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2014 VW Touareg vs. 2014 BMW X5 Providence RI When you’re inching toward the upper reaches of SUV luxury, deciding between two of the finer available models may come down simply to a matter of taste. Perhaps more frequently, the decision may reflect an attraction to a few key factors that push one model ahead of the other. Debating the merits of these two--the 2014 VW Touareg and the 2014 BMW X5 --is certainly an exercise in hair-splitting, and hoping to declare a so-called “winner” at the expense of the other is pretty difficult. Under the hood, both the Touareg and the competing X5 feature a variety of powertrains that range from compelling to excellent in terms of quality. The most popular engine options for each get such recognition for a reason; in the 2014 VW Touareg, leading the way is a 3.0L TDI V6, paired with an eight-speed manual transmission to produce an excellent 29 mpg on the highway. The X5, meanwhile, tries a 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 to produce roughly 27 highway mpg. The well-crafted interior of the latest VW Touareg is spacious and inviting. The distinction between these vehicles, while appearing small on paper, belies a fundamental difference in mission between the two. The torque-heavy TDI engine of the Touareg shows a more obvious dedication to versatile performance; case in point, the Touareg is capable of towing nearly 2,000 pounds more than the X5 when both are properly equipped. This difference also makes the Touareg among the most confident entries in its class as an all-terrain performer, a factor that can’t be overlooked. Inside the two luxury crossover SUVs, drivers find a delectable mix of sophisticated features that clearly distinguish them from more mainstream competitors. That of the Touareg consistently ranks among the segment’s most popular, offering top-quality materials accentuated by Volkswagen’s famous craftsmanship. And while the Touareg is strictly offered in a two-row, five-passenger configuration, its passengers are afforded a wide variety of seating features to maximize comfort; the rear-seat offers reclining seatbacks and over 6 inches of fore/aft seat movement. Perhaps the most attractive difference between these two neck-and-neck SUVs, however, is in the price tag. Despite the iconic styling and engineering, as well as its sterling performance profile and higher fuel economy, the 2014 VW Touareg is available for thousands less than the BMW X5, a difference that is making Providence-area drivers stand up and take notice. The 2014 VW Touareg is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI. Schedule your test drive today!

2014 VW Jetta vs. 2014 Toyota Corolla Providence RI Even though it seems like forever ago, it’s only been about a decade since the compact sedan segment experienced what sportscasters generally refer to as “The Leap.” Prior to the early 2000s, compact cars were, by and large, designed to be practical and that was about it. Cheap interior materials and uninspiring driving dynamics were the norm, and for the bulk of the target audience--students, young families, etc.--that was mostly okay. Then rising gas prices became nightly-news fodder, and the focus of compact cars shifted greatly. Drivers now wanted cars that had fuel efficiency that wouldn’t gouge them at the pump, but wanted the quality and amenities that could be found in larger, more expensive vehicles. The compact car segment grew up in a hurry, and two models quickly rose to the top. Now, for the new model year, let’s see how far they’ve come: the 2014 VW Jetta and the 2014 Toyota Corolla. The upscale interior of the 2014 VW Jetta makes practical use of all available space. When comparing the latest models of the VW Jetta and the Toyota Corolla, it’s immediately obvious that this is a test of two supremely well-designed automobiles. Both feature accommodating interior cabins, and are comfortable for up to five adult occupants. They also each feature efficient and compelling standard engines that fare reasonably well in most driving conditions. In a few key areas, however, the Volkswagen Jetta unquestionably wrestles the reins from the Corolla. The interior of the Jetta, in particular, is head-and-shoulders above the Corolla in terms of sensibility; it carries a distinctly European craftsmanship that is both visually pleasing and space-efficient, making the most of every inch. In fact, most agree that the interior and trunk space tread closely to mid-size vehicle levels. Meanwhile, with standard convenience features such as heated outside mirrors and one-touch express up/down on all windows, the Jetta leaves a strong impression of sophistication at all trim levels. The available Turbo-diesel engine offers drivers up to 42 highway mpg. Under the hood, the VW Jetta sets itself apart as well. While the Corolla features just the single engine option--a 1.8L four-cylinder--the Jetta answers with a wide variety of inspired powertrains, including a new 1.8L Turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0L Turbo-diesel four-cylinder that produces an estimated 42 highway mpg. With its ability to answer the call for a wide variety of driver demands, the 2014 VW Jetta, now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, gets the nod in this category as well. While not taking anything away from the venerable and dependable 2014 Toyota Corolla, there are a few key areas where the 2014 VW Jetta simply finds itself as the inarguably superior entry in the compact segment. With a vast array of convenience options and a tasteful, refined design, it isn’t any wonder that drivers in Rhode Island continue to respond strongly to the latest edition of Volkswagen’s iconic compact sedan. The 2014 VW Jetta is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence with some of the best offers in Rhode Island. We look forward to answering any further questions you may have, and encourage you to visit our dealership to learn about the many attractive lease and purchase options available for this terrific car.

2014 VW Passat vs. 2014 Nissan Altima Providence RI Searching for a solid mid-size sedan is a little like buying a dog. You don’t just walk up to a window and say, “I’ll take it,” unless you have little interest in how the next ten or so years will play out. You need to do homework. You need to know how your prospective purchase fits your lifestyle and needs. In comparing two of the finest mid-size sedans available today, 2014 VW Passat and 2014 Nissan Altima, these are alike in many important ways. However, it’s in the minor differences where the Passat, now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, manages to set itself apart. Under the hood, both vehicles offer multiple options that allow shoppers selections that are both efficient and powerful. On the 2014 VW Passat, the European-inspired driving dynamics are immediately evident through curvy roads and high-volume traffic, and with an EPA-estimated 43 mpg on the Turbo Diesel drivetrain option, the Passat delivers a fuel economy that even most hybrids can’t touch. The standard drivetrains on the Passat and Altima are similar in many respects, although the Passat yields greater power--280 hp to 270 for the Altima--in its V6 engine. The interior of the 2014 VW Passat is clearly cut from European cloth--or leather. Once inside the respective cabins of these two vehicles, drivers are met with two distinctly different approaches to refinement. Not surprisingly, the 2014 VW Passat chooses a more European angle: highly functional design flourishes, with an eye toward space-saving and sophistication. The Passat is extremely generous with interior and trunk space, yet it handles like it’s even smaller than it actually is. The Altima, meanwhile, also offers a spacious and well-crafted interior, although it might leave those who crave European nuance feeling a little stifled. In many respects, these two vehicles are both great options for drivers and families searching for a quality mid-size sedan. However, in terms of options, performance, and overall refinement, the 2014 VW Passat simply checks boxes that the Altima can’t. To learn more about the terrific 2014 Volkswagen Passat, we encourage you to stop by our Providence-area dealership, Speedcraft VW. We offer many attractive options from our Wakefield, RI, location, and our well-respected team is standing by today to get you into a vehicle you are guaranteed to love.

2014 VW CC vs. 2014 Lexus IS 250 Providence RI Whenever you’re dealing with an automaker with such a reputation for quality craftsmanship as Volkswagen, the competition you face is bound to be from some pretty impressive vehicles in their own right. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we enjoy competition. But how well do we match up, really? Let’s take a closer look at how one of our more refined models stacks up against its closest competition: The 2014 Volkswagen CC vs. the 2014 Lexus IS 250. Obviously, the two vehicles we’re comparing are both pretty impressive. The Volkswagen CC has been one of the most exciting additions to the midsize sedan segment in a considerable time, while Lexus has always been known for producing quality luxury automobiles as well. Both feature impeccable styling befitting their impressive pedigrees. Under the hood, the two models take different approaches to a common goal: The 2014 VW CC rolls out a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-4, while the Lexus IS 250 tries a 2.5-liter V6. However, those predicting a dominant performance by the larger Lexus engine will be sorely disappointed: The CC produces near-identical horsepower, and even boasts roughly twenty more feet-pounds of torque. Perhaps most importantly, the CC achieves a higher fuel economy--an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway--and bolts off the line with a punch that the Lexus can’t touch, going from zero-to-sixty over a half-second quicker. The crisp, clean interior of the 2014 VW CC in Providence RI is luxury at its finest. In terms of interior features, both models feature many common characteristics: upscale materials, easy-to-use controls, spacious and comfortable cabins. Some of the standard features on the Volkswagen CC, however, are costly upgrades or aren’t offered on its Lexus counterpart at all: Heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers, to name two. Still, although both are incredible vehicles, the most vast difference between the two may actually be something intangible: Buyers of the new 2014 VW CC receive 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, of no-charge Carefree Maintenance, where the Lexus IS 250 offers just one year. When you consider that the 2014 VW CC can be yours for almost $5,000 less than a similarly equipped Lexus IS 250, well, that pretty much settles the debate. The 2014 Volkswagen CC is now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, the top-rated Volkswagen dealership in New England. To learn more, or to schedule a test drive, contact the sales team at Speedcraft VW today!