Rabbit

Impressions

Rabbit (New for 2007!)
Impressions: The new Rabbit - which replaces the Golf . . . that replaced the Rabbit back in the 1980s - might be tardy getting to the party, having been available in Europe for more than two years, but it's equipped to make a noteworthy entry with European style and attitude at Korean-make prices, certainly unusual for a German automaker. At $14,990, this new front-driver offers significantly more power and performance than past Golf models and comes loaded with six airbags, anti-lock brakes and a host of other features. As the Golf before it, the Rabbit comes in three or five-door body styles with a flip/fold rear seat and large rear hatch allowing it to transport five people or a whole lot of stuff. Style-wise, this is obviously a new VW with much more modern lines. There's more leg and shoulder room than the outgoing Golf offered and the seats get our seal of approval for comfort and support over long distances. Under the hood, the Rabbit begins with a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder that's used on the four-door GLi (nee Jetta). Compared to the meager 115 offered by the outgoing base Golf, performance is in a whole new arena. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but opting for the automatic ($1,075) yields six forward gears. Built on a totally new platform and offering more crash protection and interior space, the Rabbit is significantly more refined than the Golf. Instead of the old beam-type rear axle, it offers a truly independent suspension. Even the base three-door model comes with power windows and locks, air conditioning, power heated mirrors, tilt and telescope steering wheel, 10-speaker audio system, cruise control and traction control. The five-door version adds an eight-way adjustable passenger seat, upgraded seat trim, adjustable and upgraded center console, rear seat armrest with pass-through, body-colored side moldings and a number of option packages not available on the three-door. They include rear-seat side-impact airbags, alloy wheels, sunroof and satellite radio..

Base price: $15,000
Type: Two-/four-door hatchback
Base engine (hp): 2.5-liter DOHC I5 (150)
Optional engines (hp): None
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/23 (AT)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes.
Weight (lb.): 2,970
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes
Web: vw.com