To Baguio and back in a VW Golf

I have always enjoyed being behind the wheel of a VW. More so if it’s a Beetle, Touareg, or a Golf.  I guess, one can say that I truly enjoy being wrapped inside the body of a vehicle that makes me feel safe. And with the VW it is a given.

“It was also around this time in 2015 that we introduced to the Philippines the Golf GTI, the everyday super car for performance seekers looking for fun and excitement. And it was warmly received by the local market,” said John Philip Orbeta, president and CEO of Volkswagen Philippines, at the launch of the Golf a few months back. “This year, Volkswagen Philippines increases the product lineup of the Golf brand with two other variants: the Golf Highline 1.4 TSI DSG and the Golf Comfortline 1.4 TSI DSG.”

So, it was with much excitement that I welcomed the opportunity to test drive the VW Golf recently.

The VG Golf is one classic hatchback as it has been being manufactured in Germany since 1974. And, it is the Volkswagen Golf’s popularity that is a testament to the precision craftsmanship of German automotive engineering and design. Seven generations of the Golf were introduced over the last four decades. In the Philippines, the Golf’s sport performance variant, the GTI, was launched early in 2015.

Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO John Philip Orbeta (right) with VW PH chief operating adviser Klaus Schadewald at the VW Golf launch

Drive, Drive

I had set my driving sights on Baguio — and this time around I was determined to get the drive done. Baguio is now just a little under four hours away from my home in Pasig — and a drive up to Baguio for lunch with a return to Manila for dinner was what I had planned for the day.

The VW Golf is loaded with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), seven airbags, Engine Drag Torque Control (MRS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS, and a Regenerative Braking System. It is equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI Turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with a Blue Motion Start/Stop system managed by a seven-speed DSG that produces a maximum output of 150 Ps at 5,000 rpm.

With this system, the Golf is supposed to ensure fuel efficiency without compromising on the power when you need it most.

Comfy all the way: The interiors of the VW Golf

I started out about 7 a.m. and as luck would have it — it was a breeze making it down EDSA and into NLEX.  As always, I was having fun in the cockpit as I kept my eyes on the road while keeping good control of the Golf.

The drive down NLEX was quite uneventful — as I stuck to my lane and kept to the 100 kph speed limit.  Many times, I wish that the speed limit on our out-of-town expressways would be increased because there is so much road to conquer and so little speed to do it with... in other words bitin ang feeling.

The drive led me to the SCTEX, TPLEX and then out onto the roads in Pangasinan leading to the ascent to Baguio.

I had made it in about 2 1/2 hours and I estimated another hour up Kenon Road to Cafe by the Ruins where I had planned to have lunch.

I was doing good time — until I got to Kennon Road, which had quite a few roadwork activities going on. But the stop-and-go drive up Kennon Road was a good way of testing just how reliable the VW Golf is.

What I did like is that even if the VW Golf is no racecar, it has a driver-centric feel. This means that no matter the sharp turns I had to make or the sudden stops that came from trailing slower-moving jeepneys — the Golf was reliable and never once made me feel that I was not in control. I must add that like with all VW vehicles, I really liked the solid feel of the Golf.

Lunch calls

I made it to Cafe by the Ruins by around 11 a.m. There was a crowd already eating — perhaps travelers like me in search of a good hot meal.

I found parking inside the restaurant compound, and after an almost four-hour drive, I sat for a bit in the cockpit as I gave the Golf a once over before I stepped off.

I was in awe of the Vienna leather seats and a Climatronic two-zone air-conditioning system. It was only then that I noticed that the Golf is equipped with a rear A/C vent.

As I stepped out of the Golf, I looked at the Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washer and LED daytime running lights, dynamic headlight range adjustment with dynamic cornering lights, and auto headlight activation with separate daytime running lights. This means that the VW Gold always has lights on no matter the time of day or night. This is a good thing for long drives out of town since visibility can sometimes be compromised.

For starters I feasted on the yummy kamote bread, which I ate, with my squash soup. I had a dish called Longlife Tofu Pouches, which are mushroom-stuffed tofu wedges served with sweet-and-sour sauce. I asked for red rice since I was in Baguio. I had to walk to the nearest 7-Eleven to get my Coke Zero fix (yes, it is my unhealthy vegetarian indulgence) since Cafe by the Ruins only serves teas and juices.

I was stuffed after the meal and I felt that drive around the city before heading back to Manila was in order. Not such wise decision since it had started to rain and the traffic, yes, the traffic was building up.

But, not one to let a rain ruin my driving fun — I smiled through the traffic feeling comfy and happy behind the wheel of the VW Golf.

Home, Kathy, home

I was ready to leave the City of Pines by about 2 p.m. with an estimated arrival in Manila at 6 p.m.  I took a deep breath and headed down Kennon Road — the same way I came up.

I made a final stop at the Lion’s Head where I took a photo of my ride.

It was another happy day for me — driving always brings joy to my heart — no matter the traffic, no matter the distance.

Can’t wait for my next drive trip. I hear Sagada calling.