Currently, Volkswagen cars in the Philippines are quite different from the Beetles and Kombis that plied the country's roads many generations ago. 

Unlike those classics, which were designed and engineered in Germany, our VWs have been drawn and built by VW China, which gave us the Santana, Lavida, and the Lamando. The T-Cross, on the other hand, is a global product. 

For that reason, those Volkswagen cars weren't, admittedly, as well-received by the public because of the cars' country of origin. VW Philippines did clarify that the quality of VW cars are consistent, regardless of where they're made. 

So, that Germanic quality can be added to the list of the Lamando's pros. Let's look at this compact sedan's other pros (and its cons).

Pros

1. Sedate styling

Even if the Lamando comes from China, one would be forgiven if they mistake the car for a German one. It wears headlights that blend into the grille, has a character line on its side, and geometric LED tail lights, design cues that can be seen in European VWs. 

2. Well-equipped

The Lamando is priced at P1.569 million for the 280 TSI DSG SE, while the range-topping 280 TSI DSG SEL goes for P1.703 million. 

For the money, it comes equipped with Active Info Display, which shows crucial trip information in high-resolution and dynamic color, and a 9.2-inch infotainment audio system that's linked to eight speakers.

Leather wraps the Lamando's seats, while the SEL variant adds a panoramic sunroof to the equipment list. 

Moving the car is a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 150hp and 250Nm, which is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission.

3. Safety features

With the Lamando's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), possible skidding, wheel spin, or over- or understeering will be kept at bay. Side curtain airbags for both the front and rear occupants are also fitted. 

4. Reassuring after-sales service

Volkswagen Philippines offers after-sales services, such as a comprehensive three-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty coverage and preventive maintenance service of once a year, or every 10,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). Those also include a 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Cons

1. Price

At its price range, the Lamando goes against many compact sedans which possess that USP or "ultimate selling point," as it's known in some circles. 

In the market, there's a similarly-priced hybrid, a sedan that's virtually indestructible, and another one that features a 12-speaker Bose audio. 

Perhaps the Lamando's direct rival is the Chinese MG 6. The 6 features a seven-inch virtual instrument cluster, a sunroof, and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.

That last feature is quite a glaring omission in the Volkswagen, especially when some subcompacts tote the feature today. 

2. No advanced safety kit

The Lamando's crossover stablemate, the T-Cross, packs advanced safety kit in its top-of-line SE trim such as a reversing camera and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Aside from that, the T-Cross has received five-star safety ratings in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the Australasian NCAP, and the Latin NCAP. 

Verdict

The Lamando looks European, and should prove to be a comfortable cruiser with its leather seats. However, its alternatives all have their USPs and could be as stylish and as comfortable as the Volkswagen. 

But to those who like a car that shares a badge with the Beetle and Kombi, this may come as good news: This June, the Lamando SE can be brought home at a promo price of P1.529 million, cutting P40,000 off its regular price. 

Photos from Volkswagen Philippines

Also read:

Volkswagen brings global model to PH anew with T-Cross

Volkswagen PH Launches China-Made Models for 2018 led by Volkswagen Santana