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VW Infotainment and Safety Features You'll Love This Year

All the Bells and Whistles You Can Look Forward to in a New Volkswagen Car Those who are currently shopping for a new Volkswagen SUV or sedan already know that there is no shortage of options in the VW lineup. The game-changing all-electric 2023 VW ID.4 is primed to make another splash this year in the EV market. The VW Atlas remains one of the top-selling new Volkswagen SUVs in its class. As far as new Volkswagen cars go, the VW Golf R and the Golf GTI will continue their dominance in the hot hatchback category. When considering a new VW vehicle, attributes like performance, fuel economy, and storage all play a factor. However, two things that can’t be overlooked are the infotainment and safety features. One elevates the quality of your drives while the other delivers a sense of security whenever you get behind the wheel. After doing a deep dive on the infotainment and safety features from VW, we’ll provide you with the info you need to locate new Volkswagen cars and SUVs at Volkswagen Clear Lake in Houston. Getting to Know the Infotainment Package From VW VW drivers are in for a treat when it comes to infotainment features. Perhaps the biggest standout of them all is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Display, which is a high-definition display that can be customized to show fuel economy, navigation directions, speed, and several other metrics just beyond the steering wheel. The illuminated display comes in handy during night driving and low light situations. Also included on late model year VW vehicles is an advanced voice recognition system known as ID.Light. First featured in the VW ID.4, the ID.Light is the Volkswagen version of a personal voice assistant, similar to Siri or Alexa. Drivers can ask it to make phone calls, provide directions, adjust the climate in the cabin, and other tasks. Another big step for VW in the features department is the integration of touchscreen displays into the central console. All those clunky knobs and buttons used for cabin features have been cleanly consolidated into a digital format with supersized menu tiles. Drivers can adjust the ambient lighting, call for roadside assistance, or cue up their favorite playlist with just a touch of a digitized button. Finally, every new Volkswagen car and SUV comes with App-Connect, which allows drivers to access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This smartphone integration technology allows drivers to select their favorite smartphone apps that appear on the vehicle’s digital touchscreen, including streaming services, personal contacts, and messaging. App-Connect enables you to have all the best parts of your phone available to you while delivering a hands-free experience. Check out these great features in person by scheduling a test drive at Volkswagen Clear Lake today. Get 360 Protection with Volkswagen Safety Features VW has really stepped up their commitment to safety with the integration of intelligent driver assistance and safety features. IQ.DRIVE is a suite of driver assistance technology features that use an advanced system of sensors and cameras to survey the perimeter of your VW for potential hazards. Audio/visual warnings give drivers a heads-up when there’s a car in the vehicle’s blind spot or changing lanes isn’t safe. IQ.DRIVE also features adaptive cruise control, which makes long highway drives far more tolerable. Drivers will also get other helpful assistive features such as park distance control, dynamic road sign display, area view, and park assist with memory parking. No matter which new Volkswagen car you go with, you’ll have a slew of intelligent bells and whistles keeping you aware of your surroundings and helping you maneuver into tricky parking spaces. If you want the best of the best in terms of safety, then look no further than the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks. These are the vehicles that scored the highest when put through a series of crash tests. The top picks of 2023 from the VW brand include: Volkswagen Golf GTI Volkswagen Golf R Volkswagen Arteon Volkswagen Tiguan Volkswagen ID.4 How to Buy a Volkswagen Car or SUV in Houston Now that you’re more familiar with the amazing infotainment and safety features included in VW vehicles, the next step is to see one for yourself and schedule a test drive. That’s the only way to know for sure if a Volkswagen vehicle is the right fit for you and your driving style. Fortunately, our local Volkswagen dealership in Houston carries a wide array of late model year and used VW vehicles. We also carry certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection to ensure they’re up to our rigorous standards of quality here at VW. Contact the team at VW Clear Lake to schedule a test drive or to learn more about any of our vehicles. We’re located at 15100 Gulf Fwy. in Houston. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, call (832) 432-7969 or send us a message using our contact form.

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The Top 3 VW Vehicles That'll Save You Gas Money in 2023

Comparing the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs from Volkswagen Although the situation isn’t nearly as bad as it was last year, the fact remains that gas prices have yet to go back down to 2020 levels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average retail cost for a gallon of gas at the end of Q1 2020 was just a shade over two dollars. The current cost of gasoline has prompted many consumers to reassess their priorities when it comes to shopping for new vehicles. Cost of ownership and fuel economy are top of mind when weighing the options. To provide some assistance, we’re breaking down the top three Volkswagen vehicles that will save you at the pump. We’ll also provide some info on what makes each vehicle distinct and how to schedule a test drive. #1 – VW Electric Vehicles Considering that electric vehicles don’t require gas, many folks look at EVs as a loophole to avoiding the fuel issue entirely. The new electric VW ID.4 SUV Pro model can drive up to 275 miles on a single charge. Naturally, this begs the question, “How much is it going to cost to charge the VW ID.4?” Kelley Blue Book reports that the average electric vehicle owner (who drives ~12,700 per year) pays roughly $56 per month to charge their vehicles at home. However, it’s important to note that VW electric vehicles come with unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions via Electrify America. Another major perk of the 2023 VW ID.4 is that it is now manufactured domestically in Chattanooga, TN. This means the vehicle officially qualifies for the EV tax credit, which offers additional savings to drivers. Bottom line: VW ID.4 owners never have to worry about gas again and won’t have to think about charging costs until 2026. #2 – 2023 VW Jetta For those who wish to stick with a traditional vehicle that uses a combustion engine, the VW Jetta remains the most fuel-efficient sedan in the Volkswagen catalog of vehicles. Drivers will get up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway, which makes this a great vehicle for cross-country driving. Further, it has a starting MSRP of $20,655, which officially makes it the most affordable 2023 model VW the automaker carries. It's also worth noting that this year’s Jetta was named a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle, scoring high in the areas of usability, noise, ride, braking, transmission, fuel economy, and overall score. #3 – 2023 VW Taos The VW Taos is the SUV for the driver who wants the fuel economy and handling of a sedan, but also needs the storage of an SUV. It is the lone sub-compact SUV in the VW lineup, which means it’s light on curb weight and bulk. This results in a fuel economy of 28 mpg city/36 mpg gallon highway. With a starting MSRP of $24,155, the VW Taos is the most affordable SUV that Volkswagen offers. It was also named “Best City SUV” in Parents Best Family Cars shopping guide. Breaking Down the Carefree Coverage Warranty Vehicle price and fuel-economy are two components that factor into total cost of ownership. Another factor that is sometimes overlooked is the cost of vehicle maintenance and service. According to recent statistics, the average cost of maintenance for a Volkswagen vehicle is approximately $676 per year. However, that figure doesn’t factor in how Carefree Coverage from Volkswagen offsets those costs. Carefree Coverage is the warranty package that is included with late model VW electric vehicles and traditional vehicles. Drivers will get two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance and a four-year or 50,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty. This is important to be mindful of when comparing vehicles and their cost of ownership to other brands. Arranging an In-Person Comparison of VW Vehicles at a Volkswagen Dealership To further explore your options in fuel-efficient vehicles, arranging an in-person comparison is the appropriate next step. That’s the best way to see how VW electric vehicles stack up against traditional ones using a combustion engine. Further, you’ll be able to test drive the VW ID.4, the VW Taos, and the VW Jetta, which will give you a better idea of how they handle on the road. You can visit Volkswagen Clear Lake at 15100 Gulf Fwy. in Houston. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (832) 432-7969 or send us a message directly using our contact form.

volkswagen id.4

Overview of the Brand-New 2023 VW ID.4

What to Know About This Brand-New EV From Volkswagen If you’ve been researching 2023 model year vehicles or electric vehicles, then you’ve likely come across the ID.4 from Volkswagen. It is the flagship electric vehicle from the German automaker, which is now manufactured domestically in Chattanooga, TN. Being made in America officially qualifies the 2023 VW ID.4 for the electric vehicle tax credit, which has motivated many shoppers to learn more about the vehicle and any other perks it may be hiding. In this VW ID.4 review, we break down the most critical information for the 2023 model along with where to take a test drive. VW ID.4 Range Driving range is always top-of-mind for most car shoppers. In the case of the 2023 VW ID.4, drivers have several trim options to choose from, each with its own range. For instance, the VW ID.4 standard trim has an estimated range of 209 miles on a single charge. Step it up one level to the ID.4 Pro model, and the range balloons to 275 miles. Prefer the middle ground, Choose a trim that falls in the middle with a 255-mile range. Although the entry-level VW ID.4 clocks in at under $40,000 MSRP, it’s worth considering paying a little more for a higher trim purely for the sake of having the additional range. However, regardless of trim, every 2023 VW ID.4 comes with unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions for the first three years of ownership at Electrify America. VW ID.4 Performance From a performance standpoint, the VW ID.4 holds up in the category of EV SUVs. The Pro model can go from zero to sixty in 5.7 seconds. The highest performing trim levels provide drivers with up to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. In terms of storage, drivers will have 30.3 cubic feet of cargo volume to work with. However, that volume is more than doubled simply by folding the back seats down. Maxing out at 64.2 cubic feet, the VW ID.4 can hold plenty of camping equipment and other large capacity gear. VW ID.4 Reliability, Features, and Warranty The 2023 VW ID.4 offers plenty in terms of range and performance, but that doesn’t paint the full picture in terms of reliability. To do that, we must take a look at the warranty and safety rating of this electric vehicle. In terms of warranty, Volkswagen is sticking with its Carefree Coverage package that’s included on all late model vehicles. It includes two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance that’s recommended by the manufacturer. It also includes a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). In the event that you get stranded on the side of a road with a flat or other issue, Carefree Coverage also includes three years of roadside assistance. It's also worth noting that the 2023 VW ID.4 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, having scored high in six crashworthiness tests. Additionally, the ID.4 includes a repertoire of intelligent driver assistance features and safety features. IQ.DRIVE – a suite of safety features that are specific to the VW brand – will keep drivers on high alert for any unseen hazards that may pose an issue via its advanced series of sensors and cameras. Further, the recently revamped myVW app provides drivers an enhanced mobile experience when connecting with their vehicle. It features remote commands for charging and climate control. myVW also handles roadside assistance requests, service reminders, and maintenance schedules. Collectively, the VW ID.4 does well in terms of making drivers feel safe when behind the wheel. Carefree Coverage ensures the vehicle is correctly maintained and covered should it encounter any unforeseen issues. How to Learn More About the 2023 VW ID.4 The 2023 VW ID.4 is now available at most Volkswagen dealerships throughout the country. However, not all dealerships carry every trim level. If there is a specific trim level of the VW ID.4 you’d like to see, you can either contact your local dealership about it, or build and reserve it through the Volkswagen website. The build and reserve process is the only way to ensure that the 2023 VW ID.4 is built to your exact specifications, including trim, color, and optional features. To learn more or to take a test drive, you should contact your local VW dealership.

vw id buzz

VW ID. Buzz Scoring Top Marks in Safety

And Where to Find a Volkswagen Electric Vehicle Near You in Houston On the heels of the success of the Volkswagen ID.4, the automaker has piqued the interest of reviewers and drivers alike for their upcoming sophomore effort. Considering that the VW ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and was named one of Wards 10 Best User Experiences, the bar is set rather high for the next Volkswagen electric vehicle. There are actually a few VW electric vehicles in the pipeline, but the one that is closest to a domestic release is an electrified update of the classic Microbus – the VW ID. Buzz. It’s a futuristic spin on the family van, and it’s already making an impression as one of the highest-scoring vehicles in the safety category. Once we break down the latest news about the VW ID. Buzz, we’ll cover the best way to find a VW electric vehicle near you and how to arrange a test drive. The VW ID. Buzz – A Top-Ranked Safety Pick According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were over 35,000 crashes in 2020 that resulted in fatalities. This type of data lets automakers know that drivers need advanced safety features and vehicles that are more resilient to crashes to mitigate loss of life and better protect drivers. The designers and engineers at VW are clearly taking the safety issue to heart since the VW ID. Buzz has one of the most comprehensive safety feature packages yet. In addition to having top-of-the-line accident-avoidance technology, the VW ID. Buzz received high ratings in the areas of occupant protection and collision testing from the European New Car Assessment Programme. Some of the top accident-avoidance and smart safety features on the VW ID. Buzz include: Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Active blind spot monitor Adaptive cruise control Lane assist Travel assist Front assist Emergency assist The feature package, collision response, and overall construction of the VW ID. Buzz earned it a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. The new VW will be one of the safest vehicles to ever roll off the Volkswagen factory line. Finding a Volkswagen ID. Buzz for Sale Near You For those that have a large family dynamic and are finally ready to switch over to electric, the VW ID. Buzz is primed to revolutionize the van market in a big way. However, you won’t be able to find a VW ID. Buzz near you for about another year. As it stands, the plan is that Volkswagen will officially unveil the vehicle in 2023 with pre-order sales to start in 2024. Once the VW ID. Buzz is unveiled, we’ll know a lot more about its key performance specs, feature package, trim levels, and pricing. Until then, the VW ID.4 will remain the resident Volkswagen electric car on our showroom floor. Looking for a New VW? Visit VW Clear Lake in Houston! Now that you know a little more about what’s in the pipeline for VW electric vehicles, the next step is to find the perfect VW for you to kick off the new year. In addition to the award-winning all-electric VW ID.4, VW Clear Lake carries a wide variety of sedans and SUVs. We have the fuel-efficient VW Jetta, the all-new VW Taos, and the supersized VW Atlas. It’s also worth noting that all new model VW vehicles come with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. It breaks down as follows: 2 yrs. Service - Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles) 3 yrs. Help - Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles) 4 yrs. Coverage - New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles) 5 yrs. Access - myVW Remote Access Not yet in the market for a new car? How about a used car instead? As the leading VW dealership in the Houston area, VW Clear Lake carries a variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, you can find more great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. If you need help securing an auto loan, visit the VW finance center section of our site to learn more about getting approved for a vehicle purchase. VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to drop by to take a test drive and see all the great new and used VW vehicles we have in stock. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

vw travel concept

A Look at the Volkswagen Travel Concept

And Where to Find Great Vehicles at Your Local Volkswagen Dealership in Houston Not to pour salt on any wounds, but dealing with the airlines over the holiday is an experience that people won’t soon forget. Those that simply had their flights delayed were considered the lucky ones. For others, flights were outright canceled with no option to book another same-day flight. People wound up getting marooned in strange cities, sleeping in airports, and having their luggage misplaced. Granted, holiday travel is a bit of a crapshoot where Murphy’s Law is in full effect. People are aware that things can go wrong, but they risk it anyway because flying is the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Beyond the speed factor, flying commercial can feel like an airborne cattle drive. It’s not comfortable. It’s stress inducing. And it’s not exactly cheap. So, we’ve illustrated the problem. What exactly is the solution? For those that can’t afford to pony up the dough to fly private and families who cringe at the idea of traveling by bus, Volkswagen has something in the pipeline that may appeal to those who are looking for alternatives. Let’s get to know a little bit more about the Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept. Autonomous Driving for Hands-Off Travel Every car should be capable of long-distance travel, but very few are designed and engineered specifically for that purpose. The Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept happens to be one of the few vehicles aiming to steal some of the frequent flier crowd. VW is marketing the Gen.Travel as an autonomous taxi that runs on an all-electric drivetrain. However, the design of the vehicle gives off less of a taxi vibe and more of a spaceship on wheels demeanor. It’s futuristic, but it’s also quirky and unique all throughout the exterior. There are literally no other vehicles on the market that it can be compared to. Design-wise, the Gen.Travel breaks the mold. But where the Gen.Travel scores big points is with its interior, which has multiple configuration options and plenty of headroom. Passengers can arrange the interior to mimic a small conference area or fold the seats down flat for a mobile nap. Ambient lighting combined with the quiet of engineless travel should make drifting off easy (easier than trying to sleep upright on a plane, anyway). Naturally, when discussing the topic of autonomous travel, a couple questions come to mind. First, how far can the Gen.Travel go before it needs to be charged? Second, how safe is it? Regarding mileage, nothing is official quite yet. However, industry experts estimate that the Gen.Travel will go for at least 300 miles before it needs a charge. If you’re departing from Houston, you should be able to make it to Texarkana with mileage to spare. As far as safety goes, the Volkswagen Gen.Travel will be equipped with Level 5 autonomous driving technology, which is the highest level that VW offers on self-driving cars. By the time the Gen.Travel hits the market, the autonomous driving technology should be about as close to perfect as it can get. However, considering that the Gen.Travel is still in the concept phase and uses technology that merits extensive testing, it’ll be a while yet before it arrives at a Volkswagen dealership near you. The good news is that your local Volkswagen dealership in Houston has plenty of cars and SUVs that are great for cross-country travel. Looking for a New or Used Vehicle? Visit You Local Volkswagen Dealership at VW Clear Lake! If you’re looking for your next cross-country road trip vehicle or a reliable daily driver, the good news is that your local Volkswagen dealership in Houston has you covered on both accounts. We have the fuel-economic VW Jetta, the super spacious VW Atlas, and the all-electric award-winning VW ID.4. You can test drive any of these vehicles simply by paying VW Clear Lake a visit. Once you identify the right Volkswagen for you, the VW financial services department will work with you to secure a loan with reasonable payment terms that work for your budget. If you’re not yet in the market for a new car, VW Clear Lake carries a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, our dealership is always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive any of our new or used vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

vw id4 software update

What to Expect from the 2021-2022 VW ID.4 Software Update

And Where to Find the New Volkswagen ID.4 for Sale We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where vehicles can be upgraded and modified after the original purchase date. For most, that means aftermarket products such as custom sound systems and tinted windows. However, now that many of the instruments in modern cars are digital, that means software package updates are becoming more and more common. For current owners of the 2021-2022 model year VW ID.4, you’ll be pleased to know that the long-awaited software update is being rolled out. The software update will address some frequently reported issues, update features, and improve the user experience of driving the Volkswagen electric SUV. What’s Changing About the VW ID.4? Here’s What to Expect Before detailing what the software update will change, there are a couple things VW ID.4 owners need to know. First, the software update only applies to owners of the 2021-2022 model years. Those with a 2023 model VW ID.4 already have the most recent software. Second, the software update must be done in person, which means you’ll need to go to a Volkswagen dealership near you. If your local dealership hasn’t contacted you yet about making an appointment, that should be happening soon. Here's what VW ID.4 owners can expect with the software update: The Electrify America EV charging stations map will be updated to reflect the current network. This will make it easier to find charging stations while driving. On a related note, a charge routing feature will be added to VW ID.4’s navigation system, which makes the search process easier and more precise. The software update will add a new feature to the VW ID.4 known as Auto Hold. Once you bring your vehicle to a complete stop, you will be able to take your foot off the brake and Auto Hold will keep your ID.4 from rolling forward. You can choose to deactivate this feature if it doesn’t benefit you. The ID.Cockpit digital display will show more information once the software update has been made. Drivers will be able to see remaining range, percentage of battery, current drive mode (Eco, Sport, Traction, Comfort, or Custom). A trip computer will also be added in. Finally, the software update will make security improvements, fix minor bugs, and improve the performance and user experience of the infotainment system. Not Yet a VW ID.4 Owner? Find a Volkswagen ID.4 for Sale Near You Today! The Pro model of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 for sale gets up to 275 miles on a single charge and provides drivers with up to 339 lb-ft of torque and 295 horsepower. With a starting MSRP of just $38,995, the VW ID.4 is one of the most competitively priced vehicles in its class. Further, new guests can take advantage of a new $7500 lease credit on the ID.4 at Volkswagen Clear Lake. This huge discount is a big help to customers who are ready to go electric. The best way to find a VW electric SUV near you to test drive is by contacting your local Volkswagen dealer – VW Clear Lake. Once you get behind the wheel of the VW ID.4, you’ll see firsthand why it was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. The VW ID.4 also comes with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. It consists of a suite of coverages and services that will keep you brand-new ID.4 in pristine condition. It includes: 2 yrs. Service - Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles) 3 yrs. Help - Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles) 4 yrs. Coverage - New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles) 5 yrs. Access - myVW Remote Access The team at VW Clear Lake is committed to helping drivers get the vehicles that they want. For those that need help with vehicle financing, the VW financial services department of our dealership is happy to help you secure a loan with the lowest car interest rate possible. Other Great VW Options and Specials Not yet in the market for a Volkswagen electric SUV? No problem! As the leading Volkswagen dealership near you in Houston, we carry a wide variety of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Bargain hunters are encouraged to check out our specials section to save even more money on their new or used VW purchase. The VW Clear Lake dealership is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive the VW ID.4 or one of our many other amazing vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

volkswagen golf anniversary edition 2022

How VW is Celebrating the VW Golf R for Its 20th Anniversary

And Where to Find VW Hatchbacks When Shopping or New Cars for Sale in Houston The Volkswagen Golf R is literally one of the most thrilling hatchbacks to ever be released. Known for its slick and speedy style, this vehicle practically invented the concept of the modern day “whip.” It can zip off the starting line at the drop of a hat and handle any hairpin turn you throw in front of it. It's a racecar disguised as a compact daily driver. Outfitted with a 2.0L turbo-four engine, the VW Golf R yields 295 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 315 horsepower. For the total race car experience, drivers can get it outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, it comes with torque vectoring 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, which means you’ll have complete control over the vehicle, even during inclement weather. The VW Golf R has been designed from tip to tail to handle whatever the world throws at it. If you're currently shopping for new cars for sale in Houston, you can't go wrong with either the VW Golf R or the VW Golf GTI. Both have reigned supreme in the speedy hatchback category, although the VW Golf R holds a bit of an edge when it comes to performance. What to Expect From the 20th Anniversary Edition of the VW Golf R The engineers and designers at Volkswagen have created something truly special to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the game-changing VW Golf R. It will be something of a collector’s item among automobile enthusiasts. Hein Schafer, senior VP of product marketing and strategy, remarked, “Twenty years is a significant milestone for the R performance brand of models, and we’re excited to share in a global celebration of two decades of R32 and Golf R heritage. Being the first official worldwide special model for the Golf R, it was important to include our North American Volkswagen performance hatch enthusiasts in this birthday party for the Golf R brand.” The VW Golf R special edition will be available in both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission version. It will include signature blue “R” badging on the key fob, steering wheel, and exterior to differentiate it from the standard Golf R. It will also feature glossy 19-inch black wheels, a deleted sunroof (to trim weight and lower the center of gravity), and genuine carbon fiber interior décor. The 20th anniversary edition of the Golf R further builds upon the established reputation of the standard Golf R. It utilizes an advanced MQB chassis (a VW exclusive) and turbocharged 315-horsepower EA888 evo4 TSI® engine, which makes this one of the speediest hatchbacks ever assembled. Drivers will be able to choose from three different colors: Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Lapiz Blue. It is being estimated that the 20th anniversary edition of the VW Golf R will go on sale in Q2 of 2023. The manual transmission model will have a starting MSRP of $44,940 while the 7-speed DSG version will run $45,740. The big hurdle for aspiring buyers is that only 1,800 units of this vehicle will be made. For drivers that want a fighting chance at getting one, it’s recommended to try and go the pre-order route. You can do that by contacting the team at VW Clear Lake. Shopping for New Cars for Sale in Houston? Visit VW Clear Lake! If you’re looking for a Volkswagen dealership near you, the good news is that VW Clear Lake is conveniently located in Houston and fully-stocked with all the top-selling VW SUVs, compacts, and sedans. We carry the VW Golf GTI, the economic VW Jetta, and the supersized VW Atlas, just to name a few. Not in the market for a new car? No problem! As the leading Volkswagen dealership near you in the Houston area, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. You can also find more great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. Need help with vehicle financing? The team at VW Clear Lake has you covered. Simply visit the financing section of our website to get started on your pre-approval. VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website. If you are a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service, feel free to contact the VW service center to make an appointment.

VW keys and remote start

The Evolution of the Car Key

And Where to Test Drive Late Model VW Vehicles at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer Think about the first cell phone you ever owned. Was it the Nokia 3310? Y’know, the one with Snake on it. Or maybe you had the Motorola RAZR, which was easily the most popular of all the clam style phones. Regardless of where you started, you must agree that technology has advanced by leaps and bounds since those days when phones had no internet and could barely take a decent picture. Everything these days is sleeker, faster, and more user-friendly than it was twenty years ago. This can be said for computers, TVs, how we play home video, and even small things like car keys. The car key has come a long way over the decades. To give you a little history lesson, here is how the car key has evolved over the years. It all started about eighty years ago… The 1940s The traditional metal key was introduced in the late 1940s. At that point in time, most cars required two different keys; one for the ignition and one for the door locks. The metal key design would remain firmly in place for some decades, gradually being refined and slimmed down. 1950s – 1970s Volkswagen designed thirteen different key profiles – also known as blanks – for their offering of vehicles. Each profile was uniquely designed and had a different two letter code that corresponded with its specific vehicle lock. The two-letter code would also appear on the vehicle; however, it was usually placed somewhere where most drivers wouldn’t notice it. The 1990s A big step happened in the 1990s towards what we now know as the modern car key with the introduction of the remote keyless entry fob. This is the key that most of us use in the current day. It works by sending out a coded radio signal to your vehicle giving it the command to lock/unlock doors in addition to being used to turn on the ignition. It wouldn’t be long after the fob was introduced that a couple more features would appear in the form of keyless trunk entry and alarm system activation/deactivation. To further innovate the fob, a switchblade version was introduced in Germany that caught mass appeal. Drivers loved the clever design and distinct popping motion of the key. Both the GTI and the most recent iteration of the VW Beetle used the switchblade fob. The Millennium The fob key would see its next advancement in the early 2000s by evolving into the smart key. This key featured no traditional metal key, but rather, a distinct signal sent from the key to the car’s ignition that started the car. However, many variations of the smart key featured a back-up metal key hidden on the inside where the battery is housed. Current Day The modern car key has evolved so much over the years that now we’re at the point where we don’t technically need them anymore. In fact, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. 4 utilizes keyless entry technology so that drivers can access their vehicles using the Volkswagen Car-Net app on their smartphones. The app can also control the vehicle’s climate and provide an at-a-glance look at current battery health. The evolution of the cell phone and the car key finally advanced far enough where they essentially became one in the same. Accessing your VW has never been easier or more convenient. Ready to Step into the Future? Contact Your Local Volkswagen Dealer at VW Clear Lake Now that you know the evolution of the car key, it’s time for you to see firsthand the evolution of some of our cars. We have plenty of models of Volkswagen for sale in the compact, sedan, and SUV categories, including our World Car of the Year Award-winner – the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. VW Clear Lake is the most trusted new car dealership in the Houston area. If you’re not in the market for a new car right now, we also have plenty of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection and are ready for test driving. Don’t forget to check out our specials for other great deals on VW vehicles and services. The VW Clear Lake dealership is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Additionally, if you are a current VW owner in need of maintenance, our VW service center is located at our dealership. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

Why the new 2020 Tiguan Stands Out from All Other Compact SUVs

What is the best Compact SUV? Not only is the crossover segment the largest in the US as nearly 1 in every 4 cars sold is a compact crossover, totaling 4.1 million in annual sales in 2019; there are also more compact SUV’s to choose from than any other type of car, 43 different models in fact. Crossovers are popular for a number of reasons. They are comfortable, safe, spacious, and versatile — in other words, the perfect vehicle for a young family, active adults, commuting professional, and retired couples who want just the perfect amount of space. One crossover checks all of the boxes for the best compact SUV in its class is the new Volkswagen Tiguan. Cars.com named the Volkswagen Tiguan as its “Best Compact SUV of 2019”, beating out six other contenders on its way to clinching the coveted award. “The Tiguan returns as champion of the challenge based on the strength of how it drives while giving up nothing in roominess, media, safety tech and cabin comfort for it,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman. “The Tiguan has become one of our most popular vehicles for our dealership group,” says Jeff Davis, General Manager at Volkswagen Clear Lake and Volkswagen Cypress. “It’s a good size for a growing family, has plenty of horsepower and incredible tech — all at the right price.” Here are a few reasons the new 2020 Tiguan stands out from the crowd: The 2020 Tiguan has Wi-Fi and upgraded safety features What’s new for 2020? According to Volkswagen, all the 2020 Tiguan models will be equipped with Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. These features have become in very high-demand at Volkswagen Clear Lake. “Have you ever been caught off guard while following behind another car and they stop suddenly?” says Davis. “The new 2020 Tiguan will automatically brake and give you a forward-collision alert now. Plus the 2020 Tiguan has blind-spot warning system like the new Atlas and Passat models. We’re really excited about these enhancements and know our customers are going to appreciate them.” In fact, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was just recognized as a Top Safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Further, the new 2020 Tiguan models will be equipped with the next-generation Car-Net telematics system, as well as in-car Wi-Fi capability. Wireless charging is available, starting on the SE trim. In addition to great safety technology, the Tiguan is also available with Volkswagen’s robust 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, making driving in variable conditions not only easier but much safer. These safety features coupled with four different drive modes (including one specifically for driving in extreme rain), the Tiguan is one of the safest places to be. 2020 Tiguan Interior Comfort and Safety Features Tiguan offers excellent versatility, including an optional 3rd row One of the primary ways the Tiguan stands out from the other crossovers in its class is its optional 3rd row, which is very rare for a compact SUV. The 2020 Tiguan has a seating capacity of 7, unlike any of its rivals. The 2020 Tiguan has an optional 3rd row, which is extremely rare for a compact SUV, it also starts at a lower price than the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V, has more torque, and has a better warranty (4 years/ 50,000 miles), not to mention a seating capacity of 7. Houston drivers will love the new Tiguan because it has been designed specifically for them.“We redesigned the Tiguan from the ground up last year to meet the needs of American drivers and their families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. Being designed for young families makes the Tiguan stand out in the crowded field of the crossover segment, especially considering its available third row. Not many crossovers in the compact segment have a third-row option, making their versatility limited for prospective buyers. However, with the optional fold-flat third row and flexible interior (three different folding options for the second row), the Tiguan offers interior space that the competition can’t. Additionally, Cars.com ranks the Tiguan as one of the 13 best cars for child seats, noting ample space and ease of installation make the Tiguan an easy choice for families with small children. 2020 Tiguan re-launches complimentary maintenance and great warranty New this year, Volkswagen is offering two years of complimentary maintenance on all 2020 models. “I have personally been part of many discussions with Volkswagen encouraging them to bring back the Carefree Maintenance program,” says Davis, “so I am very pleased they are bringing it back to our customers starting in 2020!” New 2020 models, including the Tiguan, will come with the two year, 24,000-mile maintenance program which covers regularly scheduled service at no cost. Plus all 2020 Volkswagen models come with a 4 year / 50,000 mile warranty, beating out most of the other crossovers in its class. The 2020 Tiguan has a better warranty than the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Rav4, Mazda CX-5 … the last goes on and on. Tiguan offers comfort and convenience features galore - at lower starting price The Tiguan is perfect for Houston drivers and families because it comes in so many different trim packages, perfectly customizable to different situations and needs. The base “S” trim Tiguan starts at a very reasonable MSRP of $25,000, with dealer discounts at Volkswagen Cypress and Volkswagen Clear Lake bringing it more like $22,000. Above that comes the SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line. According to Car and Driver, “Choosing a Tiguan trim is only about features and convenience equipment; they’re all powered by the same 184-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. We suggest stepping up to at least the SE model, which adds a larger 8.0-inch infotainment system, keyless access, and leatherette seats that are heated and powered.” The jump from SE to SEL is a significant one, adding about $5,000, but all the extra features it adds, including adaptive cruise, a panoramic sunroof, remote start, power liftgate, and larger 18-inch wheels, may be worth it to you. Adding all-wheel drive, which is available on any trim, adds roughly $1,500, but makes the third row optional. If you’re in the business of hauling kids, we’d spend the extra $600 to make the Tiguan a seven-seater. The Tiguan SEL model adds upscale features like a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The SEL Premium R-Line adds a new heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels. With the features, space, versatility, and warranty, the Tiguan is an exceptional value. If you’re a young family looking for the perfect vehicle to get you started, a professional wanting a great compact SUV to support your lifestyle, or a retired couple wanting the safety features you deserve, then the Volkswagen Tiguan is the obvious choice. Check out the vast inventory of Tiguan SUV’s at our two convenient locations: Volkswagen Clear Lake or Volkswagen Cypress.

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