture for two child seats on rear seat bench), Anti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS), and immobilizer. It is available in Polar White, Reflex Silver, Pepper Grey and Deep Black. Interestingly, the Santana is the most affordable among the models presented at only P686,000.
The Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, meantime, is still the best-selling sedan and second best-selling model for the entire Chinese car market. Motivated by a 1.4-liter Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) four-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology, it is capable of producing 125 hp at 5,000 rpm with 225 N-m of maximum torque between 1,400 to 3,500 rpm and paired to a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission.
Inside, its features and amenities include leather seat material, cruise control, Climatronic air conditioning and sunroof. Safety-wise, it is equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with Brake Assistant, ABS, Electronic Differential Lock and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), hill hold control, Push Start, and Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Available shades to choose from are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Limestone Grey, Sunset Red and Opalsilver Metallic. The Lavida compact sedan is priced at P1.171 million.
The new Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, on the other hand, holds the throne of being the segment leader in China with 330,000 units sold. It is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology delivering 148 hp at 5,000 rpm with 250 N-m of maximum torque between 1,750 to 3,000 rpm and coupled to a six-speed DSG transmission. Cabin features and amenities include “Vienna” leather seat material, two-zone Climatronic air conditioning, panoramic sunroof, eight speakers and driver power 12-way seat adjustment. Safety-wise, the vehicle is equipped with ISOFIX anchorage points, ESP, ABS, brake assistant, ASR, EDS, EDTC, hill hold control and rear PDC with acoustic warning signal. Body shades available are Polar White, Titanium Beige, Hunting Brown, and Deep Black. The Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline is being offered at P1.648 million.
The Santana MPI M/T Trendline, Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline and Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline are now available at the entire Volkswagen Philippines dealership network.
Meanwhile, the Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline five-door hatchback is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder in-line MPI gasoline engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline, on the other hand, is an executive sedan equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology and mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. These two models will be available at all Volkswagen dealerships by November.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino