NEARLY a month ago, Volkswagen PH announced the return of the Kombi, the Multivan Kombi, to be exact. The iconic original–a flat front, long van with sliding doors and a rear engine that went chug-chug-chug when idling.
Now that the first few units of the VW van are here, the question is it exciting as they said it will be?
Let’s explore six reasons why the VW Kombi (can we drop Multivan?) may not resurrect the old hippie van, freedom on the road aura that the original Kombinationskraftwagen but it definitely, at least on paper, brings the versatility that chugging, rough-riding, rear-wheel drive van did.
First, VW PH got the engine right. The Kombi will use a front-mounted 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with Tiptronic function that drives the front wheel.
It also has “coasting,” that’s the second thing that’s right. Coasting is no longer running the car in neutral with the engine idling, after reaching a certain speed or driving dangerously down an incline (where engine braking is actually needed), though the principles are the same. It is also not the same as cruise control. Coasting (of this motoring generation) is when the transmission is declutched from the engine when the throttle is lifted. (Hmmm…sounds like the traditional coasting.) This takes away unnecessary stress from the engine when decelerating, which means that the car is free from the torque quenching shackles of engine braking prevalent in diesel engines because of its own power cycle. Coasting is said to save fuel and brake pads. This I got to feel. To those who have not driven the original Kombi, this coasting can be achieved merely by placing one’s foot on top of the clutch pedal–the impossibly long clutch cable disengages the clutch with the slightest pressure.
This diesel engine has a maximum power generation of 150 ps and top torque of 340 Nm. That should make for exciting moments without breaking the speed limits or the fuel economy cycle. Combining coasting, the DSG and cruise control also assure less shift fatigue for drivers even during long road trips. This is the third reason why it is exciting.
Fourth, the VW Kombi has gotten it right by fitting captain seats in the front and second row. Using Nappa leather for the interior confirms the luxury grade. The seats express the Kombi vibe–with the ability to swivel for that instant storytelling time with the kids or a face-to-face meeting while on the go.
Fifth, while the 3rd row can still comfortably seat three people and allow their seats to recline and slide, There is a hidden multifunction folding table is available and can be positioned in between the second and third rows, so important group decisions, or book reading sessions are possible on the road.
Sixth, the Multivan Kombi also has convenience and safety features that reflect the “good old days,” except with power–dual power side doors for ease of entry and exit, and a power tailgate allowing hands-free operation.
Volkswagen Philippines has priced the Multivan Kombi at P3.650M, (VW refers to it as an “indicative price range,” which I think means it can change without prior notice) thus slotting it in the middle part of the luxury van segment.
It is a notch lower than the almost never available Alphard and the always available Hi-Ace Super Grandia. This positioning is cheap when compared to most Eurovans, but is a bit imbalanced versus the Japanese and Korean (or even Chinese) offerings. But that is ok.
There is currently a limited supply of the Kombi so first intenders who wish to rekindle the Kombi spirit in their lives better hurry to VW dealers at Volkswagen BGC at (02) 8558-5888; Volkswagen Quezon Avenue at (02) 8558-5818; and Volkswagen Cebu at (032) 517-8226. A private viewing can also be arranged at Volkswagen BGC.
It is available with Reflex Silver, Black Pearlescent, and the Bi-Color Reflex Silver/Starlight. Reservations can be done unit on to www.volkswagen.com.ph. Volkswagen Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account at @volkswagenph has more information.
