While the nameplate was previously known as the “hippie van” (which can be attributed to YOLO-loving, free-spirited individuals) the latest version of the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi is now veered toward meeting the demands of the executive class.
Volkswagen Philippines President Felipe Estrella III affirmed that the newly-revealed vehicle is designed to compete against the premium vans in the market.
“These prices are competitive compared to other premium vans that are in the market,” Estrella mentioned during the virtual launch of the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi, adding that it is now differently positioned from how it was pegged before.
To start, the starting price of P3.595 million for the mono-color option and P3.64 million for the bi-color trim immediately determines that the vehicle (described as the brand’s crème de la crème in the multivan offerings anywhere in the world), now belongs to the premium segment.
The newly introduced offering from Volkswagen Philippines' is the longest-running production model, and has now shifted from its utilitarian roots to become more MPV-like.
At first glance, the model seems to be going for the likes of the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia, Hyundai Starex (or Staria) and Maxus V80 Comfort (which is also under the same mother company that is AC Motors). But after checking what is in store for the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi buyers, it seems that it will be going for the Alphard or the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
This is because the local Volkswagen Multivan Kombi offering is the top-tier Highline variant offered in other markets. In other countries, this premium van is also being retailed in the mid-variety Comfortline and the base option Trendline.
Let's check what the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi can provide customers.
Passengers can expect a premium experience, thanks to the front- and second-row captain chairs with Nappa leather, electric dual sliding doors (for easy ingress and egress) and power tailgate (for hands-free opening and closing of the rear door).
The front occupants get to enjoy the car-like dashboard design while the middle seats can swivel 180-degrees so that it can face the last-row passengers. A multi-function table is also fitted in between the second and third row — hinting that the van can double as luxurious mobile meeting room. The ample spacing is complemented by the three-zone climatronic air-conditioning system, ensuring a comfort to all passengers.
But its wow factor is not just on the inside but on the details of the outside as well.
Though not as expressive as the hippie vans that the nameplate has become famous for, its not-too-imposing exterior lines give it a premium look that would definitely appeal to bigwigs. It also has the necessary features such as LED daytime running lights (DRL), headlights and taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
This look supplements the four body color variations that the vehicle is already available with such as the standard Black Pearlescent, Reflex Silver, and the bi-colors Reflex Silver/Starlight Blue Metallic and Reflex Silver/Fontana Red.
But the vehicle is not limited to such shades as Volkswagen Philippines also retails the Multivan in 12 more hues for indent orders such as Fontana Red, Ravenna Blue, Starlight Blue, Mojave Beige, Bay Leaf Green, Copper Bronze, Indium Grey, Candy White, and the two-tone Reflex Silver/Indium Grey, Mojave Beige/Black Pearl, Candy White/Bay Leaf Green, and Candy White/Copper Bronze.
Further, the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi is equipped with driver-and-passenger-centric features such as the eight-inch Discover Media with navigation, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay Connectivity, Active Info Display, rear camera and park distance control (PDC), Driver Profile Select with Dynamic Chassis Control (customizes steering, engine output, cruise control, and air-conditioning parameters to match the four driving modes [Normal, Sport, Comfort, or Eco>).
Moreover, its safety features include six airbags (front, side, and head curtain) Driver Alert, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Hill Start Assist (HSA), and the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist feature that automatically applies course-corrective braking when strong crosswinds are encountered and the van is running above 80 kilometers per hour.
In a separate interview, Estrella said that the local distributor is not putting a specific goal in terms of sales volume for the newly launched model. “As many as we can sell, and as much as the public demands. Since we have indent orders available for the public as well,” Estrella told Carmudi Philippines.
Photos from Volkswagen Philippines
Also read:
Volkswagen PH adds another global model to portfolio with Multivan Kombi
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