2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S
by Jim Prueter -08/2008

Cute Rabbit gets more hop

The affordable 2009 Rabbit is one of the top small cars we’ve tested this year. The successor to the Golf, Volkswagen resurrected the Rabbit name back in June 2006 — you may remember it from the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Back then, the mere mention and sight of the Rabbit brought smiles. This new-generation Rabbit picks up where the original left off. Built in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Rabbit is still known and sold as the Golf in Europe; it’s the second-best selling car in that part of the world.

For 2009, the Rabbit is available as a hatchback with either two or four doors, each with a single trim level known as S. Both are powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder 170-horsepower engine, up from 150 horsepower. A five-speed manual shifter is standard on the two-door, with a six-speed automatic optional. The four-door is only available with an automatic.

We tested the two-door with the six-speed automatic transmission ($1,075), for a base price of $16,250 including shipping. The four-door Rabbit starts at $18,225. Standard equipment on both models includes power windows and locks, cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seat, 10-speaker AM/FM in-dash CD player, air-conditioning, tilt-telescoping steering wheel and remote keyless entry.

We found the five-cylinder engine exceptionally responsive, but average fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon during our weeklong test drive was on the low side for other cars Rabbit’s size. The transmission was excellent with quick, smooth shifts.

Inside, the interior is very well constructed and finished with high-quality soft touch materials and metallic trim normally found in more expensive vehicles. We’ve always liked the blue and red lights Volkswagen uses for the instruments and radio display.

Our biggest gripe is with the front seats; we just never found a comfortable position, even with multiple adjustments available. The seat back never seemed to touch our back, with the only contact at the waist and below. The bottom cushion is too angled, sloping toward the seat back. Legroom is ample, but the seat is so uncomfortable as to be a deal-breaker for this tall driver.

It’s too bad, because there is so much to like about the Rabbit, namely the driving dynamics. Those who like the feel of a European sedan with its capable handling, superb stability, and responsive, quick steering will love the Rabbit. The ride is firm, yet never feels harsh or pounding. Handling is confident with agility in corners and on twisty two-lane roads. This is a fun car to drive, with a quiet cabin. Road noise and rough surfaces don’t transfer to the steering wheel or intrude into the cabin. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are excellent, with a firm pedal and short stops. Headlamps are halogen with good intensity.

Glass area is generous, allowing for excellent visibility. Two will fit in the back seat but legroom and thigh support will be limited, especially with a taller driver.

The rear hatch cargo area is roomy and well finished. Seats fold forward for additional room. The VW logo on the rear hatch serves as the hatch release, but isn’t as easy to use as a handle if your hands are full of packages or bags. It does look nice though.

Standard safety gear includes stability control (new for 2009), front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on the four-door. The two-door received the highest possible rating crash test results (Good) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It has not been crash tested by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Rabbit four-door received four out of five stars for frontal crash occupant protection, and five stars for front and rear side protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the four-door Rabbit received the highest possible rating of Good in frontal-offset and side crash tests.

Volkswagen has traditionally been plagued with quality problems, but recent products are improving. There is much to like about the Rabbit and we think it should be on your must-test-drive list if you’re shopping for a smaller vehicle. It handles better than most, with decent room and power and is certainly more fun and enjoyable to drive than much of the competition.