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An atlas is a book of maps.  What better way to begin an adventure than with a book of maps that can show you where to go and what to expect?  But it won’t be much of an adventure if you can’t adequately and comfortably fit all that you need, and you spend more time filling up with gas then you do on the road.  This is where Volkswagen’s aptly named Atlas comes in.  Whether you are carpooling or hitting the road for a trip, the Atlas offers plenty of room and new performance technology that keeps you on the road and away from the gas pump. more The new Volkswagen Atlas features a 2.0 liter 16V turbocharged/intercooled engine, providing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  This engine provides the power and confidence you need without compromising the comfort and fuel economy you want. So how far can you drive an Atlas in one fell swoop?  The Atlas gets an estimated 26 mpg on the highway.  Combine this performance with an 18.6 gallon fuel tank, and you can get close to 500 miles in between fuel stops.  Of course there a lot of variables when it comes to range like driving habits, and weather and road conditions. This new option from Volkswagen offers the same German engineering and safety that you’ve come to expect; now you also get the cargo and seating space along with power and efficiency to take your next road trip to the next level.  The experts at Southwest Volkswagen are ready to answer your questions and set up your test drive.

This is the time of the year when many of us hit the road to visit family and friends.  While packing our luggage for different climates and planning meals and activities tends to take precedence, it’s also very important to make sure that your car is ready for the journey. more Your quick checklist should include: checking the air in your tires, wiper fluid, and ensuring your battery is charged.  However, arguably the most important service you can perform on your car is changing the oil and filter.  But how often should you do this?  The rule of thumb for the longest time has been every 3,000 miles; but newer technology and different driving habits can mean different intervals for service.  So exactly how often you should change the oil and filter in your Volkswagen can vary. Depending on the age of your Volkswagen, service intervals are set at every 10,000 miles.  Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to confirm the intended service schedule for your vehicle.  Now depending on how you use your vehicle may require some additional details.  Frequent city driving and/or towing may require more frequent oil changes; while highway driving can mean fewer. Whether you are do for an oil change or not, pay attention to some of these signs that may tell you your car is due for service.  Is your engine making a louder than normal sound?  While idling is your engine making a loud knocking sound?  These common observations can also be signs that the oil in your car is wearing down and becoming harder to move through the engine. The great thing about getting your oil changed at a Volkswagen dealer is that you get expert technicians working on your vehicle.  Meaning your car goes through multiple checks for not on the oil and filter, but every key component of your vehicle to ensure its performance.  So before you hit the road during these holidays, or if you’re about due for an oil change, schedule an appointment with expert techs at Southwest Volkswagen in Lafayette.

Since 1938 the Volkswagen Beetle has been an iconic automobile.  From pop culture references to the German engineering that drivers have fallen in love with, the Beetle is in a class of its own.  And in spite of turning 80 years in only a couple of months, this car has some new tricks up sleeve.  Here are few things to look for in the updated 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. more New Engine All trim lines of the 2018 Beetle will feature a new 2.0-liter four cylinder, turbo-charged, direct-injection TSI ® engine.  This new engine will increase the Beetle’s horsepower from 170hp in the 2017 model to 174hp. Volkswagen’s People First Warranty This new warranty from Volkswagen will be available with the 2018 Beetle.  This is a six year or 72,000 mile bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty.  It can be transferred to subsequent owners until it expires. New Beetle Trim Lines Beetle Coast This is a brand new Beetle model that is inspired by the ocean.  The beachy features include a surfboard wood-look dashpad, houndstooth cloth seats, monster mats, sunroof, and scuff plates.  This line also has an exclusive color option, Deep Sea Teal. Beetle Dune This trim line includes the addition of bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED license plate lights, Fender® Premium Audio System, and as standard in all 2018 models, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start. Beetle S The Beetle S features the new Style & Comfort Package.  The package features: a 6.3” Composition Media touchscreen with Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, heated leather seats, rain sensing wipers, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, and more. Beetle SE The Beetle SE will offer many standard features that were once only options.  Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control, exterior chrome trim, panoramic sunroof, and blind spot monitoring are only a few that are now a part of the Beetle SE. While the Beetle continues to evolve, the same sophisticated engineering and dedication to safety and performance are still at the core of what makes a Volkswagen a Volkswagen.  To learn more, or to set up a test drive, visit the VW experts at Southwest Volkswagen in Lafayette.

There are many awards given out to vehicles of all types every year. Some are for design. Some are for innovative engineering. Some are for the best-selling vehicles. Then, there are some that are awarded to vehicles that respond to their drivers' needs. We at Southpoint Volkswagen are proud to announce that the Jetta has taken home one of the biggest awards in that last category as the Volkswagen Jetta wins the Ideal Vehicle Award for 2017. more The Ideal Vehicle Awards are given out by a research and consulting firm called AutoPacific, Incorporated. This award celebrates a vehicle in different model categories for "meeting owners’ expectations and desires." The 2017 awards are based on responses from more than 54,000 owners of new model year 2016 and 2017 vehicles across all major manufacturers. The Jetta won as the top vehicle in the compact car category. While winning any award is a point of pride, the Ideal Vehicle Award stands out because it is a nod directly from Jetta owners, meaning we are serving the needs of Jetta drivers to rave reviews. From the Volkswagen USA Press Release: " The Volkswagen Jetta has been a bestseller for the brand, and the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award is a testament of how much Jetta owners love their vehicles,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our planners, designers and engineers work hard to help ensure every detail in the Jetta delivers on what buyers want in a compact vehicle, so we are truly honored by this recognition.” AutoPacific’s 2017 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on a survey of more than 54,000 owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2017. The survey asked owners what they would change about their new vehicle across key categories, including ride and handling, interior storage, safety features, power and acceleration and technology, among others. AutoPacific’s IVAs identify vehicles whose owners want the least amount of change, recognizing those products as ones designed most closely to meet the requirements of their buyers. It is worth noting that Volkswagen’s Beetle Golf swept up the second and third spots, respectively. If you would like to learn more about the Volkswagen Jetta, or would like to schedule a test drive, please contact our team at Southpoint Volkswagen, and we will be happy to assist you.

In its first year on the market, the Volkswagen Atlas is already living up to the reputation of safety that comes with the Volkswagen name. The Atlas, when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, debuts as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS). It joins the Golf family, the Jetta, and the Passat on this year's IIHS list. more The 2017 top safety pick award is issued to vehicles that have earned “Good” ratings in IIHS crash tests evaluated in five categories: frontal impact moderate overlap; frontal impact small overlap; side impact; roof strength; and head restraints. It must also offer an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) that earns at least an advanced rating for front crash prevention. The 2018 Atlas earned a “Superior” rating on the AEB test. “Volkswagen’s commitment to safety and driver assistance technology is unwavering. We take great responsibility to ensure our driver assistance technologies get smarter,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy. “ The Atlas is an example of our ongoing commitment to offering these features, and we are proud it has been recognized as an IIHS 2017 top safety pick.” The Atlas is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which is standard across all trims. This system builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. If you would like to get a closer look at the new Volkswagen Atlas, or schedule a test drive, please contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we will be happy to help assist you.

While the Volkswagen Atlas is receiving a lot of attention as the newest and largest SUV in the Volkswagen line-up, the all-new 2018 Tiguan is keeping pace and turning heads by making significant improvements over previous models. The Tiguan already has the reputation of being fun to drive, but you can expect to see upgrades in a number of areas when it arrives late this summer, making it more spacious, sophisticated, and tech-friendly. Here are 5 ways the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has improved. more More Cargo Space The new Tiguan has far more interior space and up to 58 percent more cargo space in the two-row model. At 185.1 inches long, the 2018 model is 10.6 inches longer than the current version. Exterior Changes The all-new Tiguan features a wider, lower stance than the current model and emphasizes its rugged utility. Roof rails are standard, allowing outdoors enthusiasts to upgrade the vehicle with Volkswagen accessories such as bike, kayak, and ski carriers. The new Tiguan has a lower lift-in height for the tailgate, making it easier to load, no matter what cargo you’re carrying. Interior Changes The Tiguan’s entire interior has been rethought and refreshed, but the versatility of its seating is what sets it apart from the competition. In front-wheel-drive Tiguan models, three rows of seating are standard, including a second-row bench that can recline. Folding the rear seat creates 33 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and that can be easily expanded to a maximum of 65.7 cubic feet by folding the second row, using the levers in the cargo area. In two-row models, the new Tiguan supplies a generous 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73.5 cubic feet in all. That represents an increase of 17.4 cubic feet over the maximum cargo space in the 2017 Tiguan. Driver Focused Changes The 2018 Tiguan features a larger speedometer and tachometer. Between them is a multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption to trip distance, Bluetooth® connection status and navigation directions. The MIB II infotainment system also comes standard in the all-new Tiguan, creating one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Improved Limited Warranty The 2018 Tiguan’s six-year/72,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes coverage of powertrain components—including the engine, transmission and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system. Major competitors to the Tiguan—such as Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV—offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Moreover, the warranty on the Tiguan is transferrable to subsequent owners. These upgrades to the Tiguan are a continuation of the momentum Volkswagen is gaining in the SUV market. They follow some significant tweaks that improved the 2017 model. If you would like to schedule a test drive, please contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we will be happy to help.

Summer time is upon us. That means vacations, road trips, and stepping away from it all. But, it also means relying on your car in different circumstances than your normal commute. The familiar routine of car pooling to school and work is replaced with the potential for adventure or escaping the stress of your busy schedule. That is why we recommend taking a few precautions before getting behind the wheel and exploring unfamiliar territory in your Volkswagen this Summer. The last thing you want is to have a vacation ruined by car trouble. To help you avoid that, here are five summer tips for maintaining your Volkswagen. more Check your tires Summer in South Louisiana means a lot of rain. Driving in the rain is difficult to begin with; and is even more so when you don’t have proper traction. Check to make sure you have enough tread on your tires. Most experts recommend “the penny test.” Hold a penny with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing out. Place it in the tread of your tires. If there’s enough tread to cover Lincoln’s head, you don’t need new tires. Replace your windshield wipers With the rain we experience in South Louisiana, you want to make sure your wiper blades are functioning properly. Did they age or rot over the winter? When you turn them on, do they clearly wipe away all the water, or do they leave streaks that can impair your vision? If you see any streaks or water left behind after the blades pass, it is time to change your windshield wipers. Check your headlights Though the days are longer in the summer, you still want to make sure your headlights are working properly. Not just for night time, but this goes back to the rain as well. If your wipers are on, your headlights should be on as well, and having both headlights working helps make sure that other drivers can see you as well as you can see them. Along with making sure your headlights work, you also want to make sure the casing they are in is clean and unobstructed. If there is any condensation built up inside, you want to wipe that out to guarantee your headlights perform at their optimum level. Check your air conditioning We don’t have to tell you how hot and humid it gets around here. This, of course, means your air conditioner will be put to the test throughout the summer months. If you feel that it isn’t blowing out air that is cold enough, or if the fan isn’t blowing as hard as it should (or is making a noise), you want to have that serviced by a professional sooner rather than later. The last thing you want when heading out on vacation is to have the a/c go out as soon as you hit the road. Check your coolant Along with your air conditioner being tested, the cooling system for your engine is put to the test during the summer. Fortunately, we are coming out of a relatively mild winter, so you shouldn’t have experienced any problems, but you want to check your coolant levels to make sure there are no leaks, and everything is in working order. When you schedule regular maintenance through Southwest Volkswagen, we help you stay on top of these and many other items before they become a reason for concern. If you have not been serviced regularly, you can easily schedule an appointment and get your car ready for the summer in one easy visit to Southwest Volkswagen.

The Atlas has arrived and, Volkswagen drivers in Lafayette finally have the family SUV they’ve been waiting for. As Volkswagen drivers’ lives have changed, their needs have changed and the Atlas is Volkswagen’s response to those evolving needs. The new Atlas has been described as, “ the biggest and boldest Volkswagen ever built in the United States.” But, what exactly can drivers expect from the new Volkswagen Atlas? more The Atlas features a 3 rd row of seating. The first thing everyone will notice about the Atlas is the size. It measures in at 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high while still maintaining the classic Volkswagen proportions. The difference in size shows up inside with a third row of seating, meaning it can comfortably seat seven adult passengers, with head room and leg room to spare. The third row can be reached by an innovative folding seat solution. With a growing family in mind, the folding seats work even with child seats installed in the second row. The Atlas offers the best bumper to bumper warranty available. Volkswagen is offering a six year, 72,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty on the new Atlas. That is double the usual three year, 36,000-mile warranty, and even exceeds the usual five year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty that most automotive manufacturers provide. Taking things a step further, the warranty on the Atlas is transferable. So, should you decide to sell you Atlas before the warranty expires, the new owner would inherit the remaining mileage. The Atlas offers all the safety and technology features you expect from Volkswagen. Safety is always at the forefront for Volkswagen, and the Atlas is no exception. Some of the features of the Atlas include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). As for technology, the available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a full suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. These three things are just a few examples of what is being offered with the new Atlas. When you look at every possible feature, it means getting more out of your daily commute and more out of your recreational time with your family. If you have any questions about pricing or the capabilities of the Atlas, please call our team at Southwest Volkswagen to learn more.

As the weather warms up in southwest Louisiana it means crawfish boils, outdoor festivals, and for many, hitting the road. Whether it be a weekend day trip, or a spring break jaunt, something about this time of year just lures us outside to make the most of it. But before you hit the road, getting your Volkswagen road trip ready is vital. To help you prepare, we have put together a checklist that will reduce the chance of something going wrong and help you maximize your fun on the road. more Prepping under the hood Check your coolant. Though our winters aren’t extreme, the transition back to warmer weather is the right time to make sure your coolant is at its optimum level Check your battery. Problems with a battery usually occur when the weather gets abruptly cold, but before you embark on your journey, it is best to make sure your battery is good to go. Get an oil change. A road trip will inevitably put miles on your car. If you are close to being due for an oil change, it’s better to get one before you leave rather than pushing it until you get back. Check your air filter. Most oil change places offer to do this for you. The best time to do this is just before a long trip. A clean, properly functioning air filter helps maximize your gas mileage which will reduce your number of stops before your destination, and should save you a few dollars that are better spent where you are going. Prepping around the vehicle Check your inspection sticker. Once you’re out on the road, you will likely find yourself passing through small, unfamiliar towns. The last thing you want is to risk getting a ticket away from home for an expired inspection sticker. Check your windshield and wipers. You want to thoroughly clean your windshield to guarantee your vision behind the wheel is at its best. You also want to check your wipers. If you happen upon some inclement weather, you want your windshield wipers to their job as well. Check your exterior lights. This includes headlights, brake lights and turn indicators. Naturally, you want to be as safe as possible while on the road. But this is another area that, if neglected, could lead to a ticket. Check your tires. You want to make sure they are properly inflated, but more than that, you want to make sure your tread isn’t too worn to be safe on an extended trip. The best way to do this is with the penny test. Prepping inside the vehicle Test your outlets. Our cell phones are an integral part of our daily lives, and being plugged in allows you to make the most of Volkswagen’s infotainment system. You don’t want your phone’s battery to die when you are in an area you are in an unfamiliar area. Test your outlets and USB ports to make sure they are in working order before you leave. And of course, remember to pack your charger. Make sure all seatbelts and receivers are easily accessible. Since safety should always be your top priority, it is important to make sure everyone in the vehicle can get to and buckle their seat belts. Prepare an emergency kit. This should include jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it brings peace of mind to have it. The point of any good road trip is to explore, relax, and above all, get home safely. By taking a few extra steps before you hit the road, you are doing your part to make sure all three of those things happen. If you find you need assistance with any of the items on this checklist, or have any other questions, we encourage to call our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we will be happy to help.

Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates just about every vehicle on the road to determine which ones are living up to a higher standard of safety. Every year, Volkswagen finds many of its models making that list, and 2017 is no different. Six Volkswagen 2017 models earn IIHS recognition for safety. Five models were names as a top safety pick, and one was named as a top safety pick plus. more The top safety pick award is issued to vehicles that have earned good ratings in IIHS tests evaluated in five categories: frontal impact moderate overlap; frontal impact small overlap; side impact; roof strength; and head restraints. It must also offer an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) that earns at least an advanced rating for front crash prevention. The top safety pick plus rating is issued to vehicles that have met all of the top safety pick criteria and must offer headlights that earn at least an acceptable rating for visibility and lack of excessive glare. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf 4-door, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI 4-door, Golf SportWagen, and the Passat earned top safety pick recognition. The 2017 Jetta, when equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Bi-Xenon headlights, earned top safety pick plus. “At Volkswagen, we strongly believe that the latest advanced driver assist technologies can be delivered without being in the premium segment,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy. ”The IIHS top safety pick and top safety pick plus ratings awarded to a variety of Volkswagen models compliments our ongoing commitment to offering these features .” The Volkswagens that garnered top safety recognition this year have done so for multiple years in a row in spite of IIHS toughening their standards heading into last year. If you want to learn more about the safety features of every Volkswagen model, please contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen to learn more.

Traditionally, when you think of Volkswagen, you think of the Beetle, the Jetta, the Passat, or maybe even the Golf. But, as times change and the needs of drivers have changed, Volkswagen has been growing into the SUV market. They started with the Tiguan and Touareg, and have gained some traction, but in just a few months, another new player will be hitting the streets of Lafayette, The Volkswagen Atlas. more The Atlas will be the largest Volkswagen assembled in America. Measuring in at 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high, Atlas will be Volkswagen’s deepest delve into the family SUV. The biggest differentiating factor between the Atlas and previous Volkswagen SUVs will be a third row of seating. The third-row can be easily reached by an innovative folding seat solution, one that works even with child seats installed in the second row. Of course, Atlas will be keeping up with the technology that Volkswagen has been leading with in their other models. The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a full suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The Atlas also offers available driver assistance features that had been previously been reserved for premium SUVs, at an affordable level. These include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning, which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant, and an automatic post-collision braking system. As the arrival date of the Atlas draws near, the folks at the Chicago Auto Show got a sneak preview of the Atlas’ Weekender Edition. The Weekender offers up a number of amenities for families that make the most of road trips. A cargo box on top, carrier bars for skis, kayaks, or bikes, a pet barrier, tablet mounts behind the front seats, and access from those tablets to built-in media control. Volkswagen’s North American CEO has already described the Atlas as the “biggest and boldest” vehicle they have built. The third row of seating, allowing for up to seven passengers in the Atlas, now combined with the added capabilities of the Weekender Edition, make it even bolder. If you would like to know when the Atlas will arrive in Lafayette, contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen, and we can help you learn more.

Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show introduces the latest technological advancements to America. While the latest “must have” gadgets are on display, there is also an overriding theme behind the technology presented at the show. This year, the 50 th anniversary of CES, the theme was connectivity. In the spirit of that theme, Volkswagen adopted the slogan “We are always on” to demonstrate to CES attendees how Volkswagen is staying ahead of the technology curve. more One of the features highlighted this year was actually unveiled in 2015. The Volkswagen Digital Key allows Volkswagen owners to use their smart phones as their key. Previously, this feature had been limited to a specific vehicle, and only opened and closed the doors of the vehicle remotely. At this year's show, an enhanced Digital Key was shown with a wider array of technical possibilities. By simply holding their smart phone containing their Volkswagen User-ID up against the Connected Car's door handle, and the doors immediately unlock. Plus, access to multiple vehicles can be shared through the phone if there is more than one Volkswagen in your family. Another connectivity feature, which you may not expect from a car company, connects the driver to their home. It is called DoorBird and it alerts the driver, through the central infotainment display, whenever anyone is at the front door of their home and ringing the video door bell. Volkswagen is additionally combining the Alexa Voice Service with Car-Net functions. In the future, this will make it even easier for users to schedule appointments or plan errands and always stay connected and up-to-date in their vehicles. This in turn makes it possible to control Car-Net functions from home or the office. With safety continually at the forefront for Volkswagen, there was another new technology called Eyetracking, which recognizes where the driver is looking inside the vehicle. The idea behind Eyetracking is that a driver’s eyes are faced with enough distractions while behind the wheel and should remain focused on the road. So, while the driver is not looking at the car’s display, the amount of information shown is reduced, which results in fewer distractions for the driver. Much of what Volkswagen showcases at CES is implemented pretty quickly. As stated in a Volkswagen press release, “The technologies showcased by Volkswagen at CES are not just visions of the future. By visiting current Car-Net offerings at the “Wall of Apps”, visitors can learn about the range of standard features already available today.” If you have any questions about Volkswagen’s technological capabilities, or if you are maximizing them, please contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your experience.