Volkswagen Kombi: Iconic van reprises role

Volkwagen Philippines has reintroduced its iconic Volkswagen Kombi Highline, a multi-purpose van famous in the 70’s and 80’s, giving clients a new reason to ply the roads in fashion.

The Kombi, a unique fixture of Philippine streets during the second half of the 20th century, endeared itself to the colorful motoring and socioeconomic culture of Filipinos. At the time, the Kombi had often become Filipinos’ first and longest-lasting encounter with a true people carrier, a vehicle originally designed, engineered and manufactured in the late 1940s.

Volkswagen rolled-out the new addition to the brand’s list of savvy yet utilitarian automobiles in a virtual launch on July 21, 2021.

The Kombi redefines luxury in a van and reeks with the prestige of a European automobile lineage that is truly a sight to behold and pleasure to touch.

The Kombi Highline distinguishes itself from other Kombi variants such as the Transporter, which is designed for cargo and shuttle services, Caravelle which is used as an economical people carrier), and the California which is more of a family camper.

The brand highlighted some of Kombi’s outstanding features like its elegant exterior lines, punctuated by the LED daytime running lights (DRL), headlights and taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels. Without being loud, the Multivan Kombi exudes prestige of success for owners with the spacious and ultra-comfortable cabin.

The Multivan Kombi boasts second row captain seats that can swivel for face-to-face meetings while in transit. A multifunction folding table positioned between the second and third rows offers a stable spot for laptops, meals, and other tools of the trade. The 3-zone Climatronic Air Conditioning provides optimum comfort for passengers, wherever they may be seated. No time is wasted when it comes to parking the Multivan Kombi, as the rear camera and park distance control (PDC) eases backing maneuvers, while the park assist enables the vehicle to fit into tight parking slots without resorting to second guesses.

The 8-inch Discover Media with navigation, android auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, coupled with the active info display, simultaneously provide the driver with invaluable information to better manage road awareness and enhance alertness and the occupants with connectivity and entertainment options.

From its 2.0-liter TDI engine and the 7-speed DSG transmission, down to its slew of innovative safety systems, the Multivan Kombi offers an exceptionally smooth and stable ride. The tiptronic function and coasting feature lessens driver fatigue on long trips, while the 150 PS of power and 340 Nm of torque emanating from the powertrain guarantee adequate power, optimum fuel efficiency, and smooth shifts regardless of the load. Drive modes include Normal, Sport, Comfort, or Eco, according to the needs of the situation.

Apart from its 6 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), is the one-of-a-kind crosswind assist feature of the ESP that automatically applies gentle, course-corrective braking whenever strong crosswinds are encountered and the van is running above 80 kph, thereby helping keep the vehicle stable and running within its lane.

The Multivan Kombi comes with the 2-year warranty coverage, 2-year spare parts warranty, and a 12-year no-through corrosion—all with unlimited mileage. Its once-a-year visit for maintenance translates to less time spent for the vehicle to be serviced at the dealership.

The Multivan Kombi Highline comes in four standard colors- Black Pearlescent, Reflex Silver, and the Bi-Colors Reflex Silver/Starlight Blue Metallic and Reflex Silver/Fontana Red. An additional 12 colors are available for special orders - 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 are priced 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 stories will be told by a new generation of achievers that will be retold over and over as the Kombi outlasts generations.