Last May, Volkswagen Philippines made s huge splash by debuting three models that were meant to bring the People’s Car back to the Filipino--the Santana 1.4 MPI MT, the Lavida 230 TSI DSG, and the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG. During the launch, however, VW said that this was only the beginning as it would be fielding more models before the year is up, specifically the Santana GTS and the Lamando.
Well, those new offerings are set to arrive in November as VW had promised. Yes, the Santana and its 1.5. MPI AT Trendline and Comfortline variants are about to come in, along with the Lamando 280 TSI DSG Comfortline and Highline and of course, the Santana GTS. While the recently launched Santana 1.4 MPI MT was meant more for fleet accounts and those folks that needed a budget-friendly ride, the AT variant offers a bit in terms of power and amenities.
Powering the slushbox-equipped Santana is a 1.5-liter MPI gasoline mill that puts out 110hp and 150Nm of torque. It will, as the name suggests, be paired with an automatic gearbox. The Trendline variant goes for P898,000 while the higher-spec Comfortline will retail for P962,000. Folks that want a more versatile ride can go for the Santana GTS with the same 1.5-liter MPI mill. Its Comfortline trim will retail for P998,000.
Those that want a bit more luxury, meanwhile, can opt for the Lamando 280 TSI DSG. This will be motivated by a 1.4-liter TSI motor with 150hp and 250Nm of twist. Paired with the brand’s vaunted DSG transmission, the Comfortline goes for P1,569,000 while its Highline sibling can be yours for P1,703,000. Just like its Santana cousins, the Lamando will come in a host of colors.
As with the three models unveiled last May, these three new Volkswagen nameplates will come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty. VW Philippins will likewise offer a three-year warranty each on paint and corrosion of the steel body. And yes, Preventive Maintenance Schedule is pegged at 10,000kms or once a year.
The introduction of the new VWs is timely as the German carmaker is celebrating its fifth year of operations under the Ayala Group of Companies. With the expansion of its more affordable lineup that doesn’t sacrifice the trademark German engineering, we can expect bigger things from the marque that gave us the world’s favorite people’s car.
