The 2025 VW Golf GTI vs. Golf R

The compact and sporty Golf GTI made a big impression on the automotive world when it was introduced in 1975. From that point, it sparked the “hot hatch” trend of the 1980s and today, it remains one of the most popular hatchbacks on the market. With comfortable seating for five and sporty cloth seats, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. The plaid-patterned cloth upholstery in the lower trims is a nod to the Golf’s predecessors. more For model year 2025, the Golf GTI is available in three trim levels: 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn While a starting price hasn’t been announced yet, we expect the GTI S to start around $33,000. Ready to explore the new Golf GTI? The team at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen is here to fill you in on the exciting new features, improved tech, and exhilarating driving dynamics that have made the Golf GTI a favorite for decades. Revised Exterior with New Lights For 2025, the Golf GTI received some exterior updates like new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. There’s also a light-up VW badge that makes the Golf GTI even more head-turning on the road. The 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels have a unique design that looks like nothing else. You’ll have four new exterior paint choices: Oyster Silver Metallic, Anemone Blue Metallic, Crystal Ice Blue Metallic, and Grenadilla Black Metallic. Improved Infotainment System For 2025, the Golf GTI is getting a host of technology updates like a ChatGPT AI assistant, an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, and an improved voice assistant. The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI will come with Volkswagen's upgraded MIB4 software system which promises improved functionality. This system is now more intuitive, with enhanced software that makes accessing features like navigation, media, and climate control a breeze. Connectivity options like Apple  CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, ensuring that you can seamlessly pair your smartphone and keep your apps, playlists, and more within reach. The updated GTI will offer a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. In addition, the steering wheel comes with physical buttons instead of touch-sensitive sliders. Sporty Handling and Spirited Performance The VW Golf is known for being fun to drive, and the 2025 model continues that tradition. With the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the previous model, it produces 241 horsepower with 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers quick and responsive shifts to enhance your driving experience. Unlike previous model years, the 2025 GTI lineup won’t offer a stick shift option. The 2024 GTI 380 edition is your last chance to own a manual transmission GTI. The Volkswagen Golf GTI strikes an excellent balance between performance and practicality, making it a fantastic choice for those who want a fun-to-drive vehicle with everyday usability. If you’re seeking more power, the 2025 VW Golf R produces 328 horsepower, a 13-hp increase over the 2024 model. Test Drive a Golf GTI at Your Volkswagen Dealership in Florence! As more news about the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI becomes available, the Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen team will keep you updated. In the meantime, browse our 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R inventory! You'll also find friendly and top-quality customer service brought to you by our knowledgeable Volkswagen sales team! Need VW auto repair near you? We can help with that too. The expert technicians in our Volkswagen Service Center will keep your new VW running like new! As your go-to Volkswagen dealer in Florence, we’re proud to serve locals from Sumter to the coastal communities of Conway and Myrtle Beach. Visit us to find your new VW today!

Both the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have earned the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest safety recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Top Safety Pick+ designation is awarded to vehicles that meet the IIHS’s most demanding crash-testing and safety standards. In the most recent testing cycle, IIHS raised the bar by updating several safety requirements and the crash tests vehicles undergo. more The “+” rating requires vehicles to demonstrate exceptional occupant protection, effective pedestrian safety systems, and strong lighting performance on all trends, not just the lineup’s top models. Earning this designation means the vehicle, like the 2026 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, must exceed basic safety expectations and provide advanced protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Since the 2024 redesign of the Volkswagen Atlas lineup, this is its third top safety pick award. When it comes to choosing your next family SUV, make safety the top priority - and come see how Volkswagen continues to deliver in a big way. You can find the 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for sale at your VW dealership in Florence! How a Vehicle Earns a “Good” Rating (IIHS) There are four levels to the IIHS tests: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. To earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, the 2026 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport had to earn a “Good” rating on three measures of crashworthiness: S mall overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. The criteria also require that acceptable or good headlights be standard across all trims and that the vehicle achieve an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention test. To receive a “Good” rating, the highest score IIHS awards, a vehicle must perform exceptionally in the following areas: Small Overlap Front Test: Tests how well the vehicle protects passengers when the front corner hits an object, such as a tree or pole. Measures structural integrity, airbag performance, and injury risk to the driver. Moderate Overlap Front Test: Tests protection for both front and rear passengers when the vehicle is hit from the front. It also emphasizes rear-seat occupant safety. Side Impact Test: Simulates a higher-speed side collision with a larger, heavier barrier. Measures injury risk to the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Headlights (Standard on All Trim Levels): Must earn an Acceptable or Good rating. Ensures consistent visibility and nighttime safety. Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention: Must earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating. Tests how well the vehicle’s safety systems detect and help avoid collisions with pedestrians in daylight and low-light conditions. What Makes the 2026 VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport Winners? Volkswagen is dedicated to delivering a safe driving experience for drivers and passengers alike, so every Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are equipped with the Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE ® advanced driver assistance technology. As standard equipment, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE is designed to make driving easier and safer for modern families in Florence who tackle the town’s busy streets and South Carolina’s highways. Its features include: Lane Centering Capacitive Steering Wheel Front and Rear Radar Front Camera Travel Assist (semi-automatic driving assistance) Forward Collision Warning Automatic Emergency Braking Active Side Assist blind spot monitoring Rear Traffic Alert Adaptive Cruise Control w/stop & go Lane Keeping System Drive Home an Award-Winning Volkswagen in Florence Today! Discover award-winning safety without compromising style or performance when you buy a new SUV for sale at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen. This achievement reinforces Volkswagen’s commitment to advanced safety technology, smart design, and peace of mind for drivers and families alike. The Volkswagen Atlas remains one of the most popular three-row SUVs for families. The 2026 VW Atlas offers spacious seating, flexible cargo space, and advanced safety. The Atlas is an excellent choice for growing families and road-trip enthusiasts. One reason the Atlas Cross Sport is so appealing is that it blends safety with modern sporty flair and smooth handling. Drivers don’t have to sacrifice looks or performance to get award-winning safety protection. You'll find the Atlas lineup here. As your local source for Volkswagen new and used cars, we serve drivers throughout Sumter, Bennettsville, Conway, and beyond!

If your credit isn't where you'd like it to be, securing a car loan might feel more challenging, but it's not impossible. A less-than-perfect credit score shouldn't stand between you and the Volkswagen you want to drive. Whether past financial setbacks, unexpected life events, or simply not having credit have impacted your score, there's a way forward. The first step to getting approved for financing is understanding your starting point. Knowing your credit score and credit history gives you a realistic picture of what you might qualify for. Request your credit report from all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and review it carefully. Look for any errors or inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging down your rating. You'd be surprised how often a simple dispute can boost your score. more And remember that just because your credit score is less than perfect, it doesn't mean you're out of options. When it comes to securing a car loan with bad credit, your dealership can make all the difference in your experience. At Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen, your trusted Volkswagen dealership in Florence, we understand that financial setbacks happen to good people, and that’s why our VW Finance department is dedicated to helping you get into a reliable ride, regardless of past credit history. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all financing. Our finance team partners with a wide range of trusted lenders, allowing us to find loan solutions tailored to your unique situation. Ready to learn how we can help you get behind the wheel? Let's explore your options. Boost Your Chances with A Down Payment When you're pursuing bad credit auto financing, a down payment can be your secret weapon—and the good news is, you probably don't need as much as you think. Most subprime lenders require a down payment of just 10% or $1,000, whichever is greater. That's often less than borrowers expect. Putting money down upfront does two important things. First, it reduces the total loan amount you're financing. Second, it demonstrates to lenders that you're serious about this financial commitment, even if your credit history has some bumps in the road. Why a Larger Down Payment Works in Your Favor While meeting the minimum down payment requirement will help, putting down a bit more can do the following: Improve your approval odds – A larger down payment proves you've been able to save money and shows your commitment to both securing and repaying the loan. Lower your monthly payment – It's simple math: the bigger your down payment, the less you're financing, which translates directly to a smaller monthly payment that's easier on your budget long-term. Shorten your loan term – By reducing the overall financed amount, a larger down payment helps you pay off the vehicle faster so you can own it outright sooner. Saves you money on interest – The more you pay upfront, the less interest you'll accumulate and pay over the life of the loan. This is especially valuable when dealing with the higher interest rates that often come with bad credit financing. Creative Ways to Build Your Down Payment If you're working with bad credit and a tight budget, don't worry—there are multiple ways to increase your down payment: Cash savings Vehicle trade-in Combination of savings and trade-in value Volkswagen Finance Deals for Extra Savings Whether you’re thinking about financing or leasing a Volkswagen in Florence, our Volkswagen specials and manufacturer incentives allow you to save even more on your new ride: Volkswagen manufacturer incentives Military bonuses provide active duty military and veterans with special discounts College grad specials allow you to start your next chapter behind the wheel of a new VW These options can help you save even more when you shop at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence! Building and Maintaining Good Credit While securing a car loan with bad credit is possible, it's important to remember that with any type of loan, making on-time payments and managing your credit responsibly can help improve your credit score for the future. Shop for a New or Used Vehicle in Florence No Matter Your Credit Score! At Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen, we’re here to help you secure auto loan financing you can be confident about. Whether you’re a first time car buyer or working to rebuild your credit, we’re here to make financing easy. Learn more about car loans for bad credit or come see our friendly finance team today! We proudly serve drivers in the Florence, SC, area, including Darlington, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, and Sumter!