Volkswagen Polo and Passat may find their way in PH again

MANILA: If you are a fan of the German automaker brand of vehicles, there is good news. You might be seeing the all-new Polo and Passat on the local VW dealership soon.

It is common knowledge among motoring enthusiasts that the Volkswagen sold here in our country are now sourced from China. But there are two Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturing company handling Volkswagen affairs –the FAW-VW headquartered in Jilin and SAIC-VW headquartered in Shanghai.

We get ours from SAIC-VW. That is why certain models of VW are available here like the Santana, Tiguan, Lamando, Crafter, and Lavida while other VW vehicles are not. And if you’ve browsed through the SAIC-VW website, you would see two new VW added to their lineup—the Polo and Passat.

The all-new Volkswagen Polo, also known as Polo Plus, is a hatchback built with a racing theme. Launched globally last year, the new Polo is part of SAIC’s new VW release. It features stereo dual v hood at the front with sharp geometric headlights flanking the narrow rectangular front grille. Below are boxed fog lamps that completes the sporty appearance.

The side of the sedan features an arrow-shaped double waistline and arrow side marker. At the rear is the continuation of the arrow design with parallel arrow array taillights and more arrow shaped lateral crease at the hatch. A black spoiler complements the sporty look with a narrow strip of the brake light.

Inside the VW Polo Plus is a ‘flying wing’ dashboard design that is driver-centric with a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, sports car bucket seats, an 8-inch infotainment system with navigation, and Beats audio system. Rear seats can be folded for more trunk space, and large panoramic sunroof comes standard in all trims.

The VW hatch is powered by a 1.5-litre lightweight all-aluminum engine capable of delivering 113 hp of power and 145 Nm of peak torque. The engine is partnered to either a 5-speed manual or Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode. In terms of safety and driver-assist features, the VW Polo Plus is equipped with active brake assist, multiple collision prevention, dynamic stability control, cruise control, front and rear parking radar, and a rear-view camera.

For the new generation VW Passat, SAIC’s version is a little bit different from its European and North American counterparts. The exterior features a trapezoid grille with horizontal line pattern that is flanked by LED headlights with daylight running. Also, the intelligent light sequentially lights up when steering.

The side of the Passat features a double waistline while the rear features the Passat logo under the VW badge in between the LED taillights with streamer turning function. Inside the cabin, you can choose from 10 different color ambient lighting to set the mood of your drive.

The electronically adjusted front seats are wrapped in leather trim, so is the rear seat with headrest for comfort even on long drives. The cockpit features a head-up display (HUP) system, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a 9.2-inch infotainment system with navigation.

The VW Passat is powered by three kinds of engine: the 1.4-Liter turbo that delivers 148 Hp of power, the 2.0-Liter turbo capable of 184 Hp of power, and a more powerful 2.0-Liter turbo engine that can churn up to 217 Hp of power.

As to when these two Volkswagen vehicles will arrive, it is still indefinite as VW Philippines is keeping mum about it. But be sure that we will be keeping an eye on the Polo and Passat.

Also Read: Volkswagen Lavida Club Edition & Club Edition+ launched