VOLKSWAGEN Philippines recently introduced the return of its iconic van, the Kombi. The long-awaited comeback of an iconic people carrier now comes in a premium, top-of-the-line form, Highline variant. As a unique fixture of Philippine streets during the second half of the 20th century, the Kombi endeared itself to Filipinos’ colorful motoring and socioeconomic culture.
Now introduced as the Multivan Kombi, it redefines by adding several notches of luxury and prestige. The world’s bestselling van now comes into the local market as a re-envisioned icon, an updated and upgraded top-of-the-line Multivan. Truth be told, it is the crème de la crème of Volkswagen’s multivans. It distinguishes itself from other Kombi configurations such as the Transporter (designed for cargo and shuttle services), Caravelle (used as an economical people carrier), and the California (designed more as a family camper).
Exterior-wise, it imposes counterbalanced stature by understated yet elegant exterior lines punctuated by the LED daytime running lights (DRL), headlights and taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. But inside an extension and enhancement of the owner’s well-earned privileges. Nappa leather interior envelopes the front and second-row captain seats. There are electric dual sliding doors for ease of entry and exit, all the way to the rear with the power tailgate with hands-free operation.
Further, the Multivan Kombi offers more premium amenities, comfort, convenience, and connectivity features. Like the second-row captain seats that swivel for face-to-face meetings while in transit. There is also a multifunction folding table positioned between the second and third rows offering a stable spot for laptops, meals, and other tools of the trade. Moreover, the three-zone Climatronic Air Conditioning is providing optimum comfort. The eight-inch Discover Media with navigation, meantime, runs on Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay Connectivity. It also has an Active Info Display, simultaneously providing invaluable information.
Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter TDI engine generating 148 hp and a substantial 340 N-m of maximum torque with a smooth-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission. The Driver Profile Select with Dynamic Chassis Control helps maintain optimal drive practices with its option to customize individual settings based on steering, engine, cruise control, and air-conditioning parameters. The function also offers variable drive modes of Normal, Sport, Comfort, or Eco, according to the situation’s needs.
Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side, and head curtain) plus Driver Alert, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The one-of-a-kind Crosswind Assist feature of the ESP automatically applies gentle, course-corrective braking whenever the vehicle encounters strong crosswinds while running above 80 kph. The function aids the vehicle to run stable within its lane. Moreover, there is the rear camera and park distance control (PDC), which eases backing maneuvers and aids in assisting the vehicle to fit into tight parking slots.
The Multivan Kombi comes with two-year warranty coverage, a two-year spare parts warranty, and 12-year no-through corrosion—all with unlimited mileage. What’s more, Volkswagen dealers guarantee at least a 3-month stock availability on fast-moving parts, either for general repair or for collision parts. Apart from the highest levels of service quality, only the most qualified technicians with skills sharpened by extensive technical and online training, using complete diagnostic tools and equipment, are guaranteed to attend your precious Volkswagen vehicle. Dealerships are also offering free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. Overall, Volkswagen ensures 22% less on ownership costs compared to other top-tier luxury vans.
The Multivan Kombi Highline comes in Black Pearlescent and Reflex Silver colors and the Reflex Silver/Starlight Blue Metallic and Reflex Silver/Fontana Red bi-color options. Other additional 12 colors available for special orders are Fontana Red, Ravenna Blue, Starlight Blue, Mojave Beige, Bay Leaf Green, Copper Bronze, Indium Grey, Candy White, and the Bi-Colors Reflex Silver/Indium Grey, Mojave Beige/Black Pearl, Candy White/Bay Leaf Green, and Candy White/Copper Bronze. The Monocolor variants of the Kombi Highline retail at P3.595 million, while the Bi-Color models go for P3.640 million.
The Kombi’s long-running journey in the Philippines, thus, continues. New stories will begin, as well. From the opulent confines of the Multivan Kombi, such accounts will be told by a new generation of achievers, movers, and shakers, the who’s who of elite companies, the decision-makers, and captains of industries to an audience eager for inspiring figures to move them to their successes. Create new success stories in the company of distinguished peers onboard your own Volkswagen Multivan Kombi. To know more about the Multivan Kombi, log on to www.volkswagen.com.ph, or inquire from your nearest Volkswagen dealer.
Image courtesy of Volkswagen Philippines