Ever since Volkswagen Philippines unveiled its latest line of vehicles, the Santana, Lavida, and Tiguan, many folks have been wondering how these cars perform, particularly out on the open road. This is especially true of the most affordable one of the lot, the Sanatana with its P686,000 pricetag and 1.4-liter 90hp motor.
To answer this, Volkswagen Philippines invited select members of the motoring media to a Media Drive Experience that not only allowed journalists to sample the new vehicles but to experience Filipiniana history and culture at its finest. Starting off from the Volkswagen Quezon Avenue dealership on August 20, 2018, the group embarked on a three-day expedition that promised fun, food, and the Filipiniana spirit.
The group headed to Pampanga via the North Luzon Expressway. This allowed them to sample the highway driving capabilities of each vehicle. Despite its seemingly smallish engine, the Santana was able to keep up with the Lavida and Tiguan which each had more potent mills (130- and 150hp, respectively). Along the way, participants not only got to sample the different features and amenities of each car but likewise got a culinary delight at the famous Bale Dutung in Angeles Pampanga. The day was capped off by a drive to their rest stop, Highland Ball Villas Resort and Spa in in Nueva Ecija.
The next day saw the group tour the beautiful province of Nueva Ecija. En route to places like the Philippine Rice Research Institute and Hapang Vicentico’s, drivers and passengers alike felt the capable power and performance of the Santana, Lavida, and Tiguan going up and down the province’s numerous hills. This showed that the cars weren’t only good in a straight line in the city or even out on the highway.
