The Volkswagen Lamando is going against the rise of crossovers and SUVs.

The Lamando sedan sets itself apart with, well, being such a vehicle, and being a good-looking one at that. It wears headlights that blend into the grille, a character line on its sides, and geometric LED tail lights. With such a simple yet tasteful design, one would think the Lamando is a European VW.

Under the Lamando's hood is a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 150hp and 250Nm. Behind that engine is a five-seater cabin, whose amenities and safety features may lead consumers away from SUVs. The Lamando has two variants, the SE and SEL, which respectively cost P1.569 and P1.703 million.

Amenities

Occupants of the Lamando SE are treated to leather seats, with the driver's throne having 12-way power adjustment. Dot-matrix ambient lighting adds pizzazz to the front area, while if more cabin light is needed, reading lights can provide just that with its LEDs. 

An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment is also available in the Lamando SE. The system carries a radio, CD and MP3 players, auxiliary input, SD card and USB ports. Music can be enjoyed through eight speakers, while one's phones can be mirrored in the touchscreen. 

As for the Lamando SEL, its leather front perches can be heated, and the ambient lighting is extended to the second row, which also has cowhide seats. 

This model's infotainment has the same capabilities as the SE, but has a bigger screen at 9.2 inches. A panoramic sunroof also comes with the SEL's higher price. 

Standard on the two Lamando variants are a center armrest at the backseat, rear aircon vents, two-zone climate control with pollen filter, and illuminated vanity mirrors on the sun visors. Meanwhile, drinks can be stored in the cars' cooled glovebox. 

Safety features

Side curtain airbags for both the front and rear occupants are fitted. The Lamando also has an electronic stabilization program (ESP) that's on the ready for possible skidding, wheel spin, or over- or understeering.

Isofix child seat anchors keep little ones safe, while the electronic parking brake has an auto-hold function. Drivers won't be backing into other vehicles or objects, thanks to the reversing camera on both Lamando trims. 

Unique to the Lamando SEL is the adaptive cruise control (ACC). It keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, which also promises not only safety, but also convenience in stop and go traffic.

Photos from Volkswagen

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