Wide-ranging wagons: Volkswagen Santana GTS vs. Mazda 6 Wagon

As the wagon body style has been somewhat eased out of the scene here by crossovers and SUVs, it becomes a pleasant surprise to learn that wagons are still being carried by over at Volkswagen and Mazda.

The Santana GTS compact represents the mainstream side of long-roofed motoring, owing to its price of P998,000 for its sole variant. On the other hand, the 6 Wagon midsize is an upscale offering at P1.995 million. Both wagons offer family-friendly space and features, albeit in different ways. 

So in your search for a vehicle that can easily carry five people, their belongings, or the family dog in one go, is the 6 Wagon worth forking over a P1 million premium over the Santana GTS? A look at their differences should help in answering that question. 

Cargo-carrying abilities

It may be a compact at 4,282 millimeters long, but the Santana GTS offers  372 liters of cargo space with the seats in place. Once the 60:40 split rear seats are folded, 1,255 liters of available space can be utilized. 

If more space for more luggage or a bicycle is needed, then a cargo box or a bike carrier can be mounted on the Santana GTS's roof rails. Function follows form in the rails, too, as they are finished in silver for a classier look. 

With an exterior length of 4,805 millimeters, the 6 Wagon is naturally more capacious. A space worth 522 liters is available with the seats up, and and once the seats are folded via the levels near the tailgate aperture, the space expands to 1,648 liters. 

Silver roof rails also top the 6 Wagon, which blend well with the chrome surrounds on the side windows, the dark gray wheels and front grille. 

Interior features

Front and center on the Santana GTS's dashboard is a Blaupunkt infotainment system. As an optional add-on, the system adds a seven-inch touchscreen display capable of mirroring smartphones through MirrorLink. 

Manual air-conditioning and seats, analog gauges with trip computer, and a multi-functional steering wheel round up the list of equipment. To allow more light in, a sunroof can be opened. 

Inside the 6 Wagon is leather on the steering wheel, shift knob, and the seats. The two front perches can be adjusted electronically. Various vehicle information is projected to the windshield, in line with the driver's sight. 

The Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment comes with the expected Bluetooth and phone mirroring, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. Dual zone climate control and rear aircon vents keep the passengers cool. 

Safety kit

The Santana GTS offers front and side airbags for the front passengers, as well as electronic stabilization program (ESP). In slippery conditions, the latter applies the brakes of whichever wheel has lost grip to keep the vehicle in check. 

Meanwhile, the rear Park Distance Control (PDC) warns the driver via beeping noises when the wagon might reverse into objects or vehicles. 

Aside from front and rear parking sensors, the 6 Wagon packs Blindspot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. That's on top of six airbags for the first and second row. 

To help in parking, the 6 Wagon carries a camera that gives a 360-degree view of the car's surroundings. The image from camera is projected on to the infotainment screen. 

Verdict

As far as mainstream wagons go, the Santana GTS is a decent, if not outstanding, choice. Attractive its feature list may be, its price puts it on par with subcompact hatchbacks that are similar in spec and size. 

From its sleek styling and creature comforts, the 6 Wagon looks to be worth every peso. If one doesn't need to seat seven, consider this wagon against midsize SUVs. 

Photos from Volkswagen, Mazda

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