Small sedans always see strong sales. That's why the Santana led the local Volkswagen lineup next to the Lavida and Lamando. All of these sedans came from VW China and are "tailor made for Asian customers."

The Santana is almost a fixture in the Chinese market, with the first generation of the name coming out in the 1980s and spawning a wagon sibling, the GTS. 

The Santana sedan is positioned to be the ideal first car, while the GTS is the more practical choice with its longer cargo area.  

Its prices aim to attract first-time car buyer. The base model MPI MT starts at P686,000, the 180 MPI S goes for P898,000, and the top model 180 MPI SE is priced at P962,000.

Meanwhile, the MPI S and SE can have a Blaupunkt infotainment system for an additional P31,000. What else should you know about the Santana? Let's take a look at its three variants. 

Santana MPI MT 

As the basic variety, this Santana covers, well, the basics starting with a 1.4 liter engine with 90hp and 132Nm of torque, and a five-speed manual transmission. The MPI wheels are of steel variety with wheel covers. 

The essentials continue inside, where there is a height-adjustable driver seat, height-adjustable steering column, front reading lights, a pollen filter on the AC system, and central locking with remote control. 

A two-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, USB, Aux-in, and SD card capabilities can be provide entertainment. 

For safety, the MPI Santana has driver and passenger airbags and three-point seatbelts on every seat, anti-lock braking system, immobilizer, and Isofix anchor points. 

Santana 180 MPI S and 180 MPI SE 

Under the hood of the upper two trims is a 1.5-liter multi-point fuel injection  gasoline engine with Blue Motion tech. Its numbers are 108hp and 150Nm of torque, which are managed by a six-speed automatic. 

The Santana MPI S and MPI SE are easily recognizable by its 15 inch wheels, and add a layer of safety with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). 

Unique to the MPI SE are a sunroof, cornering fog lights, cruise control, synthetic leather trimmings, and side airbags. 

The optional Blaupunkt infotainment can display navigation and features Bluetooth connectivity. 

Photos from Volkswagen Philippines

Also read:

Examining the variants of the Volkswagen Santana GTS

Looking at a Volkswagen Lamando? What are your other options?

TEST DRIVE: 2019 Volkswagen Santana 1.5 180 MPI AT SE Comfortline - The Anti-Hero