Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National November 6, 2008Vehicle Overview
For 2008, Volkswagen's entry-level Rabbit received more power and a new trim level: the Rabbit S. The compact hatchback is Volkswagen's answer to compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The model is relatively unchanged for 2009, but it does lose some features, such as iPod connectivity.
The Rabbit comes in two- or four-door body styles and retains the basic hatchback shape that has made the model famous since its 1974 introduction.
New for 2009
A manual transmission is no longer available in four-door models. A cold weather package is optional on two-door Rabbits and standard on four-door models. Sirius Satellite Radio with a free limited subscription is available on four-door models. The factory-installed iPod adapter offered on 2008 Rabbits is no longer available.
Exterior
The twin-bezel headlights closely resemble those on the Jetta. A body-colored bumper doesn't create a one-piece grille appearance as the chrome units do in other Volkswagens. The Rabbit is 165.8 inches long and 69.3 inches wide; its wheelbase is 101.5 inches.
- 15-inch wheels standard
- 16- or 17-inch wheels optional
- Independent rear suspension
Interior
The Rabbit follows the Jetta and GTI with a three-spoke steering wheel and high-mounted center stack. Cargo volume is 15 cubic feet, and it grows to 46 cu. ft. thanks to a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Rear legroom is 35.3 inches. A fold-flat front passenger seat is also available, allowing the Rabbit to carry longer items.
- One-touch power windows standard
- Heated side mirrors standard
- Standard cruise control
- Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack
- Standard remote keyless entry
- Optional moonroof
- Optional heated front seats
Under the hood
The Rabbit uses a 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque, In the two-door Rabbit, the engine teams with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The four-door loses its manual option for 2009.
Safety
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes standard
- Active head restraints standard
- Side-impact and side curtain airbags standard
- Standard electronic stability system
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Volkswagen Rabbit
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
