If there is a diesel Jetta, there must be a TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) diesel Rabbit in the VW hat, right? The experts say we’ll have to wait until 2009, but don’t think your bunny hunt is over! Reviewers place the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit at the head of the compact pack. Here’s why.
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit competes for the lead in the small car class because it is affordable to own, economical to operate, comfortable for families and fun-to-drive. "We liked the Rabbit enough to place it at the top of a recent compact-car battle where it slew such notable contenders as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla," said Car and Driver in a recent article. The reviewer at About.com said, "I'm in love with this Volkswagen for its handsome styling, its practical design, its build quality and because it is genuinely fun-to-drive." Forbes recently listed the Rabbit as one of the best cars for families praising it for "enough trunk space to accommodate soccer gear and 
groceries."
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is available as either a two-door or a four-door hatchback. Since it uses the hatchback body shape, the Rabbit makes the most of its interior space. It seats five and offers enough storage behind the rear seat to carry all their stuff. Owners rave about the high quality interior and first-rate feel of the Rabbit cabin. Reviewers confirm that Rabbit offers a superior environment with higher quality materials, instruments and controls than its rivals in the compact car segment.
The 2009 VW Rabbit uses a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 170 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque for all models. A new model, the Rabbit S, receives a 20-hp boost. You can choose between a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode. The EPA estimates the Rabbit's fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission. Using an automatic, the Rabbit should achieve 21 mpg in the city and 29 on highways.
NewCarTestDrive.com drove a Rabbit with the six-speed automatic and praised the transmission’s operation, noting it “only adds to its flexibility and responsiveness, making the Rabbit a good choice for commuting in heavy traffic." The Auto Channel gave the five-speed manual transmission a whirl and said it provided substantial gust. "With the four gears, acceleration was good, and there was no need to constantly shift down from fifth whenever I needed a jolt of power."
Reviewers have been unanimously impressed with the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit's handling capabilities and steering. The writers at NewCarTestDrive.com say, "Its steering and suspension give it a nice balance of smooth ride and responsive handling and help the driver maneuver safely in emergency situations." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says that what distinguishes the new Rabbit is its "tactile handling with a definite Germanic feel, as well as the sort of supple ride you might not expect in a car that is less than 14 feet long. The combination results in a conveyance that is effortless to live with daily." NewCarTestDrive.com goes on to say, "The brakes also are responsive," and points out that "the four-wheel antilock disc brakes allow the driver to brake and steer at the same time in a panic stopping situation… The optional Electronic Stability Program is a computer-controlled aid designed to help keep the car on its intended path rather than spinning out of control in emergency maneuvers, and we strongly recommend getting it."
Inside, the automotive press considers the Rabbit interior a benchmark for small cars. A reviewer for TheAutoChannel.com found the Rabbit's "seats are comfortable with decent side support," saying, "A nice feature is the low location of the rear headrests in ‘normal' position that doesn't obstruct the driver's rearward vision. When there are passengers back there, they can raise the headrests to a more comfortable spot." The reviewer also said, "My wife and I loved the heated front seats, especially on long rides."
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit comes standard with cloth seating, air conditioning, cruise control, rear-window defroster, an outside-temperature display, a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM, in-dash CD player and MP3 capability, split-folding rear seats and power windows, locks and mirrors. For an additional cost, drivers can opt for an upgraded audio package with a six-CD changer. There’s an auxiliary audio input and an iPod adapter, and satellite radio is also an option.
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating of "Good" in frontal and side impacts. Passenger safety features include front-seat side and side-curtain airbags (rear side airbags are optional). For child-seat safety assurance, the hatchback uses the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system with specified latching points.
If you’re considering the purchase of a small car, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a must-see and must-drive vehicle. MSRP pricing for the Rabbit begins under $16,000! For many families, it can serve as a fine family car. Even driving enthusiasts find the Rabbit satisfying and fun-to-drive. Doesn’t that sound like your ticket to ride? Give us a call and you can take a Rabbit for a run.
