Blog

How much legroom is there in the 2017 Volkswagen Golf? For tall drivers, there’s nothing worse than being crammed in a compact car during long drives. Having enough legroom can be a big deciding factor for many people looking to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. But just because you’re on the taller side, doesn’t mean that smaller, compact vehicles aren’t a comfortable option for you. Models like the 2017 Volkswagen Golf offer plenty of legroom for both front and second row passengers, making it a great option for tall drivers looking to conserve garage space. With its sporty drive and fuel efficient engine, it’s no wonder that so many car shoppers put the 2017 VW Golf at the top of their lists. And while it has about the same compact length and width as a small sedan, the Golf’s hatchback construction gives owners much more room to work with, both in terms of passenger and cargo space. One such area that the Golf excels is its spacious amount of legroom. For the driver and front passenger, there’s a total of 41.2 inches of legroom, that’s almost three and a half feet, making it a great option for tall passengers to stretch out and sit comfortably. There’s also plenty of room in the back seat, with 35.6 inches of legroom available, making it easy for all passengers to comfortably sit, even on long road trips. Headroom in the 2017 VW Golf Just as important as having enough room for your legs, you don’t want to have to spend your drive ducking your head. Not having enough headroom in your vehicle can cause neck and back problems over time, especially if you have a long commute. To combat this, the Volkswagen Golf offers a higher ceiling, giving the driver and passengers extra space to sit happily. In the front, the Golf offers 38.4 inches of headroom, while passengers in the second row also get 38.1 inches of headroom. Between its ample legroom and headroom, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a great choice for drivers both short and tall, whether you’re 5’3” or 6’3”! Get the 2017 Golf at Speedcraft Volkswagen If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, be sure to check out the models available here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! We currently have both the 2016 and 2017 models in stock, both of which offer plenty of interior space for tall drivers. After you’ve finished researching the VW Golf, feel free to contact us here on our site or give us a call to set up a test drive in one of our available models. If you’re a taller driver, that’s the best way for you to get an idea of whether or not the interior of the Golf is spacious enough for you. Do you think the Golf hatchback is spacious enough for you? Let us know in the comments below!

2017 Volkswagen Passat safety features When it comes to mid-size sedans, models like the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have always been popular among families. Not only do they offer the interior space and comfort all five passengers are looking for, but it also achieves affordable fuel economy for families on a budget. However, one specific area in which the Passat shines is its extensive safety features that work to keep passengers safe on the road. Safety has always been a top priority for the Volkswagen brand, and that’s especially the case for models that are popular among families such as the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. That’s why the brand has worked to provide better safety features for its models than ever, with a selection of active and passive technologies available for protective and preventative safety. First and foremost, it’s definitely worth noting that the 2017 Passat has received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, which just goes to show that it’s more than capable of keeping passenger safe. This excellent score is attributed to the model’s rigid safety cage made of high-strength steel, active safety features and stability-enhancing features. The stability-enhancing features available in the 2017 Passat offer better control over the car, even when road conditions aren’t at their best. Notable safety features include: Electronic Brake-pressure distribution Electronic Stability Control Tire Pressure Monitoring System Automatic Post-Collision Braking System Intelligent Crash Response System Get the 2017 VW Passat at Speedcraft Volkswagen Think the 2017 Volkswagen Passat might be the car for you? Stop by Speedcraft Volkswagen to see for yourself why so many families have chosen this versatile sedan as their family vehicle. Just take a look at the models available on our lot, and give us a call or schedule an appointment here on our site to set up a test drive. That way, you can experience the impressive drive, comfortable interior and learn more about the advanced safety features available in the new Passat. What do you think of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat Safety features? Let us know in the comments!

2017 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near Providence, RI With all of the tweaks and changes that the Volkswagen brand is seeing for the 2017 model year, it’s no surprise that so many drivers have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new models here in Rhode Island. Well, the wait is over for Providence-area drivers hoping to get behind the wheel of the new Jetta compact car. That’s right, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near Providence, RI is available right here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! What’s made the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta so popular among a variety of drivers is its sporty performance, paired with a comfortable and convenient interior and affordable fuel economy. The new model also features a new trim breakdown designed to offer better standard features and technology. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we have a selection of trim levels available for you to choose from, so that you can be sure to get the exact model you’re looking for. 2017 Jetta available at Speedcraft VW Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we pride ourselves on the wide variety of new Volkswagen vehicles we keep in stock, giving you a selection of models to choose from. So whether you’ve got a specific trim or even a certain color in mind for your 2017 Jetta, we’re confident that we have options for you. Currently in our inventory, we have both manual and automatic versions of the base S trim of the 2017 Jetta, as well as manual and automatic versions of the SE trim and the automatic option for the GLI trim. With a variety of trim levels and transmissions to choose from, it's easy to find a model that suits your wants, needs and budget. Have a certain color you like for the 2017 Jetta? The Jetta color options currently available on our lot include: Deep Black Pearl Black Blue Silk Metallic Gray Platinum Metallic Red Cardinal Metallic Silver White Metallic Pure White Schedule a test drive today! As we mentioned, there are plenty of new Jetta models available for you to choose from here on our lot. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of one of our models, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right fit for you, we encourage you to stop by for a test drive. That way, you can experience the easy handling, comfortable seating and impressive technology of the Jetta for yourself before making a final decision. To get behind the wheel of a new Jetta for a test drive, just give us a call here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, or schedule an appointment right here on our site. We’re sure that you won’t want to settle for any other car once you’ve experienced the Jetta! Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them below!

Volkswagen Clean Pollen Filter There’s a reason that the Volkswagen brand is so popular among those suffering from allergies. Many may not even notice it, but a standard pollen filter is available in all Volkswagen models, which works to keep the air in your car fresh and clean, even in a field of daisies. Benefits of the Volkswagen Pollen Filter Whether you’re kicking up dust on the highway or just taking a leisurely drive down a country lane, pollen and dust particles are all around you. But thanks to your Volkswagen Pollen Filter, the one place these pesky particles aren’t is inside your Volkswagen vehicle. Like any other Volkswagen feature, the Pollen Filter in your ride is fully optimized to give you the best possible results. The filter in your vehicle is designed to filter out 99% of the particles, down to the incredibly small size of 0.5 micrometers! The particles filtered out by your VW Pollen Filter can do more than just give you an itchy nose. They can also cause your windshield and windows to fog up or even cause unpleasant odors and clog up your A/C. Considering all the VW Pollen Filter does to keep your drive comfortable, you’ll definitely notice a difference when you get behind the wheel. How often should the Pollen Filter be replaced? Like any other filter out there, the pollen filter in your Volkswagen needs to be replaced regularly in order for it to work properly. That being said, how often you need to change your filter can vary based on your environment. Generally speaking, however, we recommend checking on your filter at least every 30,000 models or so, and changing the filter when necessary. Schedule an appointment to have it changed here. You can also learn to recognize signs that your filter needs changing, including: Poor airflow through A/C Particle build-up inside the window Strange odors For more information about the features in your Volkswagen vehicle, be sure to check out the rest of our blog here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! And if you have any questions about your VW, don’t hesitate to contact us! If you’re not already the driver of a Volkswagen, and are interested in getting behind the wheel of a model of your own, take a look at the new vehicles in our inventory! We have a selection of models for you to choose from, just schedule a test drive here and begin enjoying all of the perks that go along with Volkswagen ownership! What do you think of the VW Clean Pollen Filter? Let us know in the comments!

What do the light bulb warning lights mean in my Volkswagen? For many drivers, the warning lights can be confusing. While many of them are well-known or self-explanatory, others can leave drivers scratching their heads. Of course, the light bulb warning lights indicates problems with your Volkswagen vehicle’s lights, but with a total three different light bulb warning lights, there can be some confusion as to which lights are having issues. There should be a total of three different light bulb-themed warning lights in your Volkswagen, each of which correlates with certain lights in your VW. By having different warning lights for each set of lights, it spares you the hassle of trying to figure out which lights are burnt out – granted you know which lights correlate to which symbol. A basic break-down of the light bulb warning lights in your VW include: Headlight Bulb Failure If this light is solid, that means that there’s been a light bulb failure. If it’s flashing, there’s a problem with the headlight leveling or AFS. Brake Light bulb burnt out When this light comes on your dashboard, it means that one or more of the brake lights on your VW has burned out and needs replacing. License Plate Light bulbs Like the brake lights, this symbol means that one of the light bulbs on around your license plate has burned out. Replacing a light bulb in your Volkswagen Of course, changing the lights in your Volkswagen depends on where the light is located on your vehicle. And while you can definitely try to do it yourself if you’re feeling confident, but the best thing to do is schedule a service appointment with our expert staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, where we’re well-versed in caring for your VW. If you do end up changing the bulb yourself, keep in mind that you can always contact us here with any questions or if you’d like some tips or tricks to getting the job done right. For more information like this, be sure to check out the rest of our blog, and check back regularly for new updates! If you have any questions about your Volkswagen’s warning lights, be sure to leave them in the comments below!

Apple Orchards near Providence, RI The temperature is getting cooler and the leaves are changing color here in Rhode Island as we move from summer to fall, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay cooped up indoors! Instead, it’s time for you and the whole family to bundle up a bit and head out for one of our personal favorite fall activities: apple picking. If you’re looking for a place to pick some of your favorite apples, here are a few apple orchards near Providence, RI for you to choose from. Dame Farm and Orchard Hours: Mon-Friday 8:30 a.m – 6 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Over seven acres of land make up Dame Farm and Orchard, where you pick a variety of different apples including: McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, Braeburn, Ida Red and Red Delicious. The farm also offers twenty-minute wagon rides around the farm and a two-mile-long corn maze. Pippin Orchard Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There are sixteen types of apples available at Pippin Orchard including McIntosh, Macoun, Honeycrisp, Rhode Island Greening and Gala. We also recommend sopping by their Columbus Day Celebration (Oct. 11-13) which features chainsaw carver Michael Higgins, who creates elaborate carvings from fallen tree trunks. Knight Farm Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nearly 200 years of family tradition makes Knight Farm a great choice for families. With forty acres of land, you can be sure that they offer an array of your favorite apples. Hayrides begin in October making it a great choice for kids, otherwise stop by the on-site country restaurant for breakfast or lunch and the ice cream shop for dessert! Jaswell’s Farm Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There’s so much more to Jaswell’s Farm than just apple picking. Visitor can also enjoy hayrides and a weekend concession stand with hot apple crisp, apple cider doughnuts, doughboys and French fries. The farm is also a popular field trip destination with educational videos on the making of apple cider and a behind-the scenes tour of the farm stand, baker and cold storage facility. Hill Orchards Hours: Sat and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Growing apples since the 1920s, Hill Orchards offers eleven types of apple trees throughout the season, including: Gala, Macoun, Empire, Fuji, Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Rome. Make a whole day trip of it and experience their horse-drawn hayride tours of the entire orchard and pumpkin patch. Have a favorite apple orchard of your own? Let us know about it by commenting below!

Differences between the 2016 and 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI For the 2017 model year, the Volkswagen model lineup is seeing its fair share of changes. Between the all-new Golf Alltrack and the changes made to various model’s trim levels, there’s a lot to look forward to for 2017. Some of the best changes you’ll see for VW is happening to the popular Golf GTI. Here we’ll break down the differences between the 2016 and 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The biggest change made to the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is its trim level breakdown. The new model with feature a new trim level, making some of its most sought-after features more accessible to drivers than ever. So even drivers on a budget can get some of the best features and technology the Volkswagen brand has to offer. 2017 VW Golf GTI Sport trim features Probably the most significant change to the GTI is the addition of the new Sport trim level. Previously, the Golf GTI came with a base S trim before proceeding to the SE and Autobahn trim levels. However, for 2017, Volkswagen is adding the Sport trim between the S and SE trim levels, which will feature a standard Performance Package. Some of the new features you can expect from the GTI Sport include: 18-inch Nogaro aluminum-alloy wheels Bi-Xenon headlights LED daytime running lights Push-button Start Black Mirror Caps Standard Performance Package Golf R brakes Electronically-controlled torque sensing limited-slip differential 220 Horsepower from the S’s 210. It’s also worth noting that this Performance Package will also be available on the SE and Autobahn, making these great features available to a wider variety of drivers. Another important thing to point out is that the S trim will be available as only a 2-door model for 2017. SE and Autobahn trim levels new features In addition to their new performance package, the SE and Autobahn trims are also seeing a few changes. For the Autobahn model, new features like the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking will be available as standard features. The available Driver Assistance Package delivers additional safety features like Park Assist, Lane Departure Warnings and Light Assist. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI when it arrives on our lot, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll be sure to contact you as soon as it arrives on our lot. Until then, be sure to follow our blog for more updates and details on the new 2017 Volkswagen models. What do you think of the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sport trim? Comment below!

Labor Day 2016 Events in Rhode Island Here in Rhode Island, Labor Day marks the end of summer for many residents. As such, it’s the perfect opportunity for one last weekend of fun in the sun. That’s why we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen have put together a list of some of the best Labor Day 2016 Events in Rhode Island for you and your family to enjoy. We know that many Rhode Island residents look forward to Labor Day as a day off to enjoy that last bit of summer. So if you’re in the Providence or Wakefield area, we recommend checking out some of these events. There’s a wide variety of happenings in our area, so we’re confident that there’s something for everybody! 19th Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival September 2nd – 4th Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI One of the biggest events in our area, the Rhythm and Roots Festival is at it again with an impressive musical lineup, fun family activities, vendors, great food, camping and more. Stretching over three days, the festival features three event stages, showing off a variety of different music with performers like Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, The Suitcase Junket, The Revelers and much more. Music will be available until midnight all three nights, beginning at 5 pm on Friday and 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to see the full lineup, visit the event’s website here. Raptor Weekend 2016 September 10th – 11th Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI For an educational outing with the kids, the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol, RI is hosting a variety of eagles, owls, hawks and falcons for their special Raptor Weekend. The weekend will feature flight demonstrations, activities and other educational programs for bird enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage September 8th – October 9th Trinity Repertory, Providence, RI The musical version of this literary classic begins its month-long run at the Trinity Repertory on the 8th. Providence-area residents that are a fan of theater and literature will have a great evening, with shows beginning at 7:30 pm. Whatever you end up doing for Labor Day weekend, make sure your vehicle is in proper shape before you leave. You can schedule a maintenance appointment with our expert service staff here at Speedcraft Toyota.

Common suspension problems The suspension in your Volkswagen knows how to take a beating. Day in and day out, the shock absorbers, springs, and other components in your suspension take the brunt of all of the bumps and potholes that you drive over. When you consider all the wear and tear that the suspension in your vehicle goes through of the years, it’s no wonder that drivers often run into these common suspension problems. As problems with your suspension range on the more serious end of the spectrum when considering the health and drivability of your vehicle, it’s important that you’re able to identify problems with your suspension early on to avoid further damage. Here are some of the most common problems you can experience with your vehicle’s suspension. It’s also worth noting that these problems arise over time, so it’s far more likely that you’ll experience them with your long-time vehicle or used vehicle than with a new Volkswagen model. Poor wheel alignment Potholes and bumps can wear on your vehicle over time, and that wear can cause your wheels to get knocked out of alignment. Problems with alignment can cause your vehicle’s tires to wear unevenly and also affect your steering. Shock absorbers The shock absorbers in your vehicle keep you from feeling every single bump your vehicle passes over by keeping your wheels on the ground. When you’re experiencing problems with your vehicle’s shock absorbers, you’ll notice more bouncing after bumps and shaking while driving on rough roads. Springs Your vehicle’s springs hold all of its weight, so it’s no wonder that they can sag or break over time. An easy way to spot this problem is to check your vehicle when its parked on level ground. If you notice that your vehicle is lower in one of its corners, that’s a clear sign. Another symptom of problems with your vehicle’s springs is a clunking noise while driving over bumps or while turning. Ball joints Ball joints are the pivot points that attach the suspension to your vehicle’s wheels. These parts absorb some of the shock from up-down movements and rotate with the steering wheel movement. You can tell that they need replacing or repair when you start to hear them squeak and creak while turning. Control arms As the hinges that hold the wheels to the frame and connect the steering to the wheels, the control arms are an integral part to your vehicle’s suspension. That’s why it’s important that you notice when the brushings wear out. Brushings are usually rubber and metal parts that absorb shock, so if you hear clunking or rattling and experience loose steering, you are probably having this problem. Service your car suspension at Speedcraft Volkswagen! If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your suspension, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! Our expert service staff will be more than happy to help identify the problems you’re experiencing and assist with any repairs that need to be performed. Give us a call or contact us here on our site to schedule a service appointment – our team is always ready to help! Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them below!

Which Volkswagen models have Rear Traffic Alert? Safety has always been key when it comes to driving, which is why many automakers are making bigger strides to make their vehicles safer. Volkswagen is among those adding new technologies to their vehicles to not only protect in the event of an accident, but to help drivers avoid them in the first place. One such feature is the Rear Traffic Alert technology, which is available in select Volkswagen models. The Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert feature is available in a variety of models. Those currently available with the technology include: Jetta Passat Golf SportWagen Golf Golf GTI Beetle Beetle Convertible When paired with the rearview camera, as shown here, drivers have easy visibility behind their vehicle. Most of these great models are available here at our dealership, so we encourage you to take a look at our inventory! Not sure which model is right for you? We’ve already done the research for you! Just check out our comprehensive model reviews for more information! After you’ve finished researching, just give us a call or schedule a test drive here to get behind the wheel! What is the Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert? We’ve all been in a situation where we're trying to back out of a parking stall or garage, and other larger vehicles or walls around our vehicle prevent us from seeing anything that might be crossing our path. Well, with Rear Traffic Alert, the rear sensors on the back of your vehicle are able to sense if another vehicle or pedestrian is crossing your path. If you’re pulling out of a parking spot and your vehicle senses somebody crossing your path, it will first alert you with an audio and visual alert. If you don’t react in a timely manner, the vehicle will automatically apply brakes to help avoid a collision. The system is only in effect when your vehicle is in reverse, so no need to worry about it going off when someone switches lanes behind you on the highway! The Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert is just another way these models work to provide you with a safer, more enjoyable driving experience. What do you think of the Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert? Let us know in the comments below!

2016 Volkswagen Passat Cars.com Best Midsize Sedan When it comes to the midsize sedan segment, to say there are a lot of options to choose from would be a huge understatement. And to test drive all of them would be a huge inconvenience on the everyday driver. That’s why the automotive website Cars.com has taken it upon themselves to test out the nine best-selling models, and they’ve come to the conclusion that the winner of the Best Midsize Sedan category is none other than our very own 2016 Volkswagen Passat. To decide on a winner, Cars.com compiled a team of car experts to take the nine best-selling midsize sedans out on a 220-mile road course. On this drive, each model was evaluated based on its major features like on-road handling and trunk space. Making the grade In order to qualify for the Best Midsize Sedan category, each model needed to offer an automatic transmission, cost a maximum of $28,000 and offer at least a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg. For the purpose of this evaluation, Cars.com looked at the 2016 Volkswagen Passat SE, which scored well both with the professional testers and real-word shoppers in terms of performance, tech, design and interior quality. The 2016 Passat was commended for its “Outstanding driving performance,” according to Aaron Bragman, Cars.com’s Detroit bureau chief, as well as its “Quick acceleration, solid steering, strong brakes and utter lack of road or engine noise around town.” Get the 2016 Passat at Speedcraft Volkswagen As an award-winning midsize, we have no problem recommending the 2016 Passat to a variety of our customers. Whether you’re looking for a fuel efficient ride for your everyday commute, or a comfortable sedan for driving the family around, this versatile vehicle is a great choice. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, take a look at the models we have available in our inventory. We currently have a selection of models available including the 2016 Passat SE. Just give us a call or fill out a form here on our site to schedule a test drive so you can experience the superior drive of the 2016 Passat for yourself. What do you think of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat? Comment below!

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!