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At the Detroit Auto Show this week the VW Golf and Golf GTI were named the Car of the Year For the past few weeks, all of the national auto publications and blogs have been speculating as to which car would take home the title of Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show. An overwhelming majority was predicting that Ford would sweep the show, and they almost did after it was announced that the Ford F-150 would beat the Chevy Colorado and take the Truck of the Year honor. Then it was announced that The Volkswagen Golf is the Car of the Year. The Volkswagen Golf was selected above all other cars by a jury of almost 60 journalists. The categories by which all cars had to meet or beat the Golf were design, safety, performance, and value. No other car came close to surpassing the VW Golf. The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that seems to appeal to an incredible cross-section of drivers. Young families, college students, empty nesters, grandparents, young professionals and a variety of other demographics see incredible value in the Golf’s versatility and spunky handling. It is a fun car to drive, and it is practical in every sense of the word. Moreover, the cargo room and passenger space is greater than nearly any other compact on the market. It’s one of those cars that people don’t fall in love with until they slide behind the wheel. And then it’s really hard to get them to want to come out. The Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI are likely to enjoy their time in the sun after earning the prestigious award. The Golf was also Motor Trend’s Car of the Year this year, making it currently one of the most awarded vehicles of all time. It’s one of those rare cars that achieves exceptional fuel efficiency, the highest safety standards, and surprisingly thrilling power all wrapped up in a package that costs less than many other vehicles on the market. The Car of the Year award is the most sought-after award in the automotive industry, and is announced annually at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This was the first time VW won the award since the VW Beetle won in 1999. If you would like to stop in to test drive the Car of the Year, we currently have quite a few in stock for you to choose from. Contact us to schedule a test drive, or feel free to just stop in.

Charging the e-Golf Electric Car just became effortless, and parking just became totally autonomous. Volkswagen really wanted to make a splash at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. So they dove head first into the deep end, and we are all still soaked. We already told you about the announcement of MirrorLink and Apple’s CarPlay, and we showed you the new futuristic Golf R Touch Concept Car that lets you operate nearly every car control with the wave of your hand or flick of your finger. And now, they announced some big advancements in their electric car technology. Volkswagen's Inductive Charging and Trained Parking are sure to shake up the industry. Volkswagen Trained Parking Volkswagen plans to advance autonomous parking by developing a series of systems that build upon the current semi-autonomous reverse parking features currently integrated in the e-Golf vehicles. These systems would allow the cars to learn from the repeated routes you take, such as the drive up your driveway and into your usual parking spot. A camera mounted behind the rearview mirror will recognize when you release control to the vehicle, and your regular parking maneuver will happen automatically. While drivers will be required to stay in their cars while they are parking themselves, the goal is to have a system in place within the next few years where the car will stop by your door to let you out, then carry on to its parking space and automatically recharge itself. These features would likely allow you to monitor everything from a smartphone or tablet to ensure all is well. The current e-Golf Electric car utilizes the Bosch 240V home charging system that lets you simply plug in your car at home and at work. It’s simple. And yet VW decided to make it even simpler to get customers ready for the inevitable future. So they developed a wireless inductive charging system which allows the e-Golf to locate and park itself over a charging plate in the floor. The implications of inductive charging are varied. It allows cars to eventually, precisely and autonomously park themselves. It opens up the possibility of taking your car to a parking structure with inductive charging, getting out where it is most convenient, and letting your car go charge itself while you work or shop. Being notified on your smartphone where the nearest available charging space is, is also just a couple years away. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

The VW Golf R Touch is like something out of a science fiction movie, packed full of cutting-edge technology. There are a few technology advancements made each year that make us realize we really are living in the future. It seems the engineers at Volkswagen became inspired while re-watching that Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report, because it seems as though the new VW Golf R Touch Concept Car that was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show this week is straight out of that futuristic film. The VW Golf R Touch Concept Car has three big touchscreens, and is void of any tangible buttons or knobs aside from those controls that are imbedded in the steering wheel. But it’s not simply a trio of touchscreens. Drivers and passengers can operate the controls without touching anything, and without saying anything. A simply swipe or gesture is recognized, with the goal being that it won’t require a lesson to use. The system is built to be as intuitive as possible. Golf R Touch Concept Car Volkswagen stated that this concept car was the ultimate technological challenge. It was an attempt to integrate unbelievably complex technology with as many functions as possible, while nearly eliminating driver distractions by making it the easiest to use, most personalized system. All of the controls are sensor-based, or operate via the touchscreen. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and other vehicle information is all integrated into a 12.3 inch Active Information Display. All the standard car instruments are represented digitally. The main high-res infotainment screen is nearly 13 inches, and the screen that operates media settings and climate control is 8 inches. It’s not magic, though. Along with the proximity sensors are a series of small interor cameras mounted within the vehicle that pick up hand movement. The idea of waving your hand or simply gesturing to interact with applications, media, and climate control really brings these interfaces into a whole new third dimension. For instance, simply raise your arm, and you can control the Golf’s moonroof without touching a thing, and without having to take your eyes off the road. While the R Touch Concept isn't here, yet, we do have the VW Golf in stock. It is the Car of the Year for very good reason. Come see why! As always, all of us here at Speedcraft VW are more than happy to answer any question you might have. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

2015 VW e-Golf Providence RI In the last several years, a pretty significant move has been made industry-wide to create a viable all-electric vehicle. Now, with the release of the 2015 VW e-Golf near Providence RI, it’s finally here. Amazing German engineering, iconic Volkswagen performance, and stylish Golf sensibility have combined to create a vehicle worthy of recognition in the form of recognition as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, and it’s arrived at Speedcraft VW. So, care to take a closer look? It's Here: The e-Golf is ON THE LOT at Speedcraft! Goodbye to Gas When the e-Golf was announced, the commercial seen below made the rounds to the delight of auto enthusiasts everywhere. However, it was more than just an entertaining novelty. Say farewell to gas stations, say farewell to oil changes, say farewell to paying attention to gas prices. With the e-Golf’s range of 83 miles per charge and over 18,000 charging locations, you’ll get there and back again with ease, only stopping at service stations to wipe off your windshield. With three driving modes to choose from, the e-Golf is always up to the task at hand. Legendary Performance We must admit, it was a logical question to ask: will the e-Golf still drive like, well, a Golf? To that end, VW devised a 115-hp electric motor, which responds with 199 instantly responding torque. And, with three driving modes--Normal/Eco/Eco+--available depending on the situation, the e-Golf is well suited to all driving conditions. A True VW, Through and Through For all of the demand for a great all-electric vehicle, to its credit, VW didn’t rush this. They made absolutely that they’d gotten the e-Golf just right before it was time for production, and this is evident in its style and execution. The e-Golf features model-exclusive features such as an electrically heated windshield and full LED headlights and daytime running lights, while exceptional amenities such as a rearview camera, a Media Device Interface, and a Navigation System with proximity sensors and voice control are standard as well. And, with its VW Car-Net Telematics system at the ready to integrate the e-Golf’s functions, it’s smart in all the ways you’d expect as well. The 2015 VW e-Golf Now At Speedcraft VW! The red carpet has already been rolled out by an excited automotive media. (We’re looking at you, Motor Trend.) Do you have any questions? Care to learn more details about its performance or how to schedule a test drive? Then visit or contact Speedcraft VW today; we’d be happy to help you say goodbye to gas!

2015 VW Golf named Motor Trend Car of the Year Well, even we didn’t see this coming. The votes have been tabulated, all 24 of the eligible cars have been exhaustively analyzed, and we now have winner of the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The 2015 VW Golf family of models, which includes the standard Golf 1.8T, the Golf TDI, the high-performance GTI, and the upcoming all-electric e-Golf. After staring down competition from the likes of the Ford Mustang, the BMW 2 Series, the Maserati Ghibli, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Golf stands alone. Pretty impressive, no? To hear Motor Trend’s Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh tell it, he was surprised by its impressive showing as we were. “VW floored our judges by reimagining the seventh generation Golf for nearly every need and want,” he explained. “From the value-laden Golf 1.8T and high-MPG Golf TDI to the legendary hot hatch GTI and all-electric e-Golf, there truly is a Golf for everyone.” In its seventh generation, the evolution of the Golf family is complete. Prior to announcing a winner of Car of the Year, competitors were judged by six key criteria: design advancement, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and performance of intended function. And, after nine full days of testing, the Golf family of vehicles came home with the top prize. Of course, none of this would require mentioning if it weren’t for the fact that Speedcraft VW just happens to be Rhode Island’s top-rated online Volkswagen dealer, and holds the specific distinction of keeping the area’s most versatile and accommodating inventory of the VW Golf. Whether you’re searching for iconic utility of the classic seventh-generation Golf or the all-out road-readiness of the athletic GTI, we’ll work with you to line up the options you desire and make sure that you drive away with the most desired vehicle of its kind in America today. After all, being named the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year lends a little weight to such a lofty claim. Visit Speedcraft VW today to receive further information, to schedule a test drive, or to receive financing details in regard to our resident Car of the Year. We’re excited to assist you, and look forward to seeing you at Speedcraft VW soon!

2015 VW Golf Providence RI How many models can you count that are virtually indistinguishable from the vehicle segment they represent? It’s nearly impossible to separate the Volkswagen Golf from the idea of a hatchback, and with good reason; during its 40-year run, it has inarguably acted as the foremost representative of the segment. While many competing models have come and gone during that time, none have been so implanted on gearheads’ brains quite like the Golf. And now, with the release of the seventh-generation 2015 VW Golf near Providence RI at Speedcraft VW, all of this effort and evolution has come full-circle. So let’s break down the performance and design of the 2015 VW Golf, shall we? The Performance. What has long separated the Golf from many hatchback competitors has been its steadfast dedication to top-notch athleticism, and this is true of the 2015 VW Golf as well. The latest Golf offers two excellent engine options, both in keeping with the model’s dual goals of top performance and excellent fuel economy. The clean, efficient interior provides ample space for five passengers. First is the 1.8-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, that produces 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. With the automatic-equipped model zipping from zero to sixty mph in under eight seconds and a fuel economy better than 36 mpg on the highway, this option holds a special place in many drivers’ hearts. However, it’s the diesel-powered 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder that really gets the juices flowing. With an output of 150 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, the TDI pairs with either a six-speed manual or automated manual transmission (DSG) to produce a sterling 42 mpg on the highway. The Design. To pick up where the incredible performance leaves off, the 2015 VW Golf rewards drivers with a host of attractive amenities as well. Standard features on the latest Golf include a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a 5.8-inch touchscreen with iPod/satellite radio connectivity, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Available on the higher level trims, meanwhile, are such amenities as VW’s Car-Net emergency services system, a rearview camera and a premium Fender audio system. The Golf features best-in-class interior cargo storage. As for the feel of the interior cabin itself, the Golf rewards up to five occupants with top-quality upholstery materials and class-leading cargo space, a generous 52.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat. Additionally, the distinctly European styling makes the most of each inch, with leg and shoulder room among the finest available. For a vehicle with such a rich and storied history, there’s little doubt that the 2015 VW Golf is forward-thinking as well. Its ride is quick and smooth, and with excellent interior visibility and easy-to-use dashboard features, it’s pretty apparent why it continues to be among the most popular hatchbacks available today. The 2015 VW Golf is now available at Speedcraft VW, and in addition to its ease of ownership, it is also easy to outfit with items from our VW OEM Parts and Accessories eStore. To learn more about the latest Golf or to schedule a test drive, visit Speedcraft VW today!