The 2021 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi is now available locally, marking the return of an iconic nameplate that has a long and rich history among Filipino motorists. Revered as the “Kombi”, its modern iteration, the Multivan has evolved to become a more premium way to transport the family, and has the features to back up its premium status.
Imported from Wolfsburg, the Multivan Kombi has a more boxy and traditional design compared to its chief rival, the Toyota Alphard. Still, it is a properly modern and high-tech exterior, with its full LED lighting all around the vehicle, as well as the exquisite build quality you expect from a German car. In addition, the Multivan gets a powered tailgate and dual sliding doors.
The interior of the Volkswagen Minivan Kombi features second-row captain’s chairs that can swivel and face rearward, while the sliding center console with a folding table is perfect for business meetings or family hangouts. The one driving the Multivan isn’t shortchanged in features either as this van gets Volkswagen’s Active Driving Display fully digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch Discover Media infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. There’s also a three-zone climate control, while the interior is wrapped in plush Nappa Leather.
As for the driving experience, the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo diesel engine that produces 150 hp and 340 Nm of torque. This is then mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission powering the front wheels.
Its efficient and torquey diesel engine isn’t its only trick up in its sleeve. Since the model that’s being offered to us is called the Highline variant overseas, our Multivan Kombi gets Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control, along with a one-of-a-kind Crosswind Assist feature of the electronic stability control that automatically applies gentle, course-corrective braking whenever strong crosswinds are encountered and the van is running above 80 kph.
Safety is also a key component in the 2021 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi as it is equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, reverse camera, and a Park Assist self-parking feature.
The 2021 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi is now on sale in the Philippines with a price tag of P3,595,000 for the single-tone color variants and P3,640,000 for the two-tone variants. Three colors are only available at dealers for now, though 12 other colors (including the Candy White/Copper Bronze in these photos) are also available upon request. Despite the absence of any free trade agreements with the European Union, we do think that the Multivan Kombi is well-priced, considering that the Japanese-made Alphard is about P400,000 more.
All Multivans also come with a 2-year warranty coverage, 2-year spare parts warranty, and 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. Furthermore, Volkswagen Philippines guarantees that dealers have at least a 3-month stock availability on fast-moving parts along with free Emergency Roadside Assistance. All of these according should result in 22 percent lower ownership costs compared to other top-tier premium vans.