The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best-known budget performance cars sold in America. For more than 25 years, Volkswagen has been taking its entry-level, economy car-based two-door hatchback model and turning it into a GTI by adding a more powerful engine and brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and special interior and exterior trim pieces. The result is a practical car that’s also fun to drive and desirable among backyard and professional tuners. The VW GTI aftermarket community and online following are among the strongest on the sport-compact scene.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower. The turbo inline-4 pairs with a six-speed manual transmission for purists or a dual-clutch automated manual transmission to ease the pain of congested commutes.

If you are in the market for a Volkswagen in Tucson, you will find that there are two main trim levels: base and Autobahn. The base GTI’s standard equipment comes standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, heated washer nozzles, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, air-conditioning, heated front sport seats, plaid cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and iPod integration.

The base GTI can be fitted with the Convenience and Sunroof package, which adds different 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, multifunction steering wheel controls, a touchscreen interface for the stereo and an in-dash CD changer. The GTI with Sunroof and Navigation adds adaptive xenon headlights, LED running lights and a touchscreen navigation system. The range-topping GTI Autobahn includes the above features, plus unique 18-inch wheels, partial-leather seating, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system.

However, if these features aren’t enough, you may consider modifications. If that is the case, there are some things that you may want to think about. It is important to keep in mind that some modifications may void your warranty and if you ever decide to sell your modified GTI, your resale value may be lower than a stock car. Also, some dealers will not work on a heavily modified car because they are unfamiliar with the parts. Every time you change your car you take the chance that something will not be quite right or a minor problem may become more prominent. It is good practice to make sure the car is working right before you modify it. Furthermore, keep in mind that modifying your car my cause your insurance rate to increase partly because modified cars are more likely to be stolen.

For more information on the Volkswagen GTI, visit Chapman Volkswagen.

The all-new Volkswagen Golf is officially the World Car of the Year. In announcing its ultimate winner for the ninth year, the WCOTY jury, comprising 66 automotive journalists from twenty-three countries, said the Volkswagen Golf is as close to the perfect hatchback design as any car company has come yet. . This year’s win is the second in a row for Volkswagen. Visit Tucson Volkswagen for more details.

Although the seventh-generation Golf is on sale already in other countries, it won’t be for sale in the US until next year as a 2015 model. The new Golf will be available with three engines, just like the current sixth-generation model sold in the U.S.

The 2015 Golf’s entry-level model will be powered by a four-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged engine instead of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit. With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, this new engine offers the same power as the outgoing unit and 7 more lb-ft of torque, delivered at lower revs. Coupled with manual or automatic transmissions, its biggest advantage is said to be fuel economy.

The next model in the 2015 Golf range will be the TDI Clean Diesel, powered by a four-cylinder common-rail 2.0-liter diesel unit with direct-injection. Rated at 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the new TDI Clean Diesel shares only the bore spacing with the previous engine, with extensive changes made to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. According to VW, the new TDI model will have a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Finally, the top of the range GTI model will be powered by an upgraded version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, and is expected to develop around 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A manual six-speed box will be offered as standard, with an automatic DSG transmission available as an option.

Inside the VW Golf is both new, and familiar. A simple, high-quality layout puts all controls just where you want them. The traditional black dash and interior trim is offset in some models by available two-tone upholstery. Volkswagen has boosted the available storage inside the new Golf, with a sliding tray underneath the front seats. Safety equipment includes six airbags, the usual suite of electronic safety systems, and a new automatic crash-braking system that brakes the car when its sensors detect that it is involved in a primary collision.

All versions of the new Golf have the XDS electronic differential lock that improves handling and traction.  For more information on the Golf, visit Chapman VW.

Volkswagen has recently announced their venture into the midsize SUV market with the CrossBlue concept.  Visit Chapman VW Tucson and ask about the CrossBlue which will be a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid with two electric motors and up to 14 miles of  electric range.  As well as offering excellent economy for a mid-size crossover SUV, the CrossBlue has impressive performance from a power train that produces up to 305 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque: 0 to 60 mph is estimated to take just 7.2 seconds.

Volkswagen will likely offer several different engine options, including gasoline, diesel and a possible diesel-electric plug-in option. The CrossBlue will feature a highly innovative plug-in hybrid that combines a clean diesel engine with two electric motors, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system. It will also run in zero emissions mode either at the press of a button or automatically. According to Volkswagen, the concept is 196.3 inches long, 79.3 inches wide and 68.2 inches high. It takes a very poised stance on the road thanks to wide front and rear tracks of 66.4 and 66.8 inches, and 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/45 tires.

The CrossBlue’s interior will be luxurious and versatile and is equipped with six individual seats in three rows. It is expected that the second row will have the option of three seats to give it a full seven seats with the third row featuring stadium-style seating.  Headroom will be outstanding throughout the vehicle with 42.4 inches up front, 40.2 inches in the middle, and 37.6 inches in the rear. Legroom will also be generous with 37.3 inches in the second row and 36.1 inches in the third row. Behind the third seating row is a spacious cargo area.

As for technology, a 10.2-inch touchscreen will be positioned centrally on the center console. The large touchscreen will be used to control all entertainment and hands free functions and to access the status of the hybrid system.

For more information and updates on the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept, visit Tucson Volkswagen.

As prices at the pump rise and the holiday season draws near, we’re geared to start saving for gifts, vacations and delicious meals. Volkswagen has a fleet of TDI Clean Diesel and Hybrid vehicles that cost you less and render you with a post holiday meal joy ride.

In fact, Volkswagen sells the most diesel fuel cars in the United States, despite competitors, Green Car Reports said. Why is this? Volkswagen Tucson has the answer.

The clean diesel vehicles by Volkswagen have been streamlined to offer consumers with numerous benefits.

Although the engines used to be bulky and nearly impossible to implant into a consumer’s vehicle, time and technology has allowed engineers to produce a cleaner and quieter engine. Volkswagen has been at the forefront of producing diesel technology in their vehicles the longest. Their 1977 Rabbit got an astounding 50 miles per gallon.

Diesel engines provide more energy out of less fuel versus common gasoline engines. Consequently, diesel vehicles run more efficiently, and get more miles per gallon. This is a boon for the environment and your wallet.

Better yet, diesel engines do not have electronic ignition systems (gasoline engines do) and therefore are easier to maintain, CarsDirect said. Diesel engine car owners spend less time and money on upkeep.

Less oil changes keep you on the road and out of your service center’s waiting room.

“Volkswagen clean diesel vehicles need oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first,” said David Rupp, the service manager at your Chapman Volkswagen.

The traditional gasoline engine suggests that you change the oil every 7,500 miles, Yahoo! Autos reported on their website.

Also, considerable tax incentives are given to diesel engine owners because of the driver’s dedication to an eco-friendly future.

Come into your local Arizona VW dealer today to witness all these benefits firsthand. The diesel engine vehicles have sleek, comfortable and stylish interior.

Three cheers to the holiday season and TDI Clean Diesel Volkswagen vehicles! Where’s the egg nog?

Since the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the 1970s, the VW line of sporty hatchbacks has remained the benchmark for the “hot hatch” industry.  The Volkswagen brand is known for its innovation and near-perfect engineering, although many such innovations have been trapped in Europe-only models because the word “diesel” does not sit well with U.S. consumers.  Tucson Volkswagen customers may soon learn from the masters of clean diesel if Volkswagen decides to bring the Volkswagen GTD to American shores.

For many stateside automobile aficionados, “diesel” conjures up images of big, smelly trucks, glowplugs, and most importantly (and incorrectly), inefficiency.  It may come as a surprise that some experts believe that diesel fuel, not hybridization, is the best way to balance efficiency and performance while making the smallest environmental impact possible.  Volkswagen’s (hopefully) forthcoming introduction of the Volkswagen GTD to the Chapman Volkswagen lineup could turn the green automobile market on its head.

Sold in Europe as a compliment to the Golf GTI, the GTD runs on the power of clean diesel – to the tune of an estimated 40 highway miles per gallon.  Taken into consideration with the added bonus of a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder power plant that produces 170 horsepower and a scorching 258 lb-ft of torque as reported by Automobile Magazine, 40 miles per gallon is a striking number, indeed.  Little is known about the possible changes that Volkswagen would make to the GTD for the U.S. market, but it seems likely that those changes would include careful tuning and the inclusion of the latest technology.

Of course, the GTD offers everything that makes the GTI worthy of the VW badge: eye-catching styling, sharp handling, reliability, and, most importantly, fun!  If Volkswagen decides to bring the GTD to the domestic market, our understanding of the word “diesel” may rapidly change.

To learn more about the Volkswagen GTD, the Golf GTI, or any other offering, call or visit your Tucson VW dealer.

Volkswagen is known for their famous ads that feature pets, and we’re sure tons of our fans have pets that are just as awesome. So we have created a contest to show off all of our fans pets! All you have to do is ‘like’ the Chapman Volkswagen of Tucson Facebook page, click on the ‘HOWL-o-ween’ Pets and Volkswagen Contest application, and submit a picture of your dog with your Volkswagen. Any type of pet will be accepted, but the picture must feature a Volkswagen. In the spirit of Halloween we encourage pets to be in costume but it is not required. The pictures will be uploaded onto an album on the Facebook page and other fans will be able to vote on their favorite pictures. Each ‘like’ on a picture will equal $1 to be donated to Southern Arizona Humane Society, up to $1,000. The fan with the MOST likes on their picture will receive a free Volkswagen Pet Swag Bag. The prize bag will include a leash, collar, pet accessory set, and dog toy ($50 value).

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is a completely non-profit (501 (c) 3) organization that relies on donations to be able to continue all of the amazing work it does for pets in need, and Chapman VW wants to help! They do not receive any monies from national humane associations or from United Way Agency. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona also provides many other services besides just pet adoption services. For instance they also provide pet vaccinations and spay and neuter services to all pets in southern Arizona. HSSA can also license your pet with Pima Animal Care Center and microchip your pet to increase your chances of reuniting if it is lost. There are minimal fees involved in the above services. We also have a community outreach department, lost and found department, grief support, training advice and cremation and euthanasia services.

HSSA is your local animal adoption organization and works without support from national organizations, and they need your help raising money! So participate in Chapman Volkswagen  Tucson’s ‘HOWL-o-ween Pets and Volkswagens’ contest for a  fun and easy way to show your support!

Volkswagen has introduced the new 2013 GTI, and it is not only powerful but it is also completely designed round the driving aficionado.

The 2.0 TSI engine is a substantial engine that delivers a broad range of power, while maintaining a flat torque curve. The GTI also comes with an electromechanical steering system that has contributed to Volkswagens reputation for sporty, yet dynamic, steering. Electromechanical steering is more consistent and Eco-conscious compared to conventional steering systems, because it doesn’t produce waste or require fluids to be replaced.

The General Manager of Chapman Volkswagen Tucson, Neb Yonas agrees saying, “The GTI allows even the most novice drivers to get an excellent driving experience, with predictable cornering, precise steering and sport-performance suspension.”

The exterior of the 2013 VW GTI keeps its original hot hatchback design. It is compact yet sporty, and when the rear seats are folded down, spacious. The instantly recognizable VW logo isn’t just the badge on the back of the GTI, but also the handle to open the back hatch. This is a new integration Volkswagen has introduced. The Volkswagen GTI will also have key-less access and a push-to-start ignition system that comes standard. There is also the available Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). These special headlights can turn up to 15 degrees around corners, so you can get a better view of what is in your path. The bulbs are Bi-Xenon light, which is brighter than both halogen and regular filament bulbs. Bi-Xenon light is so effective the same bulb can be used for both low and high beams.  Finally the GTI will sit on performance based 18-inch Detroit alloy wheels. They add to the design and functionality since they are made of high performance rubber and are light and strong. The wheels also allow the bright red brake calipers to be seen, ensuring a more sport look.

A look at the interior of the 2013 VW GTI reveals a polished look with must have state of the art features. The front seats are heated with three levels of warmth to choose from. The eight way adjustable front seats with lumbar support also have extra cushioning around the corners. There are available top sport seats that feature leather surfaces and an embossed GTI logo on the headrest. Even the pedals of the GTI were built with the driving enthusiast in mind. The sport pedals feature sleek metal alloy with rubber grips that ensure proper positioning of the feet.

The steering wheel is now mulch-functional and comes with integrated controls for easy access to the entertainment system and the Bluetooth connection system. The Bluetooth technology comes integrated in the car and allows consumers to answer the phone wirelessly. Customers can also use voice commands to make calls, access phone book contacts, call into meetings, make reservations at restaurants, and more. This allows drivers to focus on the road and keep their phone safely tucked away while driving. The steering wheel can also control some functions of the available touch screen stereo. There is an in-dash six-disc CD changer, an SD memory card reader, eight speakers, and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite radio.

Now is a good a time as ever to buy a new car. Car dealers need to sell cars in order to stay in business, which makes this a strong buyers’ market. Rebates, financing, and trade-in values are the best they’ve been in a long time. But that doesn’t mean it makes it any less confusing to buy a car, and it doesn’t mean dealers are going to just give cars away. Any new car buyer should be ready and prepared before they even think about setting foot in a dealership. Here are a few tips that can help you get prepared for your car buying experience:

Know the invoice price:
Once you have a narrowed down idea of what car is right for you, be sure to look up the invoice price. The invoice price is what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car; the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) usually includes a hefty amount of profit for the dealership. Knowing the original price of the car will help you in negotiating a fair deal.

Check the manufacturer’s website for rebates:
Many buyers will qualify for multiple rebates that the dealership may not tell you about. Be aware of all rebates for which you qualify and make sure you receive them.

Check your credit history:
Most people when purchasing a car require a loan. How much that loan costs will depend on your credit history, and knowing your credit history will give you a much better idea of what to expect from lenders. Get a copy of your credit report, and check it for accuracy. Pay the extra few dollars to get your credit score as well, as it is one of the major factors that banks use to determine your creditworthiness.

Make an appointment with the sales manager:
Once your research is done and you are ready to go to a dealership, specifically your Tucson Volkswagen dealership, call ahead and make an appointment. By calling the sales manager to make your appointment you are communicating you are serious about the upcoming transaction and that you know what you are doing.

There is no guarantee you will get a good deal on a new-car purchase, nor is there a set price to negotiate toward with any car; pricing always varies with content, age, supply, and demand. But following these helpful tips will start you in the right direction to get the best deal possible at any Tucson VW dealership.

Three factors above all seem to be the most important amongst parents who are car shopping for teens: safety, reliability and true cost to own.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct independent crash testing that gauges a vehicle’s ability to withstand various types of collisions. With IIHS ratings, a “Good” rating is the top scored offered. IIHS also publishes an annual “Top Safety Picks” list, which reflects its most recommended choices, and to qualify, all models must receive a “Good” rating in all tests. With NHTSA ratings, parents should select vehicles with five star crash test scores.

“We are extremely proud to announce that nine of our models have earned the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2012. In fact, VW has more 2011 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand”, says Neb Yonas, GM of Chapman Volkswagen Tucson.

Another factor to consider is the size of your teen’s vehicle. Size may play a significant role in its overall safety; parents should avoid the smallest car since it won’t offer as much protection as a larger vehicle. On the same note the largest vehicles should be avoided as well, since these can be difficult to maneuver and are intimidating for new drivers. AAA recommends that parents avoid SUVs and stick to mid-size sedans. The organization also concedes that newer models are safer than older ones because of stability control technology.

Features such as electronic stability control (ESC), airbags and antilock braking systems (ABS) are essential, which are all featured on new Volkswagen cars. Dual front airbags have been mandatory since 1998, and by law, ESC and ABS are mandatory on all 2012 models. But that doesn’t mean that older cars should be totally rules out. “With the average age of vehicles now at nearly 11 years old, it’s clear that vehicles are really being made to last well past their 5-year/50,000-mile warranties these days,” says Kristin Brocoff, director of corporate communications for CarMD.com Corporation.

The expenses associated with your teen’s vehicle don’t end with its price tag. Edmunds.com offers a tool called True Cost to Own (TCO®) that estimates a model’s buying, ownership and operating costs over a five-year period.

TCO factors in depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. Edmunds’ data team researches these expenses and plugs them into proprietary algorithms that forecast five years of total ownership cost.

Ten Best Cars for Teens
Midsize sedans earn the highest recommendation for parents seeking the safest transportation for their teen drivers. The 2009-’13 models listed below all offer top crash test scores and low TCO. And all used models appear on CarMD’s Vehicle Health Index, which means they rank among the top 10 percent of all vehicles on the road when it comes to dependability. All the Volkswagens on this list can be found at your Volkswagen Tucson dealer today. Check out other Chapman dealers for any of the other brands listed.

2009 Honda Accord

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

2010 Volkswagen Jetta

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Honda Accord

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Today buying a car can lead to many questions and confusion, especially with how different the buying and leasing experience can be. Typically, if you were to purchase a new car than you would make a down payment and finance the remaining cost. At the end of the term you would than own that car. Leasing on the other hand is much like renting, with your payment going towards the car’s depreciation value. If the lease includes a purchase option, you have the ability to buy the car at the end of the defined lease period. But which option is better? That depends on the person’s needs and specific situation. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to both:

Leasing Disadvantages

With leasing equity is never gained on the car. Even if the car was to be bought at the end of the contract, it would cost more than if it had just been bought outright in the first place.

Leases are also restrictive. If the yearly mileage limit is exceeded there is fine. The car also must be taken excellent car of, any nicks or dings, cost a wear and tear fee. Also it is difficult to get out of a lease early if driving needs or financial circumstances change.

Leasing Advantages

In the short-term leasing can be advantageous. The monthly payments on a leased car are usually a lot smaller than that of a loan, even if opting for a luxury model. The down payment usually works out to be less as well. A typical lease is about three years so most repairs are covered by factory warranty. Sales tax is cheaper and you only pay it on the financed portion. There is also the benefit of being able to drive a new car every few years, and the benefit of never having to hassle with selling it.

If leasing, be sure to check out some of the great Volkswagen Tucson deals such as: a 36-month lease on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan S for only $137/month, or a 36-month lease on a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L for only $179/month, or finally a 36-month lease on a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan S for $212/month.

Buying Disadvantages

Down payments can cost a substantial amount of money. Monthly payments are usually much higher than that of a leased car and once your warranty expires, maintenance costs can be sizeable as well. Trading or selling is much more of a process and as an overall investment new cars depreciate in value, essentially costing the buyer money.

Buying Advantages
When buying a car the car becomes a possession. It is now free to be customized and driven however anyone would like, penalty-free. Rather than having infinite payments, there is a finish line, and eventually the car will be paid off. If chosen to, the car can be sold at any time and there is no contract tying the consumer to the car.

If you are considering buying, some great new VW Tucson deals include: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta for only $16,749, or a 2012 Volkswagen GLI Autobahn for $26,799, or finally a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L for only $19,983.