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What Can My Volkswagen Infotainment System Do?

VW car net
Our smartphones are an integral part of our lives. From holding our music, memories, and calendars to their original purpose of actually calling people, we rely on our phones now more than ever. But, when we are behind the wheel of our cars, our phones can prove to be a distraction that puts our safety at risk. This is why the engineers at Volkswagen have to integrate the technology we depend on with the vehicles we drive in the safest way possible. Midway through 2015, Volkswagen announced that most of their 2016 models would include their latest modular infotainment platform (MIBII), which not only integrates your smartphone, but does so much more. According to Volkswagen’s website, “The all-new infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. The new technology will provide consumers access to information, right at their fingertips, available across nearly the entire Volkswagen range.” What can my Volkswagen infotainment system do? Under the VW Car-Net connected vehicle services umbrella, features are divided into three key areas, each offering a unique set of customer benefits—“Security & Service” includes connected car services and advanced telematics, “Guide & Inform” enhances the navigation and advanced infotainment systems, and “App-Connect” provides seamless smartphone integration through three interfaces: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink®. Security and service Volkswagen has built a reputation over the years of putting their customers’ safety and security first. Volkswagen’s Car-Net technology offers many features that serve this need. Drivers have the ability to access the Car-Net Security & Service suite through the innovative online Customer Web Portal as well as an advanced app for smartphones, providing access to all the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet. Available security related features include automatic crash notification, manual emergency call, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen, remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which notifies the owner of the vehicle when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Guide and inform Just about everyone has a navigation system now, so Volkswagen is bringing the experience to the next level by “incorporating several layers of information right onto the screen. MIB II-equipped Volkswagen models with in-vehicle navigation systems will now feature real-time fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary four-year SiriusXM Traffic trial.”

sirius xm travel link

App-Connect App-Connect is the next level of infotainment for drivers as it offers three of the dominant technology standards available for in-vehicle smartphone integration. The new App-Connect system creates seamless smartphone integration across smartphone brands utilizing three options— Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink®. CarPlay allows you to send and receive messages, listen to audiobooks or music, through the vehicle’s touchscreen, steering wheel controls or Siri®, or access third party apps like Spotify while allowing you to stay focused on the road ahead. apple carplay Android Auto will also be available, offering a simple and intuitive interface that enables users to access the same features as CarPlay through existing vehicle controls, touchscreen and voice actions for compatible Volkswagen models. android auto Another interface available through App-Connect is MirrorLink®. MirrorLink® technology integrates select apps and operating layouts of numerous smartphones (including select phones from Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony) into Volkswagen products. mirrorlink

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Lafayette VW Passat Dealer: What to Expect in 2018

The New Year is here and so is the new Volkswagen Passat.  Each year the engineers at Volkswagen find new and innovative ways to improve its top-selling vehicle.  So as 2017 made way for 2018, let’s take a closer look at what changes were made in the new Passat. more The 2018 VW Passat will maintain the look and feel of its current design that debuted in 2012.  With best-in-class leg room and a design that allows for the functionality, comfort, and performance that Volkswagen is known for, no drastic changes from the most recent 2016 facelift will be made this year. From the performance aspect, you’ll be able to choose between an upgraded base engine that is now 2.0 liter, up from the 1.8 liter, four-cylinder, TSI® engine and Volkswagen’s V6.  The upgraded four-cylinder provides enhanced horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.  The V6 offers 280hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque with 28 mpg on the highway. This year you’ll also have the option to include Volkswagen’s Driver’s Assistance Package.  This package includes additional safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. 2018 will also welcome the new performance-inspired trim level for the Passat, the GT.  The GT will feature a 3.6 liter V6.  It will also have other performance-focused features and unique styling, that will be debuted later this year. Another new feature this available across VW’s entire line in 2018 is the People First Warranty.  This is a bumper-to-bumper warranty that is transferable to new owners of the vehicle for six years or 72,000 miles. Whether you are considering the Passat for the first time or looking to upgrade to the latest model, the experts at Southwest Volkswagen are ready to answer questions and get you on the road.

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Lafayette Volkswagens: How Far Can You Go in a VW Atlas?

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.

Volkswagen Service in Lafayette: How Often Does Your Oil Need to be Changed?

Volkswagen Service in Lafayette: How Often Does Your Oil Need to be Changed?

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.