Driving the New Rabbit
July 16, 2006 – 2:56 pm by Tim Mixell
Filed under Volkswagen Rabbit
Ground-up redesign of a VW classic translates to fun on the road, and relief on the wallet.
I’ve been in the market for a new car for about a month now. I would by lying if I said I wasn’t partial to the New GTI (which I eventually bought), BUT I used the opportunity as an excuse to get behind the wheel of a New Rabbit. My expectations for the GTI had already been established by rave reviews and hearing other people’s opinions. Having said that, I was actually MORE impressed when I drove the Rabbit because I didn’t know what to expect!
The MK V platform cars are noticeably larger than their predecessors: both inside and outside. Larger wheelbase only helps with the already stellar handling of the MK V platform cars. The stock 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine cranks out 150hp and 170ft/lbs of torque. This is an engine that doesnt hesitate pulling the 3000+ pound car - in fact, I would go as far as saying this is a peppy little machine. The Rabbit’s suspension is slightly softer than the GTI’s, but isn’t mushy to the point that I felt I would lose the car on the clover leaf at highway speeds. The lines are blurred slightly with the upcoming release of a 4-door GTI, but for the money the Rabbit is a great deal. Fit and finish is top notch - especially for a car starting under 15k. Compared to other cars in this segment, the standard options in the Rabbit FAR exceed those of the competition. Combined with the awesome crash ratings, the Rabbit seems like a no brainer for a car buyer looking for a fun car that is easy on the wallet.
Don’t take my word for it, though - go test drive one yourself, and I promise you will be just as surprised as I was :]
Driving the New Rabbit
July 16, 2006 – 2:56 pm by Tim Mixell
Thanks for the Rabbit mini-review. I too have been looking for a new car and while I’d love to get the GTI, the Rabbit fits into my budget much better. Knowing it performs well really helps me in deciding what cars to test drive. Thanks again!
No problem, buddy! At the very least, treat yourself to a test drive!
I would also recommend keeping your eyes peeled for financing deals… Since the Rabbit is SO new, VW Credit isnt offering the low APRs as on their other cars.
Yyyyyeahh….6.9% don’t make me too happy.
Luckily, it’s not a need based purchase, so I can keep my eyes peeled for a better deal. Yeah, 6.9% hurts my head.
Im happy to say I signed the dotted line this morning for my black 2 door rabbit 5spd. Im a 19 year old with a decent job and the Rabbit seems like the perfect buy ( yes I am biest because my family and I drive VWs). And i gotta say: i was suprised when i test drove it, i expected a very soft ride and cheap feel considering the price, but instead i felt like i was driving in an audi or something of much higher value.
Congrats!
That’s what is so great about the Rabbit… GREAT value! The fit & finish is top notch; makes Hondas and Toyotas in that price range look like Yugos.
BAAAAHAHAHAHA.
We bought one about 6 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I posted my impressions in the standard equipment thread. Sorry ’bout that.
Still, it’s not a bad read.
And the car? Sublime.
The Rabbit really is a pleasant surprise. It is a very fun car at a very reasonable price.