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Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th anniversary When it was first introduced back in the 1970’s, few people could have predicted the overwhelming popularity the Volkswagen Golf GTI would experience in the decades to come. Known now for its sporty capability and dynamic drive, the Golf GTI has come to be a significant staple among the brand. This year, we celebrate the Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th anniversary with look back at the model's impressive past. The original GTI The original 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to its incredible performance and deliberate interior touches. Some of its interior highlights included a golf-ball shifter knob and sporty plaid patterned seats. It also included a red stripe in the grille, giving it a more aggressive look than people were used to seeing in the small car segment at the time. Under the hood of the original GTI sat a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine that created 108 horsepower. Combine this with the model’s 1,786 lb. curb weight, and the GTI made it easy to get performance on a bargain. Through the years Over the decades, Volkswagen rolled out several different versions of the Golf GTI, but one specific model that stands out is the 1987 Golf GTI 16V. This was the first GTI model to feature a 16-valve engine under its hood. This new 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine was able to boost the GTI’s power output to a nice 123 horsepower, making the GTI a heavy-hitter in its segment. By 1992, Volkswagen had enlarged the GTI’s engine to 2 liters for even further improvement to its performance. At this point, the GTI was able to produce 134 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. VW Golf GTI today Today, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to offer the powerful performance and sporty drive that the model’s been known for through the decades. The sporty hatchback features a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that’s not only powerful, but affordable at the fuel pump as well. For 2016, The GTI is able to put out an impressive 220 horsepower, while also achieving a 25 city / 34 highway mpg rating. The upcoming 2017 Golf GTI is said to feature new high-value trim options, offering drivers a wider range of technology and feature at a more affordable price. 2016 Golf GTI at Speedcraft Volkswagen If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen have a wide variety of models currently available on our lot for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a specific trim level or even color, there’s a good chance that we’ve got it here. To begin your search, all you have to do is view our inventory here on our site. After you’ve narrowed down your choices, just give us a call or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment for a test drive. We’re sure that once you experience the powerful, sporty drive and overall versatility of the new Golf GTI, you won’t want to settle for any other hatchback. What do you think of the history behind the Volkswagen Golf GTI? Comment below!

Volkswagen IIHS Top Safety Pick Drivers know that Volkswagen puts the safety of its drivers first. That’s why it’s no surprise to see that multiple Volkswagen models have received recognition for their excellent safety features. Adding on to its ever-growing list of vehicles certified as Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Volkswagen 2016 Golf and Jetta families have received the highest safety rating. While being named a Top Safety Pick is becoming more and more common, it is still a great challenge for automakers due to the strict nature of the IIHS’s testing system. To achieve this rating, vehicles need to get “Good” ratings, which stand for the highest grade possible, in categories including the moderate overlap, front, side, roof and head restrain tests. Vehicles also need to get at least an “Acceptable” rating on the small-overlap test, which is considered an extremely difficult test. Finally, the vehicle’s automatic crash-prevention system needs to be rated as either “Advanced” or “Superior” by tests. Golf and Jetta safety systems The 2016 Jetta and Golf family performed well on the IIHS tests, achieving “Good” ratings across the board and an “Advanced” crash prevention rating. Much of its success is thanks to the new for 2016 Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking system. Other new additions to the Volkswagen models include Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning. Take a look at the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI and its crash safety system in action in its IIHS safety test for crash testing in the video below: If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of one of these great vehicles, take a look at our available inventory. We have a wide selection of 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf vehicles to choose from. If you’d like to take one out for a test drive, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment for you

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Golf R The Golf is known for being a great vehicle for both families and commuters alike. Thanks to its fuel efficient engine and spacious interior, it’s ready to take on whatever task is at hand. On top of being fuel efficient and driver and passenger-friendly, two members of the Golf family hold the title of Volkswagen’s powerhouses. We here at Speedcraft Volkswagen are interested to see how these vehicles fare against each other. That’s why we’ve compiled this 2016 Golf GTI vs Golf R comparison. The Golf R and the GTI are the two most powerful members of the Golf family and offer impressive power that other hatchbacks can’t stand up to. Both of these vehicles have a lot to give both in capability and in comfort. We’ve taken a closer look at what we think are important factors for drivers to consider when deciding between the two hatchbacks. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled important specs for both models in the chart below. 2016 Golf R This year, if you find yourself behind the wheel of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a hatchback that has more of what you’re looking for. At its heart runs a 2-liter, turbocharged engine capable of a power output not seen in a Volkswagen before. Behind the wheel, you’re in for a responsive, engaging drive with its six-speed manual transmission. If you’re looking for the most power out of your vehicle, the Golf R is a great choice. While its fuel efficiency isn’t as high as the GTI, the 23 / 30 mph it does get is definitely impressive for the size engine that it sports. 2016 Golf GTI While the 2016 Volkswagen Golf  GTI definitely offers an impressive amount of power, the truly remarkable part about it is its affordability. Whether we’re talking its ticket price or everyday spending on gas, the GTI is a powerhouse that you could find in anyone’s driveway. Drivers looking for a money saver that’s going to be able to handle the road ahead will find that that the GTI is more than capable. Questions? Feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen or take a look at the rest of our blog for more information. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of one of these models, take a look at the models available in our inventory. If any of them are what you’re looking for, let us know and we’ll schedule a test drive. Let us know if we don’t have the model you’re looking for and we’ll make a note to let you know when it becomes available. Which do you prefer – the Golf R or the GTI? Comment below!

2016 Volkswagen GTI specs The Volkswagen Golf GTI is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a vehicle that can provide them with ample amounts of power, while still being affordable for everyday driving. Behind the wheel of the 2016 GTI, not only do you have access to its powerful, yet efficient engine, but you also get the added benefit of all of the additional technology that is coming with the model this year. The 2016 Volkswagen GTI specs show that not only does Volkswagen value power and affordability, they also want to ensure that you have the most enjoyable driving experience possible. While we don’t have all of the details on the 2016 model of the GTI, if the 2015 GTI is anything to go off of, drivers can expect a nice power output of around 220 horsepower with 258 lb.-ft. of torque. With all of this power at its hands, the GTI is capable of reaching a top speed of 125 mph. Power isn’t everything for the GTI, either. The 2015 GTI is capable of achieving truly impressive fuel economy, with 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Add that to the incredibly affordable base price and you’ve got a powerhouse that can be found in any driver’s garage. New technology in the 2016 GTI With the new model year, the Golf GTI is seeing even more changes in terms of technology. The 2016 GTI will feature the MIB II infotainment system, giving drivers access to a wide variety of in-car apps and features. The system features USB connectivity and the VW Car-Net App-Connect which functions off of the integrated 6.5-inch touch screen. Other new features include a rearview camera as a standard, making backing up in your vehicle easier than ever. An updated Driver Assistance Package is also available on SE and Autobahn models, and the update includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking as well as Lane Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor which features Rear Traffic Alerts, Parking Pilot and Park Assist. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of this impressive vehicle when it arrives on our lot, be sure to check on our inventory here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. For more information on this and other upcoming vehicles, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. What do you think of the new 2016 GTI? Comment below!

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport specs The drivers of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf already enjoy a nice, powerful drive with an engine that tops out at a respectable 220 horsepower. But if you’re looking for more power out of your vehicle, Volkswagen’s got you covered. Recently, it’s been announced that the 2 016 Volkswagen GTI Clubsport engine specs show that the 2016 GTI will be one of the most powerful yet! Volkswagen is celebrating 40 years of the Volkswagen Golf GTI by creating this new powerful model. Stylistically, the Clubsport model has a lot of similarities to the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Despite these similarities, the Clubsport still manages to make its own statement with a selection of additions. One of the additions to the 2016 Golf is the new innovative roof spoiler. The spoiler adds substantial downforce to the hatchback, which makes it easier to control at higher speeds. This extra control is definitely a plus when you consider all of the power under the hood of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport. It will have the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Golf, but Volkswagen has announced it will reach a truly impressive output of 292 horsepower. 2016 VW Golf GTI Release date and pricing The official pricing for the 2016 VW Golf GTI Clubsport has yet to be announced, but we suspect it will be priced somewhere between the GTI and R models. In that case, we here at Speedcraft VW would predict that its price tag will range around $30,000. For now, the 2016 VW Golf GTI Clubsport is only schedule to release in Europe. While this is unfortunate, it doesn’t mean that the hatchback won’t eventually make its way to the states. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming Volkswagen models as well as our current models, be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog. We have a selection of information on all sorts of Volkswagen-related news and information. Let us know what you think of the 2016 VW Golf GTI Clubsport in the comments below!

Volkswagen recalls over 6,000 models due to faulty component Volkswagen has followed in BMW and Nissan's suit in recalling some of their vehicles due to problems with equipment supplied by Bosch engineering company. The parts in question are the nickel-plated fuel pumps. It has been discovered that the nickel plating has the potential to chip off the part and cause problems with the pump. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is the most recent victim in a string of vehicle recalls caused by this problem. Along with the Volkswagen recall, other victims include the Audi A4 and GTI.  The total number of these models that need to be repaired add up to 6,204 units. Problems like this have been known to happen before. For this case, the pump’s nickel plating can possibly flake and fall off of the component. The nickel chips could end up causing friction in the pump and, if left unchecked, eventually lead to the component failing. No reports of accidents or injuries resulting from this issue in Volkswagen have been made, but this remains a serious problem. Even though these models don’t have the same exact component, all of them have feature the same nickel plating process. Because of this, all of them have the potential to be dangerous to drivers. Owners of recalled vehicles If you’re the owner of a model of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, there is a good chance that it has been recalled. If you are the owner of a vehicle affected by the problems with the Bosch parts, you should be notified by mail soon if you haven’t been already. Unfortunately, Bosch does not currently have enough parts made to replace all of the defective components. Automakers are currently working with them in order to create more pumps to replace the defective ones. It is important to note that once parts become available, our service department will replace these components for affected customers free of charge. If you haven’t received notification of a recall, but still want to see if your vehicle is affected, you can do so easily on the Volkswagen website. The Volkswagen recall tool makes it easy to check up on your vehicle based on its VIN number. Your car’s VIN number should be located on the driver’s side dashboard, or on the sticker inside the driver doorjam. If you can’t find it in either of these places, the number can also be found on your registration form. With it, you can use the recall tool to view what recalls have been issued for you vehicle. If you have a used vehicle, you can also view if any recalls have been made on your vehicle in the past, and if the problem had been fixed.

We’ve compiled all the Volkswagen ‘How To’ videos for changing your car’s clock for Daylight Savings Time. It’s been a week since we sprang forward, losing an hour of sleep but gaining some much-appreciated sunshine. Daylight Savings Time has arrived, and if you are like us you’re probably feeling a little groggy still. It’s amazing how changing the clocks one hour can really impact so many things. One of those things is your the clock in your Volkswagen. We know people who just leave the clock in their car on the wrong time until the clocks change and they become correct once more. There’s no need to live this way. VW produced a series of very handy How To videos for each Volkswagen model, showing you How To Set The Clock in Your VW. It is far easier than you think. Find your model below, and get back on track. Setting the Clock in your Volkswagen Jetta Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Passat Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Golf Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Golf GTI Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Beetle Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Eos Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen CC Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Tiguan Setting the Clock in Your Volkswagen Touareg We host a variety of other helpful How To videos on our website. They are designed to help you get comfortable with some of the basic controls and features of your new Volkswagen. Check them out. And, of course, if you landed on this page and none of this information was helpful, it’s probably time for a much-deserved VW upgrade. Feel free to peruse our New Volkswagen Inventory and let us know if you find something you like!

Speedcraft Volkswagen is thrilled to offer U.S. News & World Report’s Best Compact Car and Best Sports Car for the Money. Since 2007, the U.S. News & World Report has been issuing an annual ranking for the vehicles with the best long-term value in their class and the most positive consumer reviews. Each year, the vehicles of each class with the highest score are ranked as the year’s best cars for the money. The 2015 Best Cars for the Money report issued was just released, and it names not one but two Volkswagen vehicles as the best bang for your buck. Every car, truck, SUV, and van in the country is a contender for the Best Cars for the Money ranking, but only 21 vehicles total can be selected. One for each category. Each model is ranked based on a combination of consumer reports, positive reviews, and overall long-term value of the vehicle. This year’s awards for the 2015 Best Cars for the Money covered 21 specific automotive categories, spanning the entirety of all cars, trucks and SUVs sold in the United States. Volkswagen had two big winners this year. The sports car with the best value in the United States is the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, and the compact with the best value in the United States is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The VW GTI is the sporty, ultra-high-performing sister of the VW Golf. While it doesn’t look like the other classic, speedy sports cars that make up the class, everyone who drives it is in agreement that the aggressive and nimble handling and ultra smooth powertrain is out of this world. Dollar-for-dollar, consumers and experts list the GTI at the top of the list in terms of power and performance per dollar. The 2015 VW Golf has been named this year’s car of the year more times than we can count. And now there’s another feather in this unbeatable compact car’s proverbial hat. As the most valuable compact car of 2015, the new Golf proves that it’s one of those cars that ticks all the boxes, and it does everything better than every other car in its class. Unbeatable gas milage, versatile cargo space, durability, and a truly best-in-class cabin make it the best compact car for the money. The U.S. News & World Report rankings are no small matter. Since 1933 U.S. News & World Report has been enabling and empowering customers to make more informed buying decisions, providing consumer advice and rankings with a variety of focuses, including automotive. This most recent report speaks volumes about the direction in which Volkswagen is headed. Building best-in-class vehicles that are built to last a generation or more, and offering them at a highly competitive price is the VW way. If you are interested in the 2015 VW Golf or the 2015 VW GTI now that both have been officially ranked as the 2015 Best Cars for the Money, please let us know so we can get you behind the wheel and you can see what all the fuss is about.

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 GTI Providence RI If you regularly check this space for your latest Volkswagen news, you might have noticed that we at Speedcraft VW have a somewhat obvious obsession with the 2015 VW GTI. Certainly, with news coming down the pipeline such as the GTI’s inclusion in the Car & Driver “Top 30 under $30k” and Cars.com “Best Cheap Speed” lists helping to galvanize our feelings, this loyalty is well justified. But what is it exactly that has given the 2015 VW GTI such a well-respected pedestal among its competition? To begin with, the GTI is among the only cars anywhere that can credibly lay claim to being both fun and practical. Granted, you could probably put together a pretty fat stack of brochures of cars claiming just that, but for over 25 years, the GTI has offered hard evidence that the proof is in the pudding. Power that is simply not expected from a hatchback growls from under the hood of the GTI, courtesy of a 2.0-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of a muscular 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which are gains of 10 hp and 51 lb-ft over the outgoing engine. And, by adding the available Performance package that adds another 10 hp, in addition to larger brakes and limited-slip differential in front. All of this, and the GTI still achieves up to 35 mpg on the highway according to EPA estimates. Power, performance and high efficiency--The 2015 VW GTI is in a class all its own. So what does all of this mean, in layman's’ terms? In short, the 2015 VW GTI is unlike any hatchback ever, and this even includes the GTI models from years past. With agile handling and steering complemented by its extremely responsive suspension, the GTI is perfectly suited to maneuver the twists and turns of New England roads. (And, if we’re being honest, we would know.) A result of this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speed in the 2015 VW GTI is that its complete redesign might only get a thorough once-over at a stoplight, but there is much to enjoy. The GTI receives new headlights and taillights in the new edition, which combine with the more sloping hood design to give a more rear-sweeping look. Overall, the posture of the latest GTI is more athletic than ever before. A look inside the GTI reveals a clear move toward functionality as well, with high-quality materials framing easy-to-use convenience features including a 5.8-inch touchscreen that consolidates media and navigation information into one helpful location. And, with a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of storage space adding to the overall impression of the GTI’s accommodating interior cabin, up to five passengers will enjoy their thrilling ride in stylish comfort. Have we got your attention yet? Likely so, but why take our word for it when you can test it for yourself? The 2015 VW GTI is now available at Speedcraft VW, living up to the lofty expectations that have long defined the model line. So get in, and give the GTI a go. Let’s see what this baby can do.

2015 VW GTI Best Cheap Speed Car You know, we could really get used to this. It’s only been a little over a week since we found ourselves basking in the praises of Car & Driver magazine, who found cause to celebrate four of our favorite models at Speedcraft VW for being among the finest vehicles under $30,000. But why stop the love parade there? We also recently received word that the 2015 VW Golf GTI has been named Cars.com’s “Best Cheap Speed Car,” a designation given to high-performance vehicles available for under $30,000. (Note: Are we seeing a theme here? High quality, low cost?) Going through a list of the criteria for consideration, and especially looking at the roster of competing vehicles, it’s clear that this is no small accolade. And after a grueling five-day test that included both a day at the drag strip and a day on a road course, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI has proven yet again to be much more than just a product of the considerable hype. The unique and expressive styling of the GTI carries over to its performance profile. So which competitors had the singular misfortune of looking down the barrel of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI? No undistinguished names here: the Suburu WRX, the Ford Fiesta ST, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the Nissan Juke NISMO, to name a select few. And, despite this impressive roster of competitors, to say that this victory for Volkswagen was ever in doubt would be a comical overstatement. Vehicles were graded on fourteen different rubrics, including a wide swath of performance and styling benchmarks. And of these fourteen, care to venture a guess which ones awarded top honors to the GTI? Seven. A full half of the categories gave highest marks to the GTI, including braking performance, interior quality, ride quality and fuel efficiency. Basing the rankings on factors that are popular with younger drivers and those who desire energetic performance, there was little doubt regarding which model stood out. (Read full details of this competition here.) The 2015 VW GTI is now available at Speedcraft VW, and we’re standing by hoping to assist any prospective shoppers with a test drive today. See you soon at Speedcraft VW near Providence RI!

VW Vehicles Under 30k Providence RI “Yeah, but you have to say that.” This is the common response from the average auto shopper, enduring yet another verbal barrage of options and amenities that would seem to distinguish one car from another. And, at Speedcraft VW, we understand this position; after all, would you expect us to intentionally steer you toward another vehicle? We are here to provide inquiring minds with all the information regarding Volkswagen vehicles, and to that end, I suppose we might sometimes come across as mildly biased. Thankfully, we aren’t the only ones singing the praises of Volkswagen vehicles as well-built, affordable options. Car and Driver magazine recently released their “30 under $30k” list--a rundown of the top vehicles available under $30,000--and we’re proud to announce that four of our models at Speedcraft VW have made the cut. The Beetle R-Line features athletic performance to match its iconic styling. First among them is the 2015 VW Golf GTI, which was recently released to gushing reviews. Recognized among the top entries in the ultra-competitive “hot-hatch” segment, the GTI received high marks for painstaking craftsmanship and execution, which C&D referred to as VW’s “terror of imperfection.” Well, if that can be taken to mean that resulting GTI was worth all the precise planning, we’d call that a win, no? Next among our vehicles to be recognized was the Beetle R-Line, the iconic coupe’s turbocharged sport model. C&D applauded the R-Line’s 210 horsepower and multilink rear suspension, which give the vehicle a curve-hugging, aggressive performance profile. C&D also gave a little love to the 2014 VW Tiguan, our acclaimed crossover SUV option. The magazine likened the Tiguan to a natural extension of the GTI--okay, the exact words used were “What happens when a GTI sucks on an air hose”--but the point was made. The Tiguan is just as advertised, boasting the agility of a car in the body of an SUV. The Jetta SportWagen TDI is spacious, fast and efficient. Our final entry in the “30 under $30k” list was the Golf SportWagen TDI, a remarkably versatile vehicle that rewards drivers with over 40 mpg on the highway along with 67 cubic feet of cargo space. C&D described the SportWagen as “Roomy, Zoomy and Not-at-all Fumey,” which we’ll just paraphrase as “spacious, fun to drive and efficient.” All of these great vehicles are now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI. To learn more about these or any of our vehicles or to schedule a test drive, we eagerly await your visit at Speedcraft VW!