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Volkswagen Rabbit
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit compact coupe is also available in a sedan2008 Volkswagen Rabbit - enlargeComplete Volkswagen Rabbit New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit compact car (MSRP $15,490 - $18,560) is available in both coupe and sedan versions. Both models are available only in one trim level, the S. Both models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, and there is an optional 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with Tiptronic and Sport mode transmission. Both the 2- and 4-door Rabbits come with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter I5 engine and front-wheel drive system. The Rabbit competes with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda MAZDA3, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, and Scion xD.
The Volkswagen Rabbit was sold in the U.S. in the 1980s and then replaced with the Golf worldwide. The Rabbit name was discontinued. But in 2005 the hatchback Golf was reintroduced in the U.S. as the Rabbit.
Like the R32, the VW Rabbit can be purchased with the Audi TT's incredible Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission - the best mass-produced transmission on the market. The DSG is a clutchless, manual transmission that can also be operated in a fully automatic mode. When in the manual mode, the driver up-shifts by pulling a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel and down shifts by pulling a paddle on the right. The system will not shift for you in this mode, as is the case with cars that have automatic transmissions combined with sport-shift modes.
The suspension system in the VW Rabbit includes four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension.
Basic exterior features include 15 x 6.0 inch steel wheels, all season tires, full wheel covers, temporary inside-mounted spare tire, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, and a rear window wiper.
The Volkswagen Rabbit seat and power features include 5-person total seating capacity, cloth upholstery (velour upholstery for sedan version), bucket front seats, bench rear seat, height-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seat back, remote power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, 2 one-touch power windows (for coupe version only), and heated mirrors. Instrumentation includes an external temperature display, clock, low fuel level warning indicator, and a tachometer.
Basic comfort and convenience features in the VW Rabbit include cruise control, electric speed-proportional power steering, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, front and rear cup holders, remote trunk release, front door pockets, 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s), front console with storage, manual rear seat easy entry (for coupe version only), air conditioning, interior air filtration, dual vanity mirrors, cargo tie downs, and a cargo area light.
Entertainment and telematics features include an AM/FM in-dash single CD player, CD-controller with CD MP3 Playback stereo, 8 total speakers (10 for sedan version), auxiliary MP3 audio input, and mast antenna.
The Volkswagen Rabbit safety features include electronic brake-force distribution, 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, traction control, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring, and turn signal mirrors. Passenger safety features include two front and two rear multi- and height-adjustable headrests, driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system, front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, child seat anchors, and front seatbelt pretensioners. Security features include remote anti-theft alarm system, and an engine immobilizer.
Additional exterior features for the VW Rabbit sedan include body color bumpers, body color moldings. On the inside the sedan gets front and rear floor mats, two reading lights, premium VII AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MP3 readable, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light and coding system (satellite radio factory installed only), Satellite radio with Sirius with 3-month subscription. Also the front gets 8-way manually adjustable height seats, power recline (driver only) with adjustable head restraints, fold-flat passenger seat, and a center armrest adjustable/folding with a storage compartment. In the rear the sedan gets a 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through, passenger ventilation for heat and A/C in center console, integrated armrests in rear door panels, and child safety rear door locks.
A safety report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit sedan received four stars out of five in frontal crash tests, five stars out of five in side crash tests, and four stars out of five in rollover tests. [1]
A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org showed how the Volkswagen Rabbit held up mechanically. The Volkswagen Rabbit received the following ratings for the year 2007 (major design year was 2006): excellent ratings for engine, transmission, suspension, exhaust, power equipment, and drive, electrical, and climate system trouble spots; very good ratings its fuel system, brakes, paint and trim, squeaks and rattles, and body hardware trouble spots; and good ratings for its audio system. [2]
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