Volkswagen Philippines has officially launched their new models for 2018: the Santana MPI M/T Trendline, the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline, and the Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline. This is also the brand’s way of redefining their exponential development and expansion in the country.
“These newest car models are the latest expressions of the Volkswagen tradition of world-class, superior German craftsmanship passed on from generation to generation,” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and chief operating officer of the Ayala Corporation—Volkswagen’s importer and distributor in the Philippines. “They represent the kind 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.”
One of the latest models is the Santana, which was included in the top 10 bestselling models in China last year. It is powered by a 1.4-liter multi-point injection (MPI) 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with maximum power output of 90ps at 5,500rpm and maximum torque to 132Nm at 3,800rpm. It also features an electronic power steering, front McPherson independent suspension, and rear composite torsion beam semi-independent suspension—for utmost ride comfort and stability. Safety highlights include ISOFIX anchorage points (mounting fixture for two child seats on rear seat beach), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and immobilizer. Available exterior colors are Polar White, Reflex Silver, Pepper Grey, and Deep Black. The Santana’s suggested retail price starts at P686,000.
Meanwhile, the Lavida remains to be the best-selling sedan and second best-selling model for the entire Chinese car market. It is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged stratified injection (TSI) 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission, capable of 130ps of power at 5,000rpm and 225Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,500rpm. For its interiors and amenities, there are the leather seats, 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. The Lavida’s SRP starts at P1,171,000.
There is also the Tiguan, another bestselling hit in China with 330,000 units sold. It has a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. Maximum power output is 150ps at 5,000rpm, while maximum torque is at 250Nm at 1,750 to 3,000rpm. Its interior features and comfort amenities include “Vienna” leather seat material, two-zone Climatronic airconditioning, panoramic sunroof, eight speakers, and driver power 12-way seat adjustment. Its safety systems consist of 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. The Tiguan’s SRP starts at P1,648,000.
Moreover, there is the Santana GTS which 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.
Shanghai Volkswagen First Vice President David Powels emphasizes that new vehicles are specifically designed to cater towards their Asian market. And their success in China is a testament to this. “Developed and manufactured to the highest standards with the Asian customer in mind, we are convinced we can substantially grow our appeal in the Philippine market.”
That being said, Volkswagen continues to strengthen the foundation of their deep relationship with Filipinos.
“The love of Filipinos for their Volkswagens is as enduring as the cars themselves. And Volkswagen has become an integral part of the Filipino heritage, crossing over many generations and economic classes,” said President and CEO of AC Industrials Arthur Tan.
The Santana, the Lavida, and the Tiguan are now available at the entire dealership network while the Santana GTS and the Lamando will be offered in November.
