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Every year the calendar returns with things we’ve enjoyed from the past, just with a new twist.  Whether it’s the sequel to a movie, the new season of your favorite show, or your favorite annual event; it will be familiar, yet new, and likely improved.  The 2018 VW Beetle i s the same way.  This iconic car from Volkswagen is a favorite and never fails to reinvent and refresh itself every year.  So what exactly is new for the Beetle in 2018? more New Engine This year’s Beetle features a new 2.0 liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection TSI® engine, providing even more horsepower, up to 174hp.  Volkswagen’s automatic Tiptronic® transmission also comes standard. Trim Line Updates Beetle S:  The VW Beetle S offers the option of the new Style and Comfort Package, which includes: 6.3” Composition Media touchscreen infotainment display, keyless access and push-button start, heated seats, and more. Beetle SE:  This year the Beetle SE has some added standard features, such as Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control, exterior chrome trim, panoramic sunroof, and blind spot monitoring. Beetle Coast:  This brand new model is stylistically inspired by the ocean.  Based on the S, the Beetle Coast comes standard with a surfboard wood-look dash pad and has an exclusive new color option, Deep Sea Teal.  The Coast also features scuff plates, blind spot monitoring, a sunroof, and Rear Traffic Alert. Beetle Dune: The Beetle Dune is the heritage-inspired icon that has some new additions.  Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Volkswagen’s People First Warranty This is a new six-year, or 72,000 miles, bumper-to-bumper warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners. So whether you’re considering a VW Beetle for the first time, or looking to upgrade to the newest model, the experts at Southpoint Volkswagen are ready to answer questions and get you on the road.

Stopping for fuel is one of the necessary evils driving.  It can be a hassle, especially when you’re traveling.  You have to find an exit with a gas station, navigate your way off of the interstate, through service roads, and negotiate crowded pumps in foreign places.  Then after the pain in the neck to get there comes the pain in the wallet.  Wouldn’t it be great if your gas station visits were few and far between?  Well with Volkswagen’s line of fuel-efficient vehicles and few driving tips you can avoid the gas pump for quite a while. more VW’s most efficient model is the Jetta, specifically the 2017 5-speed.  This car boasts a 40 mpg rating on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.  The Volkswagen Golf also offers a combined rating of 29 mpg, 36 mpg on the highway.  Here’s a closer look at the combined fuel efficiency of VW’s other models: Beetle: 28 mpg CC: 25 mpg GTI: 28 mpg Passat: 27 mpg Tiguan: 22 mpg Now that we’ve seen the benefits that VW offers from a fuel efficiency standpoint, what are some other ways you can enhance the life of your gas tank? Properly inflate tires: When your tires are underinflated it can hurt your fuel economy.  It also compromises your handling and braking which can also shorten the life of your tires. Drive with a warm engine: When your engine is warm it works much more efficiently. Use cruise control: Cruise control helps your engine maintain a steady, efficient pace. Make smooth starts and stops: Fast acceleration and hard braking all take their toll on your gas mileage.  These actions make your engine work harder, thus using more fuel. So whether you are making a long trip this holiday season, or looking to pass the gas station more often, these tips can help, and driving an efficient vehicle like a Volkswagen makes it even easier.  The experts at Southpoint Volkswagen are ready to answer questions and get you on the road.

When a sequel to a movie comes out there are new and exciting stories and characters, as well as a comfortable familiarity. The debut of a new year’s car model is very similar. Whether it’s a total redesign or simply refreshing the most recent styling, discovering what’s new and improved is always exciting. Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Volkswagen Passat. more The Passat has long been one of Volkswagen’s most popular automobiles, and for good reason. It’s comfortable size, sporty handling, advanced German engineering, and stellar safety record all come with an affordable price tag. Under the hood in 2018 you’ll find a new 2.0 liter inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI engine. This performance inspired engine delivers 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This added performance doesn’t come at the expense of fuel efficiency. With an EPA highway estimation of 36 mpg, you’ll spend more time driving and less money at the pump. Taking a look inside the Passat, where you’ll spend most of your time, you’ll find the same contemporary styling you’ve come to expect from Volkswagen. The focal point is the 5” composition color touch screen. Complete with smartphone integration you can bring your own media with you anywhere and take advantage of hands-free access with Bluetooth connectivity. Stay comfortable with 8-way adjustable, heated sports seats with position memory. The 2018 Passat also features a rear view camera system, so you can always be aware of what’s around you. These are only a few of the new and updated things you can expect from the latest Passat. The best way to experience it is by scheduling a test drive. At Southpoint Volkswagen in Baton Rouge, our expert team is here to answer your questions and help you get out on the road.

Handing the keys off to a young driver is an intense, emotional, and gratifying moment.  Just like letting of that bike seat several (but it doesn’t feel like it) years ago, you want them to be safe and get to where they need to go; watching them back out of the driveway for the first, and probably every time, is no different.  So when the time comes to pick that perfect set of safe, reliable wheels for you child, where should you start? more Volkswagen.  The German engineering, safety, reliability, and durability speak for themselves; however when it comes to young and new drivers, VW offers several models, new and pre-owned, that make perfect sense for parents and drivers alike.  Let’s take a look at some of Volkswagen’s models that are made for your young driver. Volkswagen Jetta The Volkswagen Jetta offers additional size without compromising fuel economy.  Whether you opt for new or preowned, this is a high quality vehicle that comes at an affordable price.  The Jetta also boasts the safety record that VW is famous for.  In 2017 the Jetta received a 5-star overall crash rating for the 4 th consecutive year.  The Jetta also features the smooth drive and technological advancements made possible by Volkswagen’s state-of-the art engineering. Volkswagen Beetle The compact design and tight handling of the Volkswagen Beetle makes maneuvering this automobile very easy.  Like the aforementioned Jetta, safety and engineering are at the forefront of what makes this model such a promising, all without compromising value.  The Beetle had a 5-star crash rating for the 5 th consecutive year. Volkswagen Golf The Golf features the handling and size of the Beetle but with a hatchback that offers more room for friends and cargo like sports equipment or instruments.  For the past 3 years the Golf has earned a 5-star crash rating.  The safety combined with VW’s reliability and efficiency makes the Golf a great option for your new driver. Volkswagen Graduate Program Your young driver shouldn’t be the only one to benefit from VW’s German engineering; this is where the Volkswagen Graduate Program comes in.  The Volkswagen Graduate Program offers special financing for students who have graduated in the past 24 months, or will in the next 6 months.  These lease and finance options can go a long way in setting up your young driver for a bright future. When the time comes to upgrade from the bicycle, or to hit the road to a new career, the experts at Southpoint Volkswagen are here to help.

Every time a season ends we have something to look forward to in the following one.  Whether it’s moving from winter to spring and anticipating the pool and the beach; or it’s the next season of your favorite TV show to finally see what happens next; there is always something new to embrace.  A clear example of that is seeing what advancements are being made in your favorite vehicle.  For the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, the changes coming for 2018 are much anticipated.  Here is a sneak peek at what the new year holds for one of VW’s most popular models. more Added Engine Performance While the engine in the 2018 and the 2017 Tiguan still feature the same 2 L size, the redesigned 2018 engine allows for more power while improving fuel efficiency.  The 2018 Tiguan will produce 184 horsepower and offer an improved torque of 221 lb-ft.  The 2018 will also improve city and highway MPG by 2 and 3 MPG respectively, to 22 & 27. New Interior Features The biggest improvement for 2018 is that that the Tiguan will now seat 7.  And all seven of these passengers can now enjoy a much more stylish and comfortable leatherette seat as opposed to cloth.  Although more seats have been added the maximum cargo space of 56.1 cu. ft. has been maintained, making for a comfortable, convenient, and practical interior. Evolved Exterior Styling The first thing your eyes will notice in the 2018 Tiguan is the exterior.  First of all it boasts a larger frame than the 2017 model, adding 10 more inches of length, a bit more width, and an aerodynamic reduction in height.  This larger frame makes the 2 additional seats possible.  From the sculpted hood to the new trimming and accents, the new Tiguan makes quite a debut. While these are the big changes coming in 2018 for the Tiguan, you can still depend on the safety, efficiency, reliability, and performance that comes from the German engineered Tiguan.  To test drive the latest edition visit the experts at Southpoint Volkswagen.

Hotel rooms, computers, plane tickets, and a number of other things come with a variety of options.  From the outside looking in, each choice may seem pretty similar, but it’s the details that set each one apart from the other.  One hotel room may feature a different view from another, computers have countless features that influence price and performance, plane tickets offer different schedules and amenities.  The same is true for cars.  Two, seemingly identical, cars can be next to one another at a dealership, but there can be some big differences.  So let’s take a closer look at the Jetta SE and Jetta SEL. more Jetta SE Trim The Jetta SE features a 1.4L TSI®, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with a 5-speed manual transmission.  This engine has a horsepower rating of 150.  Inside the SE has a Composition Media touchscreen sound system.  The starting MSRP is $20,895. Jetta SEL Trim The Jetta SEL sports a larger engine.  The 1.8L TSI®, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine has 170 horsepower.  The transmission is also upgraded in this trim package with a 6-speed automatic Tiptronic® featuring Sport mode.  The SEL also features a Discover Media touchscreen navigation system.  The starting MSRP is $24,995. So there are some distinct differences between these two trim lines, and whatever your needs or preferences may be, Volkswagen’s Jetta has a package for you.  Along with the different amenities, you also receive the safety and sophisticated German engineering that VW is known for.  Stop by Southpoint Volkswagen in Baton Rouge to learn more and test drive the latest Jetta.

Buying a new car is a huge decision.  There are so many things to consider from style to performance to cost to reliability to, arguably the most important factor, safety.  Of course if you’re buying a model that has been around for a while you’ll have years, if not decades, of data and statistics to display the safety and protection that this vehicle provides.  However, when a brand new model hits the lot the manufacturer has the opportunity to implement the most advanced, state-of-the-art safety features.  For Volkswagen, safety is the top priority across their entire line, and the new Atlas is no different. more The focus on safety in the new Volkswagen Atlas begins way below the surface; specifically in its solid body construction.  The high strength steel used adds solidity and sturdiness, while the rigid safety cage and crumple zones provide the highest level of protection for you and your passengers.  The Atlas also boasts these advanced safety features: Height adjustable whiplash-optimized head restraints Extensive airbag system (front-impact, side impact, overhead) Electronic stability control (ESC) Electronic differential lock (EDL) Engine braking assist (EBA) Electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD) Hydraulic brake assist (HBA) Hill descent assist (HDA) Post collision braking system Rearview camera system Brake override system Intelligent crash response system Rollover sensor system These are only several of the latest safety and technology advancements available in the new Volkswagen Atlas.  The Atlas is the latest example of Volkswagen’s commitment to safety.  Come by Southpoint Volkswagen in Baton Rouge and test drive the all-new Atlas.

Volkswagen has recently made an extraordinary commitment to their line of Sport Utility Vehicles. This year, the Volkswagen Atlas was launched, adding a family SUV with a third row of seating to the line-up. But, we also revamped the Tiguan over the last two years to make sure that our name was among the best when it came to compact SUVs. Well, it appears that our efforts have been noticed as the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has been named Cars.com’s “ Best Compact SUV of 2017.” more The Cars.com Compact SUV Challenge tested vehicles with a maximum price of $35,000 including all options and destination charges. Testing took place in the Chicago suburbs, where judges drove each car on the same loop for back-to-back impressions. Vehicles were judged on value, spaciousness, as-equipped driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane departure steering and lane-centering steering. Ease of child-safety seat installation was also evaluated and scored in each SUV. Cars.com noted the Tiguan’s exceptional value, laudable roominess, and high level of standard driver assist features as reasons. Editor in Chief of Cars.com, Jennifer Newman said, “The cargo capability is top of the class, making this small SUV a huge advantage for shoppers concerned about getting the most room for the money. The Tiguan is also a great option for families, earning the highest possible marks in Cars.com’s Car Seat Check.” Volkswagen of America couldn’t be happier with the announcement and recognition of the hard work to improve the Tiguan. “We are delighted that the 2018 Tiguan has been recognized by Cars.com as one of the best compact SUVs on the market,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Every aspect of the Tiguan is designed to cater to the needs of American drivers and their families—from standard driver assist technologies to an optional third row—and this award validates the All-New Tiguan is a serious competitor in the segment.” 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan outlasted some formidable competitors in the challenge, as it bested the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, the Ford Escape, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Nissan Rogue, and the Jeep Compass. If you would like to learn more about the Tiguan, or schedule a test drive, please contact our team at Southpoint Volkswagen and we will be happy to assist you.

For over a year now excitement has been building over the new Volkswagen Atlas. Now that it is here, we are seeing that excitement as people visit the dealership to look at, test drive, and purchase a new Atlas. We thought it would be a good idea to see if that excitement is continuing after the purchase. So, we asked new Atlas owner Ashley a few questions about her new vehicle. more Southpoint VW: Is the Atlas your first Volkswagen? Ashley: Yes, it is my Volkswagen purchase for myself and my family Southpoint VW: What attracted you to the Atlas? Ashley: It was everything I wanted in a car. I shopped around for a lot of cars and when I rode in the Atlas I knew that it was the car for me. It had new technology I had never seen before, it was very spacious and a fabulous price. Southpoint VW: Has it lived up to what you thought it would be? Ashley: It has lived up to everything I thought it would be and more. I find new features every day that are very helpful and easy to use. It still surprises me with all the features it has! Southpoint VW: What is the best feature you've found that you weren't expecting? Ashley: The car can be personalized completely for you. When you turn the car on the dashboard welcomes me with my name and it has my seat situated and remembered if someone else where to drive it. I also have been most surprised by the adaptive cruise control. On the interstate, it almost completely drives itself. It's absolutely amazing that a car can have this technology. We couldn’t be happier that Ashley is so thrilled with her new Volkswagen Atlas. Even better, while her excitement bubbled over about the Atlas’s technology and driver-friendly features, she didn’t even mention the third row of seating or the cargo space, which are two of the Atlas’ best features. If you are interested in learning more about the Atlas, please contact our team at Southpoint Volkswagen and we can schedule a test drive for you.

Your Volkswagen Family of vehicles has made some recent changes. We've grown a bit, adopted some new looks, and improved across the board. Here is a quick look at what we have to offer. more

The Volkswagen Golf has been on a hot streak in recent years. Golf models have made Car and Driver’s list of the ten best models for the last decade,  they have been an IIHS top safety pick every year in recent memory, and in 2015, the Golf was named Motortrend’s Car of the year. So with all this recent success, it would be difficult to make this already great line of cars even better, but that is exactly what they have done as Volkswagen brings upgrades to the 2018 Golf family. Here are a few of the improvements. more A larger touchscreen infotainment system Previously, the Golf S featured a five-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system. The 2018 model has broadened out to a six and a half-inch touchscreen display. The Golf SEL has upgraded to an eight-inch display. This enlargement gives the driver easier access to everything Golf’s infotainment system has to offer. Balanced exterior styling Over the past few years, the Golf has been moving towards a more rounded profile. This year, the Golf has moved to straighter, sleeker lines giving it a more stylish, bolder look. Accompanying this look are LED taillights and daytime running lights. LED headlights are optional as well. Upgrades to safety features Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) is now available on most SE trims and above, as is Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. The updated version of Front Assist now includes Pedestrian Monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), ParkPilot, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist) are also available on some models. Of course, there are some areas where the Golf was already surpassing the competition. The most talked about aspect is how much fun it is to drive. So, since you don’t fix what’s not broken, Volkswagen has kept the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 170 horsepower engines. Volkswagen has also kept the five-speed manual transmission with an option to upgrade to a six-speed manual transmission. This, combined with its current suspension system maintains a sharp, well handled, fun ride for the driver. The Golf family of vehicles includes the Golf S, the SEL, the Alltrack, the GTI, the Sportwagen, and the Golf R for those that want all the bells and whistles. If you are interested in test driving any of the Golf family, please contact our team at Southpoint Volkswagen, and we will be happy to help.

It has been a big year of development for Volkswagen in the SUV world. Earlier this year, the Volkswagen Atlas arrived to rave reviews, and now, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is here. A lot was done to improve the Tiguan for 2017, and even more improvements were made for this year. Volkswagen has gone out of its way to adapt to the changing lifestyles and growing families of its drivers, and the new Tiguan reflects those changes. Here is a preview of some of those changes as we welcome the 2018 Tiguan to Baton Rouge. more The 2018 Tiguan features a more modern design with bold lines, a wider stance, and premium interior touches, including the option of a third row of seating. At 185.1 inches long, it gains 10.6 inches in length over the 2017 model, and features up to 58 percent more cargo space. Third-row seating comes standard on FWD models, and is optional on AWD models. The new Tiguan offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, available driver assistance, pedestrian monitoring, a blind spot monitor, and a rear traffic alert. It also features a larger speedometer, larger tachometer, and a multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption to trip distance The 2018 Tiguan also carries the best transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty among SUVs in America: a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with coverage that’s transferable beyond the first owner. The Volkswagen SUV bumper-to-bumper transferable warranty, also applicable to 2018 Atlas models, includes coverage of powertrain components. What’s more, the starting price of the 2018 Tiguan is just $25,000. Compared to its competition, the Tiguan will make your dollar go further. If you would like to come see the improvements in person, or set up a test drive, contact our team at Southpoint Volkswagen and we will be happy to help you.