Volkswagen Golf GTI to the Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf was born in 1974. It was created to replace the venerable Beetle – a tough act to follow: some would say impossible. But the Golf’s versatility and class-crossing appeal has led to sales of more than 27 million models.  The Golf continues to evolve and it’s because Volkswagen take pride in their designs and their designers.

Road & Track’s John Lamn wrote about the Golf R saying, “You truly appreciate the all-wheel drive when you start to prod that 256 bhp and try to imagine doing it through the front wheels only. You’d be sawing at the wheel like you were on ice and making whoo-whoo-whoo noises like Curly Howard (Google Three Stooges). We drove the R on dry-then-damp-then-dry roads west of Washington, D.C. and found it nicely balanced, even on uneven, off-camber surfaces. No surprises, no drama, no sweat. Bet the R would be a charmer on California canyon roads.”

 

Reviewed in Automobilemag.com…. “I certainly understand the emotional appeal of the Golf R. Volkswagen’s own GTI is the quintessential hot hatch, and the addition of all-wheel drive and more power just makes sense. Sticking with the turbo four-cylinder from a GTI instead of using a heavier VR6 makes the Golf R much more willing to change directions, and there’s a satisfying burst of power when the boost comes on. The interior is as tasteful and luxurious as you’ll find in a performance car under $50,000.

If you are a member of the Cult of Volkswagen, this is the ultimate hatch.

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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There is nothing like a test drive in a Passat!

You’ve got a Passat in mind and you can’t put it off any longer.   A trip to our dealership is in your near future. And a test drive is, of course, the right thing to do.

Before you book your time, you might wish to do this quick look at the 2012 Passat:

When you do your test, here are some things you should consider:

• If you are comparing this car with another, be sure to test it back-to-back on the same day so you can make a proper comparison.
• Although turning the key and mashing the throttle might be your first inclination on a test drive, instead walk around the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly.
• Once you’re behind the wheel. Get situated, and take stock of how well the primary controls are laid out.
• Are the front seats comfortable and supportive (not too soft or hard) for you?
• See if the vehicle has enough power to safely merge with highway traffic and if the brakes have a solid, reassuring feel to their operation—but forget about doing your Michael Schumacher impression for the salesperson.
• Take several corners to evaluate the vehicle’s composure when abruptly changing direction over rough surfaces as well as how smoothly the transmission operates when driving spiritedly.
• How much road noise protrudes into the cabin? Do the tires drone so much they could lull you to sleep on a long road trip? How much wind noise is there, and does the air buffet and rush into the cabin with the windows open?

Be sure to ask the salesperson about:

• How long are the recommended oil change intervals?
• What are the terms of the warranty, and what parts are covered?
• Ask about the service department

We are proud of our Volkswagen product. We would love for you to experience it.

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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Your Teen, a budding VW Enthusiast

If you have teenagers, this post is for you, if you have tweens, keep this post in mind for future reference. They always need to borrow the car and summer break is only a few months away. They’ll want to borrow the car a lot more in the summer… to get to their job, their friend’s house or to an activity.

Let’s say you’re going to buy them their own car to teach them about responsibility. Vroomgirls.com recently compiled a list of ‘6 Best New Cars For Your Teenage‘.

Here’s what they had to say about the Volkswagen Golf:

“If your teen is a budding car enthusiast, the Volkswagen Golf is a great set of wheels. In terms of pure driver appeal, the VW Golf is a cut above the others on this list thanks to responsive steering, sharp handling, and well-designed manual transmissions that are perfect for inexperienced stick-shifters. The Volkswagen Golf’s simple, driver-centered interior is designed for distraction-free driving, and the Golf’s modest engines mean that your teen is less likely to get herself in trouble than she would be in a proper sports car. If you and your teen are concerned about the environment, consider the VW Golf TDI, which has a fuel-efficient, low-emission diesel engine that can run on up to 5% vegetable-based biodiesel….”

We have new the Volkswagen Golf on the lot. So stop by the dealership – we’ve got you and your teen covered!

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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Spring clean your VW

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house.  We all spend more time then we realize in our vehicles, that’s why it’s important to spring clean it as well… inside and out.

Here’s a check list to help you get started… after all, it is the first day of Spring tomorrow!

I always feel a better simply by throwing out all the garbage, junk mail and lists that get left behind once I’m home. If you have winter emergency gear in the trunk you should remove it… that extra weight makes your engine work harder and decreases your gas mileage. Wash all the inside surfaces – except anything leather – with a wet rag and mild soap… and vacuum the floor and seat crevasses.

That’s the inside done… now, on to the outside.

You might think it will save you some time to go through one of those automatic car washes, but this time of year that might not be a good idea. Those devices see a lot of traffic in the Spring, and that forces them to recycle the water more than you might want. Do you really want recycled, potentially dirty water, sprayed on your car?

So doing it yourself is advised. The combination of fresh air and exercise will get you in a good mood for Spring. If you can, wash your car in the shade. Washing it in the direct sunlight will not give you good results especially if it turns out to be a hot day.

Washing the exterior is easy, but it’s even easier to forget about the underside. That’s where the chemicals and rocks and sand can give rust a grip on your car, so rinse the underside while you’ve got the hose out.

Once you get it dry, a good waxing will really convince you winter is over. A spray-on wax is the easiest to use, but paste wax will last longer.

Finally, while you are waxing, make a note of any dings in the finish. There are a lot of rocks and sand on roads during the winter, and they can mar your finish. Once a ding gets through your paint, it gives rust something to hold onto, so get those fixed early.

Happy Spring!

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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The Classics at Leith VW

We’ve all known someone who has owned a Volkswagen at some point in their life, who’s eye’s gloss over when they tell the story.  VW’s have most definitely touched your life in some way, even if it’s only through a game or Walt Disney… they make you smile, admit it.

This is why we have our own little shrine to the classic VW which you will find it in our state-of-the-art dealership. We’ve got the best of both worlds under one roof, classic & new.

Take a Westie trip down memory lane at Leith Volkswagen, stop by, reawaken memories… we look forward to welcoming you!

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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Genuine Volkswagen

I read a study recently that said, “The average age of cars and light trucks now in operation in the U.S. has increased to 10.8 years”. It was written by Polk, a leading global automotive market intelligence firm.

The study tells me it’s important for Volkswagen drivers to treat their VW with tender loving care so it can go the distance. No one knows VW vehicles better than Volkswagen Certified Technicians, they use the same genuine VW parts built into your car. Every part is backed by a limited warranty for 12 months or 12,000 miles, and installed with care right at Leith Volkswagen.

Only genuine VW parts are an optimum fit and meet our quality standards. They are identical to the factory originals, with precision-engineered, Volkswagen-tested quality.

We’ve extended our German Engineering into developing high-quality genuine VW accessories.  Your car should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. And high-quality genuine VW accessories like wheels and bike racks are specifically designed to do just that.

At Leith Volkswagen, everything your VW needs is under one roof. Give us a call, order online or stop by, let us help you get 10+ years out of your VW.

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687
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Power & Prestige: The Golf R

Until this year the Golf R was sold in Europe only.  But thanks to the continuous requests by VW enthusiasts, we now have the highest performing Golf in America… in fact, here at Leith VW, we just sold our first Golf R on January 24, 2012!

This is a car built with one thing in mind… the driver. Few things are truer to that statement than a solid-shifting manual gearbox. There is no automatic option.  Just look at the Golf R. It’s like it’s whispering “fast” with its wider look, three large front air intakes, aero side sills, and rear dual center exhaust. It has keyless access with push-button start, 18″ alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) meaning they’ll turn up to 15 degrees to help you see more of what’s around the corner.

Here are some of the facts: (visit us to learn more)

• Transmission: 6-speed manual, clutch started interlock
• Engine:2.0L, 256-hp TSI, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged, 243 lbs/ft of torque
• Length/weight: 165.8 inches / 3325 lbs
• Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
• EPA fuel economy: city 19mpg / hwy 27mpg
• Cargo capacity: 14.8 cubic feet

So, if you’d like to take this sporty little number out for a test drive, stop by Leith Volkswagen… we can set you up!

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VW Certified Pre-owned

A Certified Pre-owned Volkswagen by any other name is a used Volkswagen… that’s been put back into practically new condition by a Volkswagen Certified technician.

There are three major reasons to visit Leith Volkswagen and buy yourself a new (to you) Volkswagen…

1. 2 year or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) limited warranty which covers any repair or service caused by a broken or malfunctioning part covered by the limited warranty:
   • Engine
   • Steering
   • Front and rear axles
   • Manual transmission
   • Electrical power supply
   • Heating and air-conditioning
   • Anti-lock Braking System
   • Electrical systems
   • Torque converter
   • Differential
   • Material or manufacturing defects
2. 2 years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. Regardless of your vehicle’s mileage, you have a group of automotive experts at your beck and call, 24 hours a day.
3. 112-Point Inspection. Our VW Certified technicians get started with an intense on-lift examination, then they do a road test to ensure maximum drivability.  They turn these vehicles inside out, then outside in. If anything is amiss, they’ll repair or replace it with Genuine Volkswagen parts. Bringing new meaning to the phrase “good as new.”

Here’s what else you should know: Anything older than 5 model years or past 75,000 miles is immediately out. They’ll even reject it if it is missing the original keys.

Stop by the dealership and take a look at our Certified Pre-owned vehicles… let’s get you into a new (to you) Volkswagen.

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687

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Volkswagen & Super Bowl XLVI

Volkswagen was only warming up at last years Super Bowl with its two 30-second spots in which “The Force” and “Black Beetle” were shown.  This year, on February 5, be ready to be wowed yet again. Volkswagen will be featuring the all new Beetle in a 60-second spot at the beginning of the third quarter.

“The Super Bowl is the perfect platform to feature the bold, dynamic, and sportiest Beetle ever made,” said Tim Mahoney, chief product and marketing officer of Volkswagen of America.

The 2012 Beetle made its debut in dealerships across North America in September, so we know what the redesigned car looks like now… but here is the 30 second teaser that was played at Super Bowl XLV:

Then there was “The Force” which has over 48 million views on YouTube and was voted the #1 ad of the year (2011) by ADWEEK, featuring the 2012 Passat:

If you haven’t visited us yet for a test drive of the 2012 Beetle, you might want to… that way when the commercial comes on, you’ll know what it’s all about!

Leith Volkswagen
2300 Autopark Blvd Cary, NC 27511
(919)439-1687

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Related articles

• The all new 2012 VW Beetle (leithvolkswagen.wordpress.com)

Safety in Numbers – Volkswagen

We’re not sure if you heard the news from last year (this could be old news for some), but Volkswagen had more 2011 IIHS Top Safety Picks then any other brand and the trend continues for 2012!

IIHS is the acronym for The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and they are a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing deaths & injuries from vehicle crashes. The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. A vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests to earn a place on the list.

I bet you’re wondering what VW’s made the cut? Here they are: The Routan, CC 2.0L TSI, Jetta, Jetta SportsWagen, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models.

The Routan was the most recent Volkswagen to receive the honors. “We’re delighted that the Routan has been given this prestigious award – and even more delighted that Volkswagen now has industry leadership with nine IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s a great reward for the emphasis we place on safety in the development of our German-engineered vehicles.”

If you’re interested in taking one of these top safety picks out for a test drive, stop by Leith Volkswagen… we can help you with that!

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