Less is more for this tech-laden Santana

Inside, the Santana kept Volkswagen’s signature minimalist yet functional cabin design language. Photo by Charles E. Buban

Volkswagen has been in existence for the past 82 years. An auto brand made famous by its most iconic creation, the Beetle, the German automaker has since moved on to fashion other memorable models that include the Karmann-Ghia, the Kombi/Microbus and the Golf GTI.

In today’s modern market, Volkswagen hopes to replicate its past successes by coming out with models that target a specific market.

Among these is the Santana, a reasonably priced sedan—the base, manual variant, only costs P686,000—aimed at young professionals or families looking for their first car.

Some might find the Santana less sensational to look at but I personally love the aesthetics, and how its simplicity and understated elegance are able to call attention to itself.

The main advocate for this “direction” was the legendary Italian car designer Walter da Silva. According to the former head of Volkswagen Group Design who penned the Audi R8, Alfa Romeo 156, as well as the 6th and 7th generation of the Golf, “simple and clean design lasts the test of time, and will look good in the future, as well as when it is new.”

Lines and proportions

Indeed, from a distance, the Santana may just be another sedan with a ’90s vibe. But once you get closer, however, you’ll realize just how wonderful the lines and proportions on this car are. What strikes me most of all in this car is the incredible number of simple straight lines that makes the Santana look timeless.

Getting behind the wheel, I was impressed at the amount of new technologies and amenities inside. The 1.5 multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with BlueMotion Technology variant that I drove (this automatic version has a price tag of P993,000) features a Start-Stop function that temporarily shuts the engine off whenever I bring the car to a complete stop.

Love the armrest. Photo by Charles E. Buban

When I am ready to get moving again, the system automatically restarts the engine as soon as my foot releases the brake pedal. Utilizing the BlueMotion technology to its full potential, Santana drivers could save plenty on fuel costs and lessen emissions and vehicle pollution.

But while this Start-Stop is automatically engaged, you can still deactivate this feature by pushing the button located just in front of the shifter knob.

Complementing the engine’s efficiency, the Santana comes with a sizable 50-liter fuel tank—larger than its competitors—allowing you to drive more kilometers between fuel stops.

Premium feel

Sitting in front, I really felt that I am not in some run-of-the-mill sedan. The cabin is well insulated from outside noise and the figure-hugging seats (leather/fabric combo) usually found in sportier car variants are very supportive and comfortable on longer jaunts. Moreover, Volkswagen even included a center arm rest, which is much appreciated whenever my weary right forearm needs something to lean on to.

Looking up, there’s also the sunroof, which is great for bringing more natural light unto the cabin (just don’t open this completely whenever driving around Metro Manila).

Also, there’s plenty of room in the cavernous boot for the weekly food shop, and you can just about squeeze in a set of golf clubs or a fold-up baby stroller.

For a German-engineered sedan, I would advice getting acquainted first with the positions of some of the controls—the knob for the lights is separate and located on the left of the dashboard, while the side mirror adjustment knob is further to the left, just near the left door hinge.

Safety features

Volkswagen didn’t scrimp on its safety features. For starters, the Santana is equipped with ABS, as well as a full complement of driver, passenger and side airbags on the top-of the-line variant.

Another noteworthy safety feature is the ISOFIX latch system, the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats, which is not available in many cars in Santana’s price range.

It should be noted that this feature including the ABS, dual SRS airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all occupants come as standard for all the variants.

The top-of-the-line Santana comes equipped with sunroof, cruise control, Blaupunkt audio system, leather trimmings, and a host of advanced safety features. Photo by Charles E. Buban

The higher-end variants, on the other hand, come with an Electronic Stabilization Program that uses speed and braking sensors to detect loss of traction, automatically applying the brakes where necessary—a feature that could be a life-saver during slippery and twisty road conditions.

Perhaps another interesting offer for buyers of the Santana is the convenient package that Volkswagen Philippines came up with: a low cost of ownership courtesy of a 10,000km per 1 year periodic maintenance service; the 3-year warranty or 100,000km (whichever comes first); as well as the 24/7 roadside assistance that is free for the first year.

As I conclude my drive, I realized that it really is nice to have a car like the Santana. This compact sedan is the very definition of a good run-around car, great for driving to work; or for our spouses or kids as they go off to their destination. In a world where SUVs dominate and car lines are getting more flamboyant, the Santana is a nice alternative for those who still want an unpretentious sedan.