Blog

2015 VW Passat Providence RI Our preview last week of the 2015 VW Tiguan was so much fun, we figured that we’d just continue the welcoming party here at Speedcraft VW. After all, this truly is the best time of year. You know how people will chirp during the springtime about how everything is so fresh and new? Well, this time of year is springtime for auto dealerships. So many new models! So much to be excited about! Such as, for example, the 2015 VW Passat! The interior of the 2015 VW Passat features upscale upholstery and next-generation technology. In terms of overall quality and dependability, the Passat has long had a generational appeal about it. It’s been so good for so long that it really shouldn’t be surprising that this is the finest model year ever; what might be surprising, however, is just how great the latest Passat actually is. With sleek styling, soft-touch interior materials and great strides made in terms of technology, the 2015 VW Passat is a fine example of the German automaker’s dedication to crafting vehicles that are both fun to drive and envelope-pushing in every way. Available in five trim levels and with three distinct engine choices, the 2015 VW Passat is also among the most customizable mid-size sedans available today. The best way to break down the engines is also quite simple: simply ask, what do you want? World-beating fuel efficiency and turbocharged agility? Try the diesel-powered 2.0L four-cylinder TDI, which delivers as much as 44 highway mpg according to EPA estimates, as well as a spry 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Want power and excellent acceleration? Then you’ll be wanting the 3.6L V6, which churns out 280 hp with a zero-to-sixty time of just 6.4 seconds. And, for the best of both worlds, the 1.8T four-cylinder offers 170 hp and 36 highway mpg. Without a doubt, this is a team of powertrains worth writing home about. With the Passat's one-touch sunroof, you'll be seeing nothing but blue skies. This level of sophistication continues inside the 2015 Passat, which is among the segment’s most spacious. When we say that you could comfortably fit five six-footers in the Passat, we aren’t joking. Don’t believe us? Come to Speedcraft VW and see for yourself. Additionally, the 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space is exceedingly generous, and can be easily accessed by way of the 60/40-split-folding rear seat. And, with truly upscale upholstery materials throughout and updated technology features such as VW’s Car-Net telematics system, the Passat offers excellent luxury while remaining exceedingly affordable. So come and try the 2015 VW Passat for yourself at Speedcraft VW. We believe that you’ll come away impressed. Schedule your test drive today.

2015 VW Passat Providence RI Our preview last week of the 2015 VW Tiguan was so much fun, we figured that we’d just continue the welcoming party here at Speedcraft VW. After all, this truly is the best time of year. You know how people will chirp during the springtime about how everything is so fresh and new? Well, this time of year is springtime for auto dealerships. So many new models! So much to be excited about! Such as, for example, the 2015 VW Passat! The interior of the 2015 VW Passat features upscale upholstery and next-generation technology. In terms of overall quality and dependability, the Passat has long had a generational appeal about it. It’s been so good for so long that it really shouldn’t be surprising that this is the finest model year ever; what might be surprising, however, is just how great the latest Passat actually is. With sleek styling, soft-touch interior materials and great strides made in terms of technology, the 2015 VW Passat is a fine example of the German automaker’s dedication to crafting vehicles that are both fun to drive and envelope-pushing in every way. Available in five trim levels and with three distinct engine choices, the 2015 VW Passat is also among the most customizable mid-size sedans available today. The best way to break down the engines is also quite simple: simply ask, what do you want? World-beating fuel efficiency and turbocharged agility? Try the diesel-powered 2.0L four-cylinder TDI, which delivers as much as 44 highway mpg according to EPA estimates, as well as a spry 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Want power and excellent acceleration? Then you’ll be wanting the 3.6L V6, which churns out 280 hp with a zero-to-sixty time of just 6.4 seconds. And, for the best of both worlds, the 1.8T four-cylinder offers 170 hp and 36 highway mpg. Without a doubt, this is a team of powertrains worth writing home about. With the Passat's one-touch sunroof, you'll be seeing nothing but blue skies. This level of sophistication continues inside the 2015 Passat, which is among the segment’s most spacious. When we say that you could comfortably fit five six-footers in the Passat, we aren’t joking. Don’t believe us? Come to Speedcraft VW and see for yourself. Additionally, the 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space is exceedingly generous, and can be easily accessed by way of the 60/40-split-folding rear seat. And, with truly upscale upholstery materials throughout and updated technology features such as VW’s Car-Net telematics system, the Passat offers excellent luxury while remaining exceedingly affordable. So come and try the 2015 VW Passat for yourself at Speedcraft VW. We believe that you’ll come away impressed. Schedule your test drive today.

2015 VW Tiguan Providence RI If you’ve driven by our Providence-area dealership lately, you might have noticed some new additions to the family at Speedcraft VW. You might have noticed some exceptional new features, attractive new designs, and well-priced new models. Who knows, you might have seen your next new Volkswagen. The 2015 models have begun to arrive at Speedcraft VW, and we’ll be taking close looks at each of them individually over the next couple of months. So, let’s get this party started, shall we? Ladies and Gents, without further ado, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. For the new model year, Rhode Island drivers will relish the refreshed 2015 Tiguan, which sees a reorganization of its powertrain and standard features, reclaiming its spot atop the crossover SUV class. For 2015, VW has streamlined the standard powertrain, giving it a 2.0T four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an automatic six-speed transmission to deliver 200 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The spacious and attractive interior of the 2015 VW Tiguan seats five occupants comfortably. Inside the Tiguan, the now-standard features tip the scales firmly in the luxury direction. A rearview camera, satellite radio and VW’s Car-Net telematics system are all now featured on all models, while upscale options that are now available include a 12.7 sq. ft. panoramic sunroof, a Fender Premium Audio System and leather heated front seats. Throughout the spacious and well-planned interior, the 2015 VW Tiguan proves an accommodating partner for up to five occupants. Despite its abundance of wonderful convenience features, one shouldn’t assume that the iconic European automaker has thumbed its nose at safety. Now standard on the 2015 VW Tiguan are several terrific safety features, including an Intelligent Crash Response System, an advanced safety cage and the best-in-class roof strength rating. Inside, outside and everywhere in between, the 2015 VW Tiguan continues to set precedents within its segment. The 2015 VW Tiguan is now available at Speedcraft VW, where it comes equipped with standard no-charge scheduled maintenance. To learn more about this exciting arrival at our Providence-area dealership, visit Speedcraft VW today!

2015 VW Tiguan Providence RI If you’ve driven by our Providence-area dealership lately, you might have noticed some new additions to the family at Speedcraft VW. You might have noticed some exceptional new features, attractive new designs, and well-priced new models. Who knows, you might have seen your next new Volkswagen. The 2015 models have begun to arrive at Speedcraft VW, and we’ll be taking close looks at each of them individually over the next couple of months. So, let’s get this party started, shall we? Ladies and Gents, without further ado, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. For the new model year, Rhode Island drivers will relish the refreshed 2015 Tiguan, which sees a reorganization of its powertrain and standard features, reclaiming its spot atop the crossover SUV class. For 2015, VW has streamlined the standard powertrain, giving it a 2.0T four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an automatic six-speed transmission to deliver 200 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The spacious and attractive interior of the 2015 VW Tiguan seats five occupants comfortably. Inside the Tiguan, the now-standard features tip the scales firmly in the luxury direction. A rearview camera, satellite radio and VW’s Car-Net telematics system are all now featured on all models, while upscale options that are now available include a 12.7 sq. ft. panoramic sunroof, a Fender Premium Audio System and leather heated front seats. Throughout the spacious and well-planned interior, the 2015 VW Tiguan proves an accommodating partner for up to five occupants. Despite its abundance of wonderful convenience features, one shouldn’t assume that the iconic European automaker has thumbed its nose at safety. Now standard on the 2015 VW Tiguan are several terrific safety features, including an Intelligent Crash Response System, an advanced safety cage and the best-in-class roof strength rating. Inside, outside and everywhere in between, the 2015 VW Tiguan continues to set precedents within its segment. The 2015 VW Tiguan is now available at Speedcraft VW, where it comes equipped with standard no-charge scheduled maintenance. To learn more about this exciting arrival at our Providence-area dealership, visit Speedcraft VW today!

Volkswagen XL Sport With models like the Jetta and Passat routinely placing among the most popular cars on the road, much of our attention is justifiably centered around Volkswagen’s long list of production vehicles. However, for a brand with 106 factories in 27 countries, many lesser-known curiosities also stir our interest at Speedcraft VW. This is the case with the just-unveiled Volkswagen XL Sport, an absolutely stunning vehicle that very few of us will ever actually see with our own eyes. Still, that doesn’t stop us from doing a little dreaming, does it? The XL Sport received its debut at the recent 2014 Paris Motor Show, where the breathless anticipation could be felt all the way over here in Rhode Island. Volkswagen outfitted a vehicle that they have rightly described as a “firecracker” with a Ducati 1199cc Superlegerra V-Twin engine, which will offer 197 horsepower and a top speed of 168 mph. It is also the 200-millionth Volkswagen ever produced, which is a milestone in its own right. The stylish interior of the VW XL Sport features red-stitched faux-suede seating. The XL Sport is the racing-inspired sibling to the XL1, which made headlines last year when it was announced that an unprecedented 261 mpg were possible with it’s innovative powertrain and lightweight construction. While fuel-economy numbers haven’t been released for the XL Sport, it’s expected that it will still top 200 mpg, which is simply ridiculous. Also noteworthy for the stylish two-seater is its eclectic interior design, which features red-stitched faux-suede seats, a wood-trimmed shifter, and a carbon-colored minimalist design for the dashboard. We suppose the moral of the story is, We really want one. Unfortunately, we probably won’t get the chance. Volkswagen has announced that a mere 250 XL Sport models will see production, suggesting that only the industry’s elite will get their mitts on one. However, even at Speedcraft VW, we are allowed to daydream. Of course, the same spirit of innovation that’s found in the XL Sport can be experienced in VW’s fine production models, many of which are now available for the 2015 model year. Stop by today and test drive one for yourself!

Volkswagen XL Sport With models like the Jetta and Passat routinely placing among the most popular cars on the road, much of our attention is justifiably centered around Volkswagen’s long list of production vehicles. However, for a brand with 106 factories in 27 countries, many lesser-known curiosities also stir our interest at Speedcraft VW. This is the case with the just-unveiled Volkswagen XL Sport, an absolutely stunning vehicle that very few of us will ever actually see with our own eyes. Still, that doesn’t stop us from doing a little dreaming, does it? The XL Sport received its debut at the recent 2014 Paris Motor Show, where the breathless anticipation could be felt all the way over here in Rhode Island. Volkswagen outfitted a vehicle that they have rightly described as a “firecracker” with a Ducati 1199cc Superlegerra V-Twin engine, which will offer 197 horsepower and a top speed of 168 mph. It is also the 200-millionth Volkswagen ever produced, which is a milestone in its own right. The stylish interior of the VW XL Sport features red-stitched faux-suede seating. The XL Sport is the racing-inspired sibling to the XL1, which made headlines last year when it was announced that an unprecedented 261 mpg were possible with it’s innovative powertrain and lightweight construction. While fuel-economy numbers haven’t been released for the XL Sport, it’s expected that it will still top 200 mpg, which is simply ridiculous. Also noteworthy for the stylish two-seater is its eclectic interior design, which features red-stitched faux-suede seats, a wood-trimmed shifter, and a carbon-colored minimalist design for the dashboard. We suppose the moral of the story is, We really want one. Unfortunately, we probably won’t get the chance. Volkswagen has announced that a mere 250 XL Sport models will see production, suggesting that only the industry’s elite will get their mitts on one. However, even at Speedcraft VW, we are allowed to daydream. Of course, the same spirit of innovation that’s found in the XL Sport can be experienced in VW’s fine production models, many of which are now available for the 2015 model year. Stop by today and test drive one for yourself!

Get Your Car Ready for Fall At Speedcraft VW, we love fall as much as the next guy (or girl). We love the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the pumpkins that seem to be popping up out of thin air. However, this also represents a time where our cars are susceptible to various ills, and where we need to take care to be sure that they’re ready for the oncoming winter. Here are five ways to get your car ready for fall,, from you old pals at Speedcraft VW. Check Your Lights and Batteries. Frequently, our battery posts will develop corrosion and metallic residue, which will sometimes give your car trouble starting or sap power from your car’s electrical functions. So, simply take a steel brush and wipe away any buildup, then reattach your battery fittings tightly. Then, check to make sure your headlights and taillights are working at full strength. If they look to be lacking, they may need replacing as well. Fall is here in Rhode Island. Are you ready for it? Change your Wiper Blades. When you enjoy summers like ours, there aren’t any drawbacks, right? Wrong. Constant heat and sunshine dries out the rubber surfaces on your vehicle, and this is most evident on your windshield wiper blades. They’ll dry out and crack, rendering them completely ineffective. And, since blades are relatively inexpensive, this is an easy fix you can do yourself. Replace your Air Filter. This is another fix that is commonly overlooked, even though its amazingly simple to do. A dirty air filter will cause a drop in your fuel efficiency, make its engine run rougher, and cause problems for your vehicle’s exhaust. Check your Spare Tire. We never think of our spare tire, on the whole, until it’s too late. However, heading into winter, this is something that it would be foolish to overlook. Just use a standard tire pressure gauge, and make sure that your spare is ready to go. Top Off Your Fluids. This is yet another easy maintenance issue that is seldom addressed. So make sure that your washer fluid is clean, your brake fluid is full, and that your engine coolant is at an appropriate level. Lord knows, heading into our winters, you don’t want to find yourself on the side of the road because you overlooked something so simple. Of course, there are also service issues that you can’t do yourself, and that’s where Speedcraft VW comes in. So, if you’re in need of service or maintenance heading into the fall and winter months, schedule it with us!

Get Your Car Ready for Fall At Speedcraft VW, we love fall as much as the next guy (or girl). We love the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the pumpkins that seem to be popping up out of thin air. However, this also represents a time where our cars are susceptible to various ills, and where we need to take care to be sure that they’re ready for the oncoming winter. Here are five ways to get your car ready for fall,, from you old pals at Speedcraft VW. Check Your Lights and Batteries. Frequently, our battery posts will develop corrosion and metallic residue, which will sometimes give your car trouble starting or sap power from your car’s electrical functions. So, simply take a steel brush and wipe away any buildup, then reattach your battery fittings tightly. Then, check to make sure your headlights and taillights are working at full strength. If they look to be lacking, they may need replacing as well. Fall is here in Rhode Island. Are you ready for it? Change your Wiper Blades. When you enjoy summers like ours, there aren’t any drawbacks, right? Wrong. Constant heat and sunshine dries out the rubber surfaces on your vehicle, and this is most evident on your windshield wiper blades. They’ll dry out and crack, rendering them completely ineffective. And, since blades are relatively inexpensive, this is an easy fix you can do yourself. Replace your Air Filter. This is another fix that is commonly overlooked, even though its amazingly simple to do. A dirty air filter will cause a drop in your fuel efficiency, make its engine run rougher, and cause problems for your vehicle’s exhaust. Check your Spare Tire. We never think of our spare tire, on the whole, until it’s too late. However, heading into winter, this is something that it would be foolish to overlook. Just use a standard tire pressure gauge, and make sure that your spare is ready to go. Top Off Your Fluids. This is yet another easy maintenance issue that is seldom addressed. So make sure that your washer fluid is clean, your brake fluid is full, and that your engine coolant is at an appropriate level. Lord knows, heading into our winters, you don’t want to find yourself on the side of the road because you overlooked something so simple. Of course, there are also service issues that you can’t do yourself, and that’s where Speedcraft VW comes in. So, if you’re in need of service or maintenance heading into the fall and winter months, schedule it with us!

2015 VW Beetle Classic Providence RI Upping the ante on what is already considered by many to be a “classic” car, we’ve just received word that, for the upcoming model year, there will be a 2015 VW Beetle Classic. We at Speedcraft VW have sifted through several of the details, and you can get your first look (and first information, of course) regarding this upcoming release right here! Here’s what we know so far: 1) Its styling will be decidedly retro. Look at those wheels in the photo above. Look familiar? They’ve been called the “Heritage” wheel design, crafted to recall the iconic wheels found on Beetles from the 1950s and 60s. Certainly eye-catching, no? The Classic will also get an attractive two-tone interior, which can be seen in the picture below, and will be available in exactly three colors: Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver. To put it mildly, we are fans of this design. The attractive two-tone interior trim certainly sets the Beetle Classic apart. 2) This will be the least expensive Beetle. Wait, what? You heard us correctly. The base price of the Beetle Classic will actually come in at about $275 cheaper than the previous base model. This recalls one of the Beetle’s initial aims, which was providing cheap transportation following World War II. Care to take a guess what the first Beetles cost? Under $1,300. 3) Don’t let the price fool you… Because this Beetle is anything but bare-boned. Along with its retro aesthetic, it is powered by a 1.8L Turbo four-cylinder that gets paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It also features a spoiler and VW’s RNS315 Navigation system. So, basically, this is just an awesome deal all around. We’re expecting to begin seeing the Beetle Classic Coupe around these parts in the coming weeks, with its convertible counterpart planned for release early next year. For further details about this or any other vehicle at Speedcraft VW, contact us today!

2015 VW Beetle Classic Providence RI Upping the ante on what is already considered by many to be a “classic” car, we’ve just received word that, for the upcoming model year, there will be a 2015 VW Beetle Classic. We at Speedcraft VW have sifted through several of the details, and you can get your first look (and first information, of course) regarding this upcoming release right here! Here’s what we know so far: 1) Its styling will be decidedly retro. Look at those wheels in the photo above. Look familiar? They’ve been called the “Heritage” wheel design, crafted to recall the iconic wheels found on Beetles from the 1950s and 60s. Certainly eye-catching, no? The Classic will also get an attractive two-tone interior, which can be seen in the picture below, and will be available in exactly three colors: Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver. To put it mildly, we are fans of this design. The attractive two-tone interior trim certainly sets the Beetle Classic apart. 2) This will be the least expensive Beetle. Wait, what? You heard us correctly. The base price of the Beetle Classic will actually come in at about $275 cheaper than the previous base model. This recalls one of the Beetle’s initial aims, which was providing cheap transportation following World War II. Care to take a guess what the first Beetles cost? Under $1,300. 3) Don’t let the price fool you… Because this Beetle is anything but bare-boned. Along with its retro aesthetic, it is powered by a 1.8L Turbo four-cylinder that gets paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It also features a spoiler and VW’s RNS315 Navigation system. So, basically, this is just an awesome deal all around. We’re expecting to begin seeing the Beetle Classic Coupe around these parts in the coming weeks, with its convertible counterpart planned for release early next year. For further details about this or any other vehicle at Speedcraft VW, contact us today!

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer You’re driving down the road, minding your own business. You take a second to adjust the radio, settling for the station that plays entirely too much John Mellencamp. Next thing you know...boom. A deer has sauntered into the roadway, interrupting your stress-free cruise while causing no small amount of damage to your Volkswagen. While hitting a deer is often unavoidable, there are certain factors to consider that might make these incidents less frequent. So, from your buddies at Speedcraft VW, here are a few tips to help avoid hitting a deer. Tip #1: Think like a deer. When we run into a deer, our thoughts are generally all the same: “That stupid %@#&ing deer.” However, a deer relies on instinct, and certain variables frequently lead it into a losing collision course with your car. It generally is on the move most often during mating season--from September to December--at the hours near sunrise and sunset. They also prefer areas with edible foliage, ample places for shelter, and ponds and creeks to drink from. If you’re driving in one of these areas, look out. This is probably the last photo this deer ever took. Tip #2: Keep your eyes moving. If you’re driving on a remote road, you probably know that the ditches are loaded with potential day-ruiners. Thankfully, God believes in fair play, so he gave deer a surface on their eyes that reflects light. When you see two yellowish green dots in the ditch, those dots often make their way toward the road. And, since deer rarely travel alone, they’ve probably brought some friends along. Tip #3: Use your headlights to your advantage. When you’re on a country road with few other cars, wondering why this station plays so much John Mellencamp, use your highbeams whenever possible. And, when you happen upon a herd of deer, alert other drivers of the potential hazard with a simple flicker of your highbeams. They’ll often do the same. Tip #4: Don’t lose your cool. So far, we’ve touched only on tips to avoid hitting a deer. However, sometimes a collision is unavoidable. In these cases, don’t panic. Don’t swerve into the ditch or oncoming traffic, simply brake and honk your horn. If you’re choosing between swerving or hitting the animal, well, the deer is gonna get it. When these accidents happen--which, to be sure, we hope that they don’t--you’ll likely need some attention to your vehicle, which is where Speedcraft VW comes in. Our friendly service department will work quickly to return you to the road in no time, easing your stressload by fixing your car the right way, the first time. Simply click the button below to schedule your post-deer service!

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer You’re driving down the road, minding your own business. You take a second to adjust the radio, settling for the station that plays entirely too much John Mellencamp. Next thing you know...boom. A deer has sauntered into the roadway, interrupting your stress-free cruise while causing no small amount of damage to your Volkswagen. While hitting a deer is often unavoidable, there are certain factors to consider that might make these incidents less frequent. So, from your buddies at Speedcraft VW, here are a few tips to help avoid hitting a deer. Tip #1: Think like a deer. When we run into a deer, our thoughts are generally all the same: “That stupid %@#&ing deer.” However, a deer relies on instinct, and certain variables frequently lead it into a losing collision course with your car. It generally is on the move most often during mating season--from September to December--at the hours near sunrise and sunset. They also prefer areas with edible foliage, ample places for shelter, and ponds and creeks to drink from. If you’re driving in one of these areas, look out. This is probably the last photo this deer ever took. Tip #2: Keep your eyes moving. If you’re driving on a remote road, you probably know that the ditches are loaded with potential day-ruiners. Thankfully, God believes in fair play, so he gave deer a surface on their eyes that reflects light. When you see two yellowish green dots in the ditch, those dots often make their way toward the road. And, since deer rarely travel alone, they’ve probably brought some friends along. Tip #3: Use your headlights to your advantage. When you’re on a country road with few other cars, wondering why this station plays so much John Mellencamp, use your highbeams whenever possible. And, when you happen upon a herd of deer, alert other drivers of the potential hazard with a simple flicker of your highbeams. They’ll often do the same. Tip #4: Don’t lose your cool. So far, we’ve touched only on tips to avoid hitting a deer. However, sometimes a collision is unavoidable. In these cases, don’t panic. Don’t swerve into the ditch or oncoming traffic, simply brake and honk your horn. If you’re choosing between swerving or hitting the animal, well, the deer is gonna get it. When these accidents happen--which, to be sure, we hope that they don’t--you’ll likely need some attention to your vehicle, which is where Speedcraft VW comes in. Our friendly service department will work quickly to return you to the road in no time, easing your stressload by fixing your car the right way, the first time. Simply click the button below to schedule your post-deer service!