Volkswagen Philippines Unveils Affordable 2018 Line-Up; Santana Starts At P686,000 (With Video)

Volkswagen Philippines unveiled at the Shangri-La at the Fort on May 18 five new models to re-define how the world-renowned German marque in the Philippines will develop and expand its local presence.

Ayala Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala led the unveiling ceremony by driving one of the highlight vehicles onto the stage – the Santana MPI M/T Trendline. Other models introduced were the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Santana GTS MPI AT Comfortline, and the Lamando 280 TSI DSG Highline. These cars are some of the first to benefit from favorable tariffs due to the ACFTA’s implementation (ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement). As such, these new models are well equipped yet affordably priced.

Leading the charge in this new line-up of affordable Volkswagen models is the Santana. This sedan is powered by a 1.4-liter MPI 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with maximum power output of 90 Ps at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 132 Nm at 3,800rpm. For ride comfort and stability, the Santana features electronic power steering, front McPherson Independent Suspension, and rear composite torsion beam semi-independent suspension. Safety highlights include ISOFIX anchorage points (mounting fixture for two child seats on rear seat bench), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and immobilizer. Available exterior colors are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Pepper Grey and Deep Black with an SRP starting at P686,000.

The Lavida, meanwhile, is equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, capable of 130 Ps of power at 5,000 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,500 rpm. The interior features and comfort amenities include leather seat material, cruise control, Climatronic air conditioning, and sunroof. Safety highlights include the Electronic Stabilisation 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 exterior colors are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Limestone Grey, Sunset Red, and Opalsilver Metallic with an SRP starting at P1,171,000.

The Tiguan, which is a long wheelbase version of the Chinese-market Tiguan, is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. Maximum power output is 150 Ps at 5,000 rpm, while maximum torque is at 250 Nm at 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. Its interior features and comfort amenities include “Vienna” leather seat material, 2-zone Climatronic airconditioning, Panoramic sunroof, 8 speakers, and driver power 12-way seat adjustment. Safety systems include ISOFIX anchorage points, ESP, ABS, brake assistant, ASR, EDS, EDTC, hill hold control, and rear PDC with acoustic warning signal. Available exterior colors are Polar White, Titanium Beige, Hunting Brown, and Deep Black with an SRP starting at P1,648,000.

Starting in November, the Santana GTS and Lamando will be available to the Filipino buying public. The Santana GTS is powered by 1.5-liter 4-cylinder in-line MPI gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the Lamando is equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. Three of the five new models, the Santana, the Lavida, and the Tiguan, are now available at all Volkswagen dealers.