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Follow “VW Rule the Road” on Instagram “For the 2018 Tiguan SUV launch, we wanted to engage our fans in a way that’s never been done before,” said Jennifer Clayton, Director of Marketing Communications and Media at Volkswagen USA. “To create something both technically and creatively unique to the Instagram platform, we’ll engage users by inviting them to search for the Tiguan hidden within the tiles of the experience, where they may also find rewards and prizes.” Learn how to play VW Rule the Road contest here: For more information, visit www.VWRuletheRoad.com.

The all new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is the vehicle that Volkswagen hopes will please everyone. It features a third row for plenty of room, an efficient engine to help with fuel economy, can go off-road, and is affordable. If you are considering the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, you want to make sure it is the right vehicle for you. The Tiguan has been on the market since 2007 but the 2018 model is undergoing a lot of changes. Engine Upgrades The engine upgrades are possibly the most notable with the changes made to the vehicle. It features a 2.0 liter B-Cycle engine that is a EA888 direct injection, four-cylinder, and turbocharged engine. It is an engine that puts a focus on efficiency instead of performance. It has a fuel economy of a 1.4 or 1.5 liter engine which increases the miles per gallon by 8 percent when compared to other 2.0 liter engines. It is expected to get about 29 miles per gallon on the highway. With the added third row, it does lose some horsepower from the previous year but it has added torque. It has the ability to generate 184 horsepower and has 221 lb-ft of torque. There is only one engine choice in the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Under the hood is also an eight-speed automatic transmission to go with the engine. All Wheel Drive The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan will feature the fifth-generation all wheel drive system from the automaker. It is the same system that is in the Atlas and the Golf. The system features four different driving modes: On-Road, Off-Road, Custom Off-Road, and Snow. You can engage each of these easily within the cabin of the vehicle. You can even make your own settings using the custom driving mode. Additionally, within the On-Road option are other options for you to choose from including normal, eco, sport, and even more custom settings. All of these settings help with engine control, gearing, and steering depending on where you are driving. Technology and Safety Of course, safety is always a huge concern and technology makes a vehicle that much more fun to operate. You will find plenty of new additions within the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan to meet both of these needs. It features both Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist when you are on steep parts both on the road and off the road. There are LED daytime running headlights and taillights to make sure that you can see and be seen.To help you with better visibility, there is a rearview camera. Some of the other technologies and safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian monitoring, automatic post-collision braking, lane assist, rear traffic alert, park assist, and automatic dimming headlights. There are many different changes coming to the new model year of the TIguan and they are all designed to make it more desirable. If you would like to try it for yourself, be sure to come to our showroom today.

Volkswagen has a long history of innovation in vehicle design and functionality. The full-sized Atlas SUV is one of the most recent examples of the company’s eagerness to continue this tradition of excellence. The Atlas is perfect for a family thanks to its many family focused features. However, the technological advancements of the SUV also make it ideal for every driver, whether they have a large family or not. Design Elements: It is impossible to list all the design features of the Atlas in their entirety. The following are a few of the most notable: Remote Power Liftgate: This feature allows you to automatically unlock your Atlas and lift the hatch remotely. Hands-free Easy Open Power Liftgate: A simple kick of your foot under the back of the SUV is all it takes to open the hatch of your Atlas, provided you have the key in your pocket. Room For Three Child Seats We all know car seats take up an excessive amount of room. However, designers of the Atlas ensured that three child seats could all be installed side-by-side in the second row. Seventeen Cup Holders: Let that sink in for a minute. Seventeen cup holders! Imagine the amount of sippy cups and juice boxes the Atlas can handle. Ample Cargo Room: The back hatch of the Atlas opens to reveal a spacious cargo area. If you need more space than this, fold down the 3rd room for even more room. When you need to haul even more, fold down the second row as well. Designers made sure this is an easy endeavor. Technological Advancements: The following are some ways technology is incorporated into the Atlas’ design: Personalized Profiles: The Atlas can store up to seven different profiles. This means when a driver gets in to drive, the Atlas remembers their specific settings and preferences. High-End Entertainment: You can bring along your podcasts, soundtracks and favorite tunes with you when driving the Atlas. By inserting an SD card, you can connect compatible devices using the Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect. Safety Features: Above all else, we feel a good SUV must be safe. Thankfully, the Atlas fits the bill in this department as well. The following is more information on just some of the Atlas’ safety features: Safety Cage: Rear and front crumple zones that deflect away from the driver and passengers in an accident. High-Strength Steel: High-strength alloy steel is utilized in various exterior body panels, which adds to the Atlas’ sturdiness and safety. Post-Collision Braking System: In some collisions, the car won’t come to a complete stop. That’s where this system comes into play. It automatically stops the vehicle after a collision. This reduces the chance of additional impacts. Performance Another important aspect of any car is how it performs. The following are a few performance facts about the Atlas that you should know about: 4Motion: This is a feature on the Atlas that distributes power between the front and back wheels. This optimizes traction and stability. High Towing Capacity: When equipped, the Atlas has a 5,000-lb towing capacity and can easily tow trailers. Triptronic and Sport Mode: The Atlas has eight speeds, which enhances its efficiency and improves performance. Triptronic mode allows drivers to shift manually.

Volkswagen has taken another bold step forward by integrating state-of-the-art technology into its industry-leading vehicles. The race for the best-selling vehicle on the road has changed over the years. The promise of more horsepower, safety features, aerodynamics, off-road capabilities and fuel-efficiency have all been rally cries for manufacturers that their automobile is ahead of the pack. Today’s race to be the best is all about technology and Volkswagen has taken a giant lead by being the first to integrate Amazon’s Alexa into its vehicles. Some automobile systems designed this feature in a less than user-friendly fashion that requires a smartphone to install an Alexa app. Volkswagen jumped ahead of the field by putting a real-life Alexa directly into the info-entertainment system. Amazon’s Echo burst onto the world stage during the holiday gift-giving season and has been making headlines ever since. Its remarkable abilities and diverse functions are making it a must-have device. The personalized voice-command mini system plays music, looks up information, provides tailored news searches and sports updates, acts as an alarm clock and more. It can even be programmed to regulate your home temperature and manage the lights. Volkswagen has every intention of adding all of these AI capabilities. Drivers and passengers will be able to ask it questions, tap into playlists and the German car-maker will take those conveniences even further. Home-Auto Connection The next generation of Volkswagen owners will enjoy the ability to connect from their vehicle to their home-based Echo and command Alexa to turn on the lights and tweak the climate before pulling into the driveway. Think about the safety feature of having your exterior lights shining at night upon arrival. That super-connectedness will also run both ways and Volkswagen owners gain the ability to check on their car’s status while sitting on the sofa. Can’t remember if you locked the vehicle? Alexa can take care of that for you. From your own living room, you can connect to your Volkswagen in the driveway or garage and check how much gas is remaining in the tank. If you have an e-Golf, Alexa can tell you how much battery power the vehicle has available. You’ll be able to buy replacement windshield wipers while driving or sitting at home, as well as other auto-related parts and amenities. The device is aware of the exact make and model of your vehicle and is linked directly to Amazon. That makes it a one-stop, voice-command shopper. You won’t even need to swipe a credit card. Smart Navigation System Drivers will no longer need to use their hand-held phones or cumbersome navigation devices. In fact, Alexa outpaces other systems in several ways. You will be able to plot your course at home before ever entering the vehicle. The friendly AI helps find the best route and pauses the radio or other media to discuss directions and alternatives. Location-based reminders will also be integrated. Restaurants, coffee shops, outlets and other favorite places along the path can be conveniently noted by Alexa during travel. You won’t forget to pick up the dry cleaning or milk because Alexa will remind you. Of all the technological advancements being made in the auto industry today, welcoming Alexa into your Volkswagen will transform every owner’s driving experience exponentially.

With the introduction of the 2017 VW AllTrack, Volkswagen has made it clear. They’re serious about competing in the sporty all-wheel-drive, off-road-capable wagon category. The AllTrack is equipped for sporty, off-road driving. Features include the fourth-generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which is built for rugged terrain, and the AllTrack’s higher ground clearance and reinforced underbody make this a capable off-road machine. Simply put, the 2017 Volkswagen AllTrack is geared up to compete fiercely with the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek models. Interior Design: VW Elegance and Versatility With three available trims, including the S, SE and SEL, the AllTrack can be equipped to suit your tastes. The base model S is generously appointed, featuring leatherette seats, a 6.5 LCD display, rearview camera, and a variety of selectable driving modes. Overall, the interior’s design is both versatile and comfortable. As a five-door wagon, the AllTrack has the capacity to hold plenty of gear, with a max cargo volume of 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the extended wheelbase compared to the Golf delivers added legroom for the second-row passengers. Yet, the AllTrack also features a variety of innovative technology. The S (and all other versions) can be equipped with Volkswagen’s Driver Assistance package. This adds a variety of advanced active safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, emergency braking assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The DA package also includes parking sensors and parking assistance controls for auto parallel parking. Drivers can also stay connected in the cockpit. Through VW’s Car Net App Connect system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available for syncing your smartphone. This adds your favorite apps right onto the AllTrack’s touchscreen. With the SE, navigation, an expansive panoramic sunroof, power-sliding front seats, and dual zone climate control are additional features. Finally, SEL versions get innovative active safety systems like lane-departure warning, auto on/off high beams, and adaptive headlamps. Performance Specs: Turbocharged AWD Power The AllTrack is designed to deliver sporty and efficient driving, but has plenty of power for climbing hills in the back country. All models are equipped with VW’s EA888 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder. The engine delivers 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque (at 1,600 rpm). Both manual and VW’s Direct-shift gearbox (DSG) transmissions are available. 4Motion all-wheel-drive is standard on all versions. The advanced system is designed to transfer torque output, based on driving condition. On paved roads, torque is sent to the fronts, but on rugged terrain, up to 50 percent of torque can be transferred to the rear axle. The result is improved stability, and since it’s automated, it automatically adapts to changing road conditions. One difference over the SportWagen: The AllTrack is equipped with different Sport and Off-Road modes, which have been optimized for performance in rough terrain driving. Overall, the AllTrack provides efficient fuel economy: 22/30 MPG city/highway. Sleek Profile: The Alltrack's Exterior Outside, the AllTrack has a rugged, yet elegant, profile. Featuring a sloping wagon roofline, as well as increased ground clearance, the AllTrack has the stance of an off-road ready wagon. Yet, the exterior is yours to customize. With 7 available paint schemes and 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloys, you can configure the AllTrack to meet your specifications. Additional features like a roof rail system and a reinforced underbody are perfect options for weekend adventuring. Test drive the new AllTrack at Stone Mountain Volkswagen. Visit us today or schedule a test drive online now.

In September, Volkswagen revealed its new long-range electric car concept, and in terms of pricing and capabilities, it's light years ahead of anything projected to grace the market anytime soon. Volkswagen I.D. Dubbed the I.D., VW’s new electric concept vehicle is anticipated to cost under $30,000, which is cheaper than the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3. Reportedly, the I.D. will have much greater range, and it could travel up to 375 miles on just one charge, Volkswagen said before the Paris Motor Show unveiling. The only catch is: It won't be available for purchase until 2020, and there's no way to know how much headway competitors' electric cars will have made by then. Price Point Chevrolet’s Bolt goes on sale this month, and pricing starts at $37,500, before tax breaks. The Bolt has a range of 238 miles. Tesla’s Model 3 goes on sale late 2017 with prices starting at $35,000 and an operational range of 215 miles. Comparatively, the VW I.D. represents a serious threat to these brands. But before comparing these cars, it’s worth noting that there are different metrics by which to calculate the range of EVs, and it's unclear what method was used by VW. Because the I.D. lacks a heavy internal combustion engine, engineers were able to maximize the interior space. While the vehicle is roughly the same size as the VW Golf on the outside, inside it's as roomy as the mid-sized VW Passat, according to the company. The I.D. will come with ultra-thin blue tires and an illuminated VW insignia, which conveys an idea of what it’s projected TRON-like appearance. Executives at VW said it will cost about the same as a "fully-equipped Golf diesel." That puts its price at just under $30,000 USD. The I.D. won't be self-driving when it debuts, but it will possess all hardware needed to convert it into a fully autonomous vehicle; sensors, computers, fly by wire hardware and the like. When Will We See the I.D. The Volkswagen Group, which owns Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, has ambitious plans for the EV lines for all their companies and expects to roll out 20 electric\plug-in cars before the I.D. even hits the showroom. Volkswagen currently has two electric cars on offer, the e-Up and the e-Golf, both of which are available in gas and diesel powered versions. The I.D., however, was engineered as a strictly electric car. While the many ground-breaking technological features of the I.D. sound very exciting and futuristic, it’s still only a concept vehicle, even if the company sounds confident about its 2020 launch date. The autonomous driving system is an even farther off reality. So, it may be best to take all of this with a grain of salt and to see it not so much as a promise of what’s to come in 2020, but what will be possible by that time.

It’s been more than three years since Volkswagen introduced a new midsize SUV concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show, and now it looks like we’ll finally get to see it very soon. The yet-to-be-named SUV is scheduled to begin production in Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant late in 2016, for shipment to dealerships sometime in the spring of 2017. This is exciting news for Atlanta-area families, as this new SUV will be the first from Volkswagen with three rows of seats. It will also be the largest SUV made by VW, with dimensions that are both slightly longer and taller than the Touareg. What else is new and exciting to look forward to in this all-new SUV? Well, for one thing it’s likely to be the most advanced Volkswagen SUV yet, with more features, amenities and gadgets than are currently offered on any available VW model. Also, we can expect that it will include—at least as an option—Volkswagen’s MIB 2 infotainment system. This means smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot within the vehicle, rear seat entertainment system and more. Other things to look for in this new family-oriented SUV include: Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine choices With the current engines in the smaller Tiguan and Touareg SUVs being very powerful and fuel-efficient, it’s very likely that the new midsize SUV will also have a version of each as an available choice. With a little bit of tuning, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will probably deliver just over 200-horsepower, and the 3.6-liter V6 will get something around 290-horsepower. More headroom and a lot more cargo space Although it’s only slightly longer than the current Touareg, the new SUV will have a lot more space inside. That’s thanks to a number of factors, like a transverse-mounted engine that moves all seats forward, and a slightly higher roofline that gives more headroom to rear seat passengers. With seats folded, we expect a ton of room in the back. Easy Access to the Third Row Seat With an innovative design for tilting and sliding of the second row seats, access to the spacious third row will be surprisingly easy. That means the rear seats will be available for more than just the smallest members of your family. Also, something that moms and dads will both love—the second row can tilt with a car seat still firmly attached.... an unoccupied car seat, that is. A Wealth of Active and Advanced Safety Features With the current engines in the smaller Tiguan and Touareg SUVs being very powerful and fuel-efficient, it’s very likely that the new midsize SUV will also have a version of each as an available choice. With a little bit of tuning, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will probably deliver just over 200-horsepower, and the 3.6-liter V6 will get something around 290-horsepower. To learn more about the all-new Volkswagen midsize SUV coming in 2017, stop by and see us here at Stone Mountain Volkswagen. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on all developments in regards to this exciting new family SUV. And when it does show up at our dealership, you can be among the first to see and drive it.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce today that the new 2016 Volkswagen Passat has taken top honors in Cars.com’s Midsize Sedan Challenge. Put to the test against eight of the most popular 2016 models, the Passat won judges’ hearts with its spaciousness, safety, available VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology, and most of all, its fun-to-drive nature. To make it into the 2016 Midsize Sedan Challenge, each vehicle had to have an automatic transmission, have an EPA estimate of at least 28 mpg combined and have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $28,000. Vehicles were evaluated by a panel of expert judges and an Atlanta couple in the market for a new sedan on a 220-mile road course looking at overall ride, acceleration, handling, braking, features, cargo space, technology and more. Here's How They Ranked 2016 Volkswagen Passat “The Passat came in first place with both our expert judges and in-market shoppers,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief. “This midsize sedan is a refreshed version of the Passat that won Cars.com’s Best of 2012 award; it’s still tremendously roomy and for 2016 got a ton of tech upgrades like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. In addition to the roominess, tech and safety, the standout feature of the Passat is its driving ability. Everyone who drove it unanimously agreed, the Passat is plain old fun to drive.” 2016 Kia Optima 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2016 Honda Accord 2016 Subaru Legacy 2016 Toyota Camry 2016 Mazda6 2016 Nissan Altima “We are thrilled for the Passat to be named Best Midsize Sedan by Cars.com against such formidable competition,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President & CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “The Passat offers the perfect combination of sophisticated styling, outstanding App-Connect technology, and the great driving dynamics that Volkswagen is known for, making it an outstanding consumer value.” Midsize sedans are the best-selling car segment in the U.S., but according to Olsen, “For years, this segment really blended together with unimpressive features, a mediocre ride and generic design. Today’s midsize sedans are of an entirely different breed with impressive technology, driving ability and sleek design.” Overall, the 2016 Passat features a winning combination of interior and exterior design, technology, available driver assistance systems, and a powerful and highly efficient base engine. The starting MSRP for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat is $22,440. The SE model tested by Cars.com has an MSRP of $26,280 and includes features such as VW Car-Net App-Connect technology, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, heated front seats, and a sunroof.

Let’s say you’re in the market for a new car. For whatever reason you’ve decided you don’t need a brand spanking new vehicle. That leaves two options: used, and certified pre-owned. So what’s the difference? In general, used vehicles pretty much come as is. The dealer may offer a couple free oil changes, car washes or perhaps one of those scented pine trees to hang from your rearview mirror. With a VW certified pre-owned vehicle, you get so much more. Buy a Quality Volkswagen without Guessing Choosing a certified pre-owned Volkswagen means you’ll be getting a high quality used car, truck or SUV. Our certified pre-owned vehicles undergo a rigorous 112 point inspection. Our CPO vehicles are less than 5 years old from the original in-service date, have less than 75,000 miles on the odometer and are far safer than a regular used vehicle. In short, with a CPO Volkswagen, you’ll rest easy knowing you’re buying a reliable car, truck or SUV. Only Vehicles in the Best Condition Qualify Late-model, low-mileage vehicles with clean vehicle history reports are accepted into certified pre-owned programs sponsored by auto manufacturers. If a vehicle doesn’t meet specific requirements, then it simply won’t qualify to become CPO. Low Interest Financing It's true that CPO vehicles are usually more expensive than similar models that haven’t been certified, but CPO vehicles may also qualify for lower finance rates, normally equal to the loans offered on new vehicles. If you’re looking to finance your CPO vehicle, the lower interest rate can effectively lower the monthly payment. Roadside Assistance Here at Stone Mountain Volkswagen, our certified pre-owned vehicles come with free 24-hour roadside assistance that lasts for the duration of the extended basic warranty coverage. This service will assist you in case you run out of gas, get locked out of your vehicle or need a jump-start, among other unforeseen emergencies. Benefits of Purchasing a CPO A few benefits of purchasing a CPO from Stone Mountain Volkswagen are: All CPO vehicles undergo a thorough 112 point inspection You'll receive a detailed list of the inspection which includes recall work, if any 2-year/24,000 mile Limited Warranty with no deductible Optional Protection Plus Extended Warranty 24-Hour Roadside Assistance 3-month subscription to Sirius Radio CarFax Vehicle history report Subscription to Dealer Magazine Whether you’re looking for a certified pre-owned or new Volkswagen, make your way over for a test drive. You’ll find us at 3500 Stone Mountain Highway in Snellville, GA.. If you prefer to set up an appointment, call us at 844-860-1053. Our financing department will make sure to get you the best payments possible so you can drive off our lot with your new or certified pre-owned Volkswagen.

Teen drivers have a distinct set of needs that includes outstanding safety features, good gas mileage, and a reasonable price tag. Throw in smart entertainment features and helpful driver assistance systems, and you have a car that any parent would be happy to see in the driveway. The Volkswagen Jetta has long been lauded as a great choice for young drivers for many reasons. A Low-Priced Pick The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) compiled a list of the best used cars for teen drivers. Top among their considerations were safety and price. The mean purchase price for a teen's car is $9,800, and the median is $5,300. This means a reasonable price tag is more important than ever when you're looking for a reliable car that your teen can enjoy. For affordability, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan and wagon both topped the list of midsize options. Coming in around $5,600 for model years 2009 and later, this is one of the lowest price points on the chart, bested only by the Volvo XC90 in the midsize SUV class. Parents and teens in the market for a new Jetta may be able to cash in on extra deals and special savings. Recent graduates are eligible for the special College Graduate Program that covers the first month's payment for a lease or purchase. You can lease a new Jetta for as little as $169 a month using special deals, or purchase this reliable vehicle at a low 1.9 percent APR for the first 60 months. Outstanding Safety Ratings Safety is always a top concern for teen drivers. The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta was a top safety pick for that year. Both the sedan and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen earned top IIHS ratings for moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. The safety features in these vehicles include front and rear head curtain airbags, side airbags, a driver knee airbag, and front seat-mounted airbags. Electronic stability control is standard beginning with the 2009 model. Antilock brakes and daytime running lights offer additional safety perks. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta offers equally impressive ratings for those who are looking for a brand new vehicle. This car was a 2016 Top Safety Pick+. It earned the highest possible rating for small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. The headlights earned an acceptable rating. Convenient Technology Features If you're trying to keep your teen away from the phone while driving, the 2016 Jetta has some features that may help. VW Car-Net offers App-Connect on select models, so you can sync your smartphone apps with the dash on the car. Messaging, music, and maps are all accessible on the car's touchscreen. With Google Voice, you can enjoy hands-free control. Listen to text messages and compose replies while keeping your eyes on the road. You can manage music and make phone calls with the voice-activated features as well, so you're always in complete control. Powerful Driver Assistance Sometimes teen drivers need all the help they can get. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta provides a full suite of driver assistance features to help drivers stay safe on the road. The Front Assist feature has a Forward Collision Warning system that will alert the driver to a potential collision. Autonomous Emergency Braking will jump in to help stop the car when a collision is imminent. The Blind Spot Monitor on the Jetta helps drivers stay on top of things they might otherwise miss. The Park Pilot can guide you into a space safely, and indicate how much room is available to navigate out of a tight spot. Rear Traffic Alert features keep an eye on approaching vehicles while you're backing up and include automatic braking when needed. Adaptive Cruise Control takes easy cruising to a new level by monitoring the speed of the car in front of you and maintaining the same distance, even when that vehicle speeds up or slows down. Smooth Drive The front-wheel drive Jetta is designed to offer a smooth experience in any model year. The 2016 Jetta features a turbocharged, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. This provides 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy has increased steadily with each new model. The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta offered a fuel economy of 24/34 miles per gallon. This got a tiny bump to 25/34 in the 2015 Jetta. The 2016 Jetta offers the best fuel economy yet, with 28/39 miles per gallon. This is a particularly notable perk for a teen with limited gas funds. Take the Volkswagen Jetta out for a spin at Stone Mountain Volkswagen in Snellville, GA and see for yourself why this is a top pick for teens.

The color of your vehicle, both inside and out, is highly related to your specific tastes. In this manner, you can express yourself to the fullest and show others your own particular style. However, these colors also have other ramifications. One such aspect is how hot your car feels, especially during the summer months. If you've ever wondered what role car colors play in your comfort level, the following should give you some excellent insight. The Science Behind Heat and Colors Before diving into the topic of car color, let's go through the basic scientific principle of thermodynamics. Don't worry; it's not as scary as it sounds. Generally speaking, colors are the result of what types of light they reflect. Therefore, a blue car reflects all light but the blue part of the light spectrum. However, black, white, and silver are the oddities. Black absorbs all visible parts of the spectrum, turning that light energy into heat. The more energy it absorbs, the more heat it emits. White and silver, however, behave in the opposite manner, reflecting all light thrown their way. The result here is less energy absorption and less heat emission. Does This Thermodynamic Principle Hold True for Exterior Car Color? In short, this thermodynamic principle holds true for all colors, regardless of where they are. If you've ever worn a black shirt in the summer, you immediately feel the heat, or at least much more than you would in a lighter colored garment. With cars, this fact holds true to an exponential degree. Because the body of the car is metal, which is an excellent conductor of heat, it's able to emit more heat than fabrics or other materials. In addition, the energy, and thus the heat, distributes much faster in a dark-painted metal than any other color. Of course, lighter colors follow the same process, but hold heat and distribute it at a much slower pace than darker colors. How Does Color and Material Affect the Interior? The color of the interior of your car has the same effect as the exterior, meaning that dark dashboards, steering wheels, and seating all become hotter than lighter colored materials over the same time. The real debate with your interior comes with the materials themselves. If you've ever purchased a new car, you're usually tasked with the choice of leather or cloth. Typically, leather is usually viewed as more of a luxury feature, while cloth is more of a standard. However, they definitely play a role in how hot your car gets. Due to its higher density, leather is both a better absorber and conductor of heat than cloth. This can lead to the classic scene of an unwary person shrieking in pain when they hop into a leather-upholstered car while wearing shorts. The best remedy to combat extreme temperature change, especially in hot climates, is to invest in either a car cover or window tinting, both of which significantly lower heat absorption. As far as the other items in your car, plastic and wood are relatively poor conductors meaning that it's not a crucial factor in determining the interior temperature of the vehicle. Always make sure, however, to check the shift knob and steering wheel if it has a leather wrapping, as it tends to get viciously hot in warm weather. What If I Don't Have a Black or White Vehicle? Although black and white remain as two of the most popular colors, many automakers are branching out to develop more vivid and eye-catching shades. For example, Volkswagen offers a plethora of intriguing colors based solely on their name. This includes Tornado Red, Platinum Metallic Gray, or Habanero Orange Metallic. However, determining the difference of heat absorption between colors like red, orange, and yellow is exceedingly difficult, as they are relatively the same. Therefore, unless you have your heart set on a really light or super dark color, it probably won't make a ton of difference on the temperature of your car. To answer the question posed, it's true that the color of your car does indeed make it hotter. However, remedies exist to limit this factor. As mentioned, you can use a sun shade, or more effectively, try to take care where you park or store your vehicle. Not only does staying out of the sun keep you more comfortable on the drive home, it also reduces damage from the sun. Parking under trees is also a viable option. You may just want to decide which is a worse enemy: a hot vehicle or a vicious bombing from birds.

If you're looking for a car with the best safety ratings, consider some of this year's top Volkswagen options. Volkswagen received the 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS, Top Safety Pick Plus awards on four of their vehicles — the Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, Golf Four-Door, and Golf GTI Four-Door. Learn about some of the features that make these vehicles best in safety and attractive for car buyers. Volkswagen Models 2016 Volkswagen Jetta The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is an IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick Plus winner for mid-size, moderately priced car. The car has received good ratings from the IIHS for its small and moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. Some of the available safety features on the vehicle include the following: • Adaptive cruise control • Forward collision warning • Rear traffic alert • Blind-spot monitor • Park distance control • Dual front side-mounted airbags • Traction control • Stability control The Jetta comes standard with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder TSI engine, offering 150 horsepower. It gets 28 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway. You can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode. If you're looking for top entertainment features in a vehicle, this Volkswagen model includes a Composition Color touchscreen sound system and Bluetooth technology with audio streaming. 2016 Volkswagen Passat Also in the mid-size, moderately priced car category, the 2016 Volkswagen Passat received an IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick Plus award. Earning good ratings in all crashworthiness categories, this car is a great option for anyone looking for a sedan for daily commuting or family travels. Volkswagen has improved the Passat's safety ratings. Safety features that form the 2016 model include the following: • Automatic headlights • Side mirrors with integrated turn signals • Rear traffic alert and rearview camera • Forward collision warning • Crash-optimized pedal controls • Intelligent crash response system • Child safety locks on rear doors • Front and rear side curtain airbags With a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, the Passat gets 170 horsepower. You can get up to 25 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway in the Passat. Other features include a Composition Color touchscreen sound system with CD player and USB port, Climatronic dual-zone climate control, and heated front and rear seats. 2016 Volkswagen Golf In the small car category, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf received a 2016 Top Safety Pick Plus award. The car maintains good ratings in all main crashworthiness categories, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. This vehicle has received good ratings in all categories for several model years. When considering safety features, some of the available options for the Golf include the following: • Lane departure warning • Rear traffic alert • Parking steering assist • Blind-spot monitor • Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking • Front and rear head airbags • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation • Remote anti-theft alarm system With 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, the hatchback vehicle is a great option for families or individuals. You can choose between an automatic or manual transmission. A four-door option expands available cargo space in the vehicle. With eight speakers and a Composition Media touchscreen sound system, you can listen to the music you want when you're on the road. An additional available feature in the two-door model is a cooling glovebox, great for long road trips or family vacations. 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI The Volkswagen Golf GTI received good ratings on all crashworthiness categories in the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus review. Since its release in 2010, the GTI has received good ratings in all categories. If you're looking at the best safety features available, check out some of the following features: • Brake override system • Engine braking assist • Crash-optimized front end • Front and rear side curtain airbags • Intelligent crash response system • Lane departure warning • Park distance control • Blind-spot monitor The Golf GTI includes either a two-door or four-door trim, with performance packages available in both two-door and four-door trims. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers up to 220 horsepower. The GTI gets up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Drivers who crave the latest technology features will appreciate Volkswagen's signature VW Car-Net App Connect, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and a Composition Media touchscreen sound system. When you seek safety and performance in your choice for vehicles, check out the Volkswagen offerings from your local Atlanta area dealer, Stone Mountain Volkswagen, 3500 Stone Mountain Highway in Snellville, Georgia, or call 844-860-1053. Discover the commitment to customer service from a dealership that received the prestigious Wolfsburg Crest Club award and the Customer First Club award.