“Bringing it back to the people.” was how AC Industrials (of which Volkswagen Philippines is a part of) CEO, Mr. Arthur Tan put it, as VW finally brings 5 new models that easily fit the bill as “the people’s car.” Launched are the Santana, Santana GTS, Lavida, Lamando, and Tiguan.

Tailored specifically for the Asian customer, Shanghai Volkswagen (where these new vehicles originate) First Vice-President David Powell, pointed out that these models are key pillars for the success of the Volkswagen brand in the region. German engineering, combined with very competitive pricing, this collection aims to make the brand more accessible to people at every market segment, thereby expanding its local presence.


The highlight vehicle is the Santana. Among the 10 best-selling models in China last year, the Santana starts at P 686,000 for the Trendline—undercutting popular Japanese and Korean choices. The sub-compact Santana features a 1.4-liter MPI engine making 90 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It features electric power steering, independent front suspension, a composite rear torsion beam suspension, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock brakes, and immobilizer. Colors on hand are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Pepper Gray, and Deep Black.


Moving up, the Santana GTS is powered by a 1.5-liter MPI 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. As suggested by its “GTS” nameplate, it features a wagon (actually more of a hatchback) rear-end that can easily fit two full-sized luggage. Prices start at P 999,000 for the Comfortline.


For the compact sedan category, Volkswagen is bringing in the Lavida. Their best-seller in China for the past 5 years (and currently the second best-selling model for the entire Chinese market), the Lavida has a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,500 rpm. This is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. Equipped with BlueMotion—the Lavida has eco-minded features as standard. In addition, it has leather seats, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. It also has stability control, Electronic Differential Lock with Anti-Slip Regulation, and rear parking sensors. Prices start at P 1,171,000 for the 230TSI Comfortline and it comes in Polar White, Reflex Silver, Deep Black Limestone Gray, Sunset Red, and Opal Silver Metallic.


Completing VW Philippines’s revised sedan line-up is the Lamando executive sedan. Featuring a long wheelbase, it has a leather clad interior and a panoramic sunroof. Under the hood, it shares the same engine as the Lavida: a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Its price starts at P 1,600,000 for the 280 TSI Highline.


Finally, the previous model Tiguan returns to the market. A segment leader in China, the Philippine spec comes with “Vienna” leather seating material, automatic climate control, 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, and an 8-speaker system. It’s also powered by a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. Colors available are: Polar White, Titanium Beige, Hunting Brown, and Deep Black with a pricing that start at P 1,648,000 for the 280 TSI Comfortline.

The Santana, Lavida, and Tiguan are now locally available through the entire Volkswagen dealer network. The Santana GTS and Lamando will be ready for delivery by November 2018.

As Ayala Corporation’s President and COO Fernando Zobel noted, “These are the cars that will take you where you need to be at every stage of your life.” With the selection that just rolled out, we can only surmise what will be at the next stage for Volkswagen.

Words and Select Photos by Gen Tiu.