MyVW App Now Offers Smart Watch Support
One of the beauties of the modern technological era is the ways in which your life can be easier. The way computers, watches, cars, and the like can communicate with one another for your benefit is something our grandparents could only dream of at the World’s Fair. Volkswagen has just announced seamless integration between your smartwatch and the myVW app for those who need vehicle information on the go.

What Models Offer the myVW App?
This feature is available on most 2020 and newer Volkswagen gas and electric cars that have either the paid or complimentary myVW app service plan.
With the myVW feature, owners can utilize Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and VW Vehicle Insights when myVW+ is activated. Now that you can use your smartwatch to check on your vehicle, you have one more convenient way to monitor your VW.

What Features Can You Use On Your Smartwatch?
When using your compatible smartwatch, you get features like Lock/Unlock, Lock Status, Vehicle Status, Honk, and Flash. Gas-powered models can also use Remote Smart/Stop, Fuel Status, and EVs can add Remote Charging, check the Charge Status, and Climate Start/Stop.
How The App Works
Accessing these special features couldn’t be easier. Simply download the myVW app on your smartphone and add your vehicle to the virtual garage if you haven’t already. Subscribe to myVW+, either with a paid plan or with the included Remote Access and VW Vehicle Insights Plan.

Some Ways to Use the New App Features
Once you are enrolled in a plan, you can use your smartwatch much the same way you use your iPhone or Android device. For example, let’s say you are out and about with your ID.4 and want to check your vehicle’s charge status. Simply open the app on your watch and check that out. Maybe you need to see your fuel level for the following morning, but your phone is charging. Open myVW on your watch and check the status. It’s as simple as that.
Volkswagen Offers Something for Everyone
Volkswagen offers a wide range of vehicles for all types of budgets. Whether you need a car, sports car, or crossover, there is something for everyone, including the Jetta, Jetta GLI, GTI, Golf R, Taos, Tiguan, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and the all-electric ID.4 and ID. Buzz.

2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year
The pair of hot hatchbacks, the Golf GTI and Golf R, were recently announced as the co-winners of the 2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year Awards. This marks the third time in the magazine’s history that they have named a Golf as the winner, and the fifth time a VW in general has been given the award.

Sisbarro Volkswagen Can Help You Find the Right Vehicle
To learn more about the myVW app and its features, come down to Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience them firsthand with our knowledgeable sales team.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Get a head start on summer with a new vehicle from Sisbarro Volkswagen. At Sisbarro Volkswagen, we are proud to offer the best prices and services on both new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable.
We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.
Over a year ago, Southern California faced a series of catastrophic fires. The damage was devastating, with blocks of homes lost across neighborhoods within Los Angeles County.
Amid disaster, there was a glimmer of hope. The image of a lone 1977 Volkswagen T2 Bus – named Azul – amid one of the blocks in Malibu. It showed its good side – a beautiful blue exterior with a white roof – captured by an Associated Press photojournalist. It belonged to Megan Weinraub, a local resident.
Everything may not be as it seems. There was fire damage on the other side of the Bus, along with mechanical issues. To get Weinraub and Azul back on the road, Volkswagen of America stepped in to save Azul.

The 1977 T2 Bus was brought to the Volkswagen facility in Oxnard for repair work. The team there inspected Azul and then repaired and replaced every interior and exterior component. The bodywork was done by GE Kundensport, while other partners handled mechanical and component work, including powder coating.
After the work on Azul was completed, it was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past November. That was followed by a stint at the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles through January. The refurbished Bus was seen as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of disaster.
Weinraub said recently, “When the photo of Azul went viral, I felt like the entire world experienced a piece of my heart. And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul really survived, I was touched and couldn’t believe it. Seeing it now, I feel it’s even more of a symbol of hope than it was before.”
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, a company named Candylab TM created a limited-edition wooden version of Azul to hand out and sell on its website. They had them available at the Volkswagen booth. However, it is now sold out.

In the meantime, you can still help the California Fire Foundation in supporting the communities across Southern California that are still reeling from these tragic fires that destroyed homes and lives. They are a non-profit organization that supports first responders and their families across the state.
We all have a story about our Volkswagen that is just as resonant as Weinraub’s Azul. You can see them across New Mexico, from classic Beetles to today’s ID. Buzz. Volkswagen offers that special feeling that invites drivers to celebrate their vehicles.
The spirit of Azul lives in every Volkswagen we sell. To feel that spirit of freedom, resilience, and pride, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience our latest vehicles soon!
There is nothing like driving a sporty sedan, especially the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The popular Jetta has always been America’s “go-to” German-engineered sedan. When the GLI version came out generations ago, it added more spice to a very comfortable and practical sedan. We saw it as a “Golf GTI with a trunk,” which is essentially what it is.
The 2026 version is no different. It starts with what’s underneath the hood. The 228-horsepower version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is an icon among sports sedan enthusiasts. With 258 pound-feet of torque on tap, it delivers enthusiastic power takeoff for those blasts across the highway. Accessing the engine’s powerband is a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. It is one of the few cars offered with a manual gearbox left in this country.

Car and Driver recently did a road test in the 2026 Jetta GLI equipped with the DSG gearbox. While it is classified as an automatic, it is engineered as a manual with an automated dual-clutch setup that delivers power from the engine to the front wheels. It does so by assigning a clutch to a specific number of gears – either odd- or even-numbered ones – enabling quick gearchanges without the need for a third clutch pedal. You can engage the paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel for up- or downshifts for better control of the gearbox.
Ultimately, a DSG transmission offers the convenience and ease of operation of an automatic transmission with the efficiency of a manual transmission, which makes it a great match for the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Another great feature of the 2026 Jetta GLI is the MultiMode DCC® – Dynamic Chassis Control – and the Adaptive Chassis Control. Combined, you can select a preset driving mode with its own dampening profile. You can either firm up or soften the suspension settings to suit your driving style. Sport mode is excellent for winding roads, while Comfort lets you cruise on the Interstates for hours on end without any worries. You can also customize your settings by adjusting steering, suspension, throttle, and gearbox response.

In their testing of the 2026 Jetta GLI with the DSG transmission, Car and Driver found that “the sportiest Jetta is still a great drive. You’ll use everything the GLI has every day. The three-way-adjustable adaptive dampers give it a wonderfully smooth ride on the highway. The electronically controlled limited-slip differential distributes torque where you want it while buzzing up an off-ramp.”
The 2026 Jetta GLI is available at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us to get acquainted with one soon. After all, the “Driver’s Wanted” sign is calling you to enjoy one!
70 Years of Volkswagen of America
America in the post-World War II era experienced a cultural renaissance in automobiles. Americans were used to large, loud, inefficient cars. However, troops returning from the war, along with Europeans immigrating to America, began importing small cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, which itself became a bona fide movie star with the Herbie the Love Bug franchise.

The Start of Volkswagen of America
In 1949, a Dutch entrepreneur named Ben Pon landed in New York with two VW Beetles, planning to show Americans what they had been missing. Little did he know that he would help to start a cultural evolution. Later, in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. was created with its headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. By the end of 1956, the company had found nearly 50,000 customers for its smaller, more efficient, and more affordable Bug (nickname for the Beetle).

Amazing Sales
Americans quickly fell in love with Volkswagen, buying more than 160,000 vehicles by 1960 and 569,696 by the end of 1970. In 2025, Volkswagen of America sold 329,813 cars and crossovers, proving that buyers want affordable, safe, and reliable German cars that are both luxurious and beautifully designed.

A Word from Volkswagen
“For 70 years, Volkswagen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to American drivers and the cars they love,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The VW family has grown from the first imported Beetles to fit families of all shapes and sizes, always with the original mission of the brand—to be ‘the people’s car.’”

70 Years Young
Over the past 70 years, VW has become an iconic brand in America, dedicated to vehicles for enthusiasts, families, and buyers seeking a reliable vehicle with great safety and technology. With such cult classics as the Beetle, Microbus, GTI, and the modern Golf R, Tiguan, ID.4, and more, few car companies can say they have had a more positive impact on American car culture.

Great Standard Safety
Thanks to standard IQ.Drive, Volkswagen vehicles are among the safest on the market, with features like Emergency Assist, Front Assist, Travel Assist, Adaptive Front Lighting System with LED headlights, Active Side Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Intelligent Crash Response System, and more. The Intelligent Crash System automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and turns on the hazards in the event of an accident.
Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right VW for You
The 2026 Volkswagen models are some of the best the brand has ever produced. And with something for pretty much every buyer, there has never been a better time to buy a new or used car from Sisbarro Volkswagen. The knowledgeable salespeople will not only make you feel comfortable but also ensure you get the best possible price.

Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Get a jump on summer by getting behind the wheel of a new and used Volkswagen from Sisbarro Volkswagen. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car or SUV, our service department will work hard to ensure your vehicle receives the best care imaginable.
We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.
At Sisbarro Volkswagen, being part of the Las Cruces community has always meant more than what happens on the showroom floor. It’s about showing up, giving back, and supporting the people who make this place home. That’s why Sisbarro is proud to partner with Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) on the revived Count Me In high school attendance initiative, which is underway across the district this school year.
Count Me In is built on the simple but powerful idea that students do better when they’re in school. As with many arenas of life, it all begins with showing up, right? While attendance challenges are nothing new, the program brings renewed energy and real incentives to encourage students to stay engaged and keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Through a $10,000 contribution from Sisbarro Dealerships, the initiative provides $1,000 awards at each participating LCPS high school. These funds support quarterly, semester, and end-of-year prize drawings that recognize students who make attendance a priority. Just as important, the program now includes a “Growth Award,” which celebrates students who show meaningful improvement over time—not just perfect attendance.
“Our students can’t thrive if they’re not in school,” declared LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “Reviving ‘Count Me In’ gives us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of daily attendance, while also celebrating students who are putting in the effort. Sisbarro’s support sends a powerful message that our community and local businesses are invested in student success.”
That message matters. When students see local businesses stepping up, it reinforces that their efforts are noticed beyond the classroom. It shows that the broader Las Cruces community believes in them and wants to see them succeed.
Michael Tourtillott, Director of Sales for Sisbarro Dealerships, shared why the initiative hits close to home. “Education is the key to our community’s future, and regular school attendance is where it starts. If we can play even a small role in motivating students to prioritize their education, that’s a win for everyone.”

At Sisbarro Volkswagen, community support isn’t about one-time gestures. It’s about long-term commitment to local families, local schools, and the future of Las Cruces. Programs like Count Me In help students build habits that last far beyond high school, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
If you’re looking to support a local business that gives back, we invite you to visit Sisbarro Volkswagen. Whether you’re shopping for a new Volkswagen, a quality used car, or trusted service and parts, you’ll find a team that cares just as much about this community as you do.
The Tiguan experienced a significant redesign for the 2026 model year. How does it compare to its current competition? AutoBlog noted that the Volkswagen Tiguan is close in size to the Outback and decided to compare the two. In this blog, Sisbarro Volkswagen tells you what they found.
Notably, the 2026 Outback starts at $34,995, making its entry price significantly higher than the Tiguan’s $30,805. Meeting the Outback’s price and factoring in the model’s standard AWD, a comparable Tiguan would be the SE 4Motion at $35,105, just $110 above the base Outback.
Though larger than the previous model, the Outback remains powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. This falls well short of the Tiguan’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, peaking at a low 1,500 rpm. The Outback engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission that features eight virtual gear ratios for manual shifting, while the Tiguan offers the real thing with an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting capability. With a price increase of about $9,000, the Outback offers a 260-hp turbocharged version of its 2.5-liter engine.

Both models feature 4-wheel independent suspensions. While the Outback has a higher ground clearance (8.7 vs. 7.0 inches), the Tiguan matches its 18.0° approach angle and bests its departure angle (25.2° vs. 21.4°) and breakover angle (21.1° vs. 19.4 °).
Still, the Outback, particularly the raised Wilderness off-road-focused model, is better suited to off-road use, while the Tiguan is more focused on on-road comfort.
The Outback is seven inches longer (15’4” vs. 15’11”), while the Tiguan is two inches wider (7’ vs. 6’10”). The base Outback is an inch taller. Inside, front shoulder room, rear legroom, and front and rear headroom are all within an inch of each other. Cargo space behind the seats is also similar, with the Outback having a slight edge at 34.6 cubic feet compared to 33.8 for the Tiguan.
AutoBlog notes that the Tiguan has a more premium interior feel. While the new Outback features a new infotainment system with a 12.1-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, the Tiguan provides a standard 12.9-inch screen, with a 15-inch screen available on the SEL R-Line. They point out that the available 10-point massaging front seats have no counterpart in the Outback model line.

For long-distance highway driving, the Tiguan comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. It isn’t standard, but the Touring and Touring XT Outback models feature Hands-free Assist, which lets you remove your hands from the steering wheel at speeds up to 85 mph, though the driver is expected to keep their eyes on the road.
In their conclusion, AutoBlog notes that the Tiguan offers a better on-road experience and advanced tech, while they also recognize the Outback’s superior off-road ability. That gives the Tiguan an edge in how most people drive their crossover models. For anyone in the greater Las Cruces area who usually drives on pavement, Sisbarro Volkswagen invites you to come by and test drive the handsome 2026 Tiguan.
For the third time since 1985, the editors at MotorTrend selected the Volkswagen Golf GTI as their 2026 Car of the Year. Not just the Golf GTI. They also named the Golf R alongside it for one of the most prestigious annual awards in the automotive business.
As the definitive duo of sports compacts, the Mk8.5 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R offer that perfect balance of practicality, superb driving dynamics, and exciting performance. It is a tradition that now spans 50 years worldwide as Volkswagen defined what a “hot hatch” should be. The Golf R simply moved the bar by adding 4Motion all-wheel drive for extraordinary traction and grip with a higher performance threshold.

Since 1949, MotorTrend’s editors have convened to review eligible candidates consisting of either all-new or significantly revised vehicles for this prestigious award. They evaluate six key items: advancement in design, engineering excellence, performance of the intended function, value, safety, and efficiency.
The Golf GTI and Golf R stood out based on the merits that made them heroes among the enthusiast crowd. The editors at MotorTrend said that they were “authentic and spirited, the Golf continues to inspire the same enthusiasm it has since its debut. A recent update refined this eighth generation, sharpening its capabilities while preserving the engaging character that makes it a joy to drive. The GTI and R pursue different goals, yet each fulfills its mission with precision and confidence.”
For 2025, the Golf GTI and Golf R received a refreshed exterior and interior, along with updated technology. That includes a larger center display touchscreen and a few exterior and interior updates. The 2025 Golf GTI continues to be available in three trims – S, SE, and Autobahn. Each trim level offers plenty of comfort without compromising its essence. That 241-horsepower turbocharged engine will keep you engaged on the road.

The Golf GTI previously won the MotorTrend Car of the Year award in 1985 for the Mk2 model and in 2015 for the Mk7 model. The Golf R was added to the 2015 award, as well.
The significant change for the 2025 Golf R was an increase in power, now up to 328 horsepower. The 4Motion all-wheel drive puts that power down on all corners. In addition, the Golf R now comes in a Black Edition trim and the Euro Style package, which includes the Akrapovic™ titanium exhaust system and European sports seats in cloth, while deleting the standard sunroof to save weight.
Bringing home a winner is what we do at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us for a closer look at the reigning MotorTrend Car of the Year – the Golf GTI and Golf R!
A Disney film is full of magic and wonder. In November, Walt Disney Animation Studios released its latest film, Zootopia 2. Along with the many animals and their voices, Volkswagen also plays a starring role in this film.
If you have not seen Zootopia 2 or its original version, Zootopia, it is a humorous look at the animal world, with human traits turned into puns and parodies. In this universe, the Volkswagen EVs become “Wolfswagen” – a nod to the company’s global headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The vehicles featured in the movie are custom renderings of three Volkswagen electric vehicles, part of a “360” campaign that not only promotes the film but also takes part in it. These models include the ID.4 and two other EVs sold elsewhere in the world – the ID.3 and ID.7 Tourer.

There was a 30-second commercial produced for several markets that featured both animated animals and Volkswagen models together in the world of Zootopia 2. They call it “Zootopified,” which melds the EVs into animated form. They join in on the fun with Gazelle’s new song in these spots that were run in theaters, on television, and across select social media platforms worldwide.
This is not the first time Volkswagen has collaborated with Disney. It took part in the Star Wars universe in “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” as well as in the Marvel Comics Universe in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The latter featured the ID. Buzz during its launch. If you go further back, you might remember “The Love Bug” series featuring Herbie the Beetle.

If you have seen Zootopia 2, we hope you spotted the “Wolfswagen” models. If you have not, we will not spoil the animated film. However, you can hear the voices of Jason Bateman, Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, and Shakira. By the way, Gazelle’s song called “Zoo” is voiced by the superstar herself.
The 2026 ID.4 is a great vehicle to check out. With a choice of single or dual motor with 4Motion all-wheel drive, this electric SUV can take you and your family where you want to go. With up to 291 miles of range, charging is quick and easy. An adapter is available to use at Tesla Supercharger stations, and you get two years of charging when you purchase a new ID.4.
Want to take home an animated film star? Contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to see the 2026 ID.4 soon!
Photos courtesy of © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
The award-winning 2026 Volkswagen Golf R is truly the benchmark in the sports compact class. It always has been because of its envelope-pushing performance and driving signature. Enthusiasts know that no other compact performance car can match what the Golf R offers the driver.
There are those who believe that there are alternatives to the Golf R. In the last couple of years, the Toyota GR Corolla has emerged as a direct rival to our all-wheel drive “hot hatch.” MotorTrend took the opportunity to compare the two to see which is the best.
The 2026 Golf R has a lengthy resume. A 328-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed DSG transmission, 4Motion all-wheel drive, and Dynamic Chassis Control all make up the main ingredients for the seminal sports compact.

The level of refinement is also a calling card for the Golf R. Leather sports seating with an elevated feature list, including 12-way power seat adjustments, Climatronic Touch automatic climate control, a 12.9-inch center display touchscreen, Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, and the full range of IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features.
For the enthusiast looking for more action out of their 2026 Golf R, there is the available Euro Style package. This features a throaty Akrapovic™ titanium exhaust system and European sports seats in ArtVelours cloth. For weight savings, the standard sunroof is deleted. In all, this package reduced the weight of a 2026 Golf R by around 80 pounds.
Granted, the GR Corolla is a formidable foe. With all-wheel drive, a 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and aggressive aerodynamic body add-ons, it gives enthusiasts a choice of hot hatches. However, MotorTrend points out that it is a matter of choosing between “thunder” and “lightning.” Or, in another way of putting it, “streetwear” versus a “suit.”
MotorTrend worked through this comparison by measuring each vehicle’s overall performance. The Golf R was quicker in every respect – sprinting in 4.1 seconds from 0-60 MPH, reaching 100 MPH in 10.2 seconds, and the quarter mile drag in 12.6 seconds. The DSG shifts better, thanks to smooth gear changes and no weight transfer. They even noted that the cabin is quieter overall.

In the end, MotorTrend declared its current Car of the Year, the Golf R, as the winner. They noted its refinement, comfort, and practicality. It does so at a “higher level” than the GR Corolla.
The Volkswagen Golf R defines what a sports compact should always aspire to be. It is why the enthusiast crowd always dreams of owning one. If you are one of those dreamers, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen, and we can show you all the great things the Golf R has to offer for those who want a better overall driving experience.
Building a New Sisbarro Volkswagen – For You!
You may have noticed that Sisbarro Volkswagen is remodeling our showroom space. This update is designed to provide you with the full Volkswagen experience, from the moment you arrive to the day you take delivery of your new vehicle. What should you expect in the new Sisbarro Volkswagen?
Our showroom and service areas will be expanded with a new façade. You will be greeted by a lot of glass, providing a nice open look and allowing you to see all the inventory on our lot. That also means plenty of room to examine our vehicles, speak with our sales staff, and decide which new Volkswagen will be yours. Larger windows also means more natural light. Tall ceilings create an airy space to check out the latest models.
The desks are also inviting, making your transaction a great experience. Our finance and insurance offices will be spacious enough to finalize the sale of your next vehicle in comfort. To conclude your experience with us, you will be taken to a delivery area that is light and airy. You’ll have more room to inspect your next vehicle and engage with us during the process before taking it home.

It is not just the showroom that is getting a makeover. The service department is getting a huge entrance area that is connected to the showroom. Large entry doors welcome you to bring your vehicle inside, where our staff will greet you and assist you with any necessary maintenance or repairs. Our parts department will also get a new look. You can expect to easily order items from the Driver Gear catalog, which will be on display. Plus, you can enjoy a comfortable waiting area where you can relax or get down to work. That, too, will be light and airy, while including all the amenities you’ve come to expect from Sisbarro Volkswagen.
During construction, we will continue to provide service to your vehicle, and our sales area will remain open throughout the construction period. For sales, just take the south entrance of our dealership to be greeted by our staff. When you drop off your vehicle for service, we have shuttles available to take you home or to work. Just remember to look for the big tires at our northern entrance to drop off your vehicle.
A new dealer facility should be about elevating your Volkswagen experience. You will agree that when the new facility opens, you’ll enjoy that new showroom sensation – just like that new car smell from any of our new Volkswagen models.
As we mentioned, Sisbarro Volkswagen remains open for business during the construction. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we continue to serve you to the best of our ability.


