Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 (late year model) Volkswagen Rabbit 4-door sedan. You know what, we in America really need to re-think our perceived need to drive bulky, heavy vehicles like today’s SUV’s. Most of the world drives cars that provide much more fuel economy and sacrifice very little in the area of interior space. Here in the US truck class cars (that included SUVs) make up fully 50% of all cars sold.
I’m sure many buy large cars in self defense since there are so many on the highway. Think if you drove a “Smart” car how intimidating it would be on the same road with big heavy cars.
Responsible cars like the Smart Car and this VW Rabbit would be a much easier sell if there weren’t so many big cars to share the highway with. And on the roads of most of Western and especially Eastern Europe a large car is a “Fish out of water”. Roads are simply too small to accommodate them.
General Info:
Parts – Germany 75%, U.S/ Canadian 1%.
Assembly – Wolfsburg, Germany
Class: – Compact Cars
Cars: – Eos, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle, Passat, Passat Wagon, Rabbit and Touareg.
Observation:
European car makers seem unafraid of using Express up and down windows as are those in America. Such features are very convenient but you seldom see American car makers willing to risk lawsuits. Pa-leese – what’s that all about? What ever happened to the old west, pioneer spirit, and people taking responsibility for themselves? In any case this VW Rabbit with Express up and down windows include “Pinch Protection” so this won’t cause a boo-boo.
As far as I’m concerned it was ok without “Pinch Protection”. Oooo-my-gosh is it any different than teaching your child to look both ways before crossing the street. Or is it the adults we have to worry about in this case. If so, I wonder if that person should be behind the wheel to begin with.
Handling & Performance:
Wonderful. Everything is so smooth from steering to shifting and acceleration to braking that it is a pleasure to drive such a well thought out and engineered car. I would, however, opt for the optional Stability program. I have tested these kinds of safety features on the race track and other test venues and I’m totally sold on the benefits – totally.
Styling:
Ok, I like the look even though it is pretty common place – how about you?
Fit and Finish:
Good. It’s made it Germany and most people in Europe still have a pride of workmanship that is less and less common in today’s world. But, management must be a part of the equation because some VW’s are manufactured in Mexico. Know what I mean?
Cost:
Good. Not steel, but a good value.
Conveniences and comfort:
Good stuff is standard and the option of a sunroof I can live without.
Consumer Recommendation:
In my opinion it is the best of the bunch listed here. Not that the others are bad, but this is just a bit better for the money.
Recognized Competition:
VW Rabbit $15-17,000, Dodge Caliber $14-20,000, Ford Focus $14-17,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $13-20,000, Pontiac G5 $15-17,000, Saturn Ion $12-20,000, Nissan Versa $13-15,000, Toyota Matrix $15-17,000, Mazda3 $14-20,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Hyundai Elantra $13-17,000, Subaru Impreza $18-33,000, Kia Rio $11-13,000, Scion tC $17,000.
Good News:
Fun to drive, quality construction seamless interface between car and driver.
Bad News:
Small profile for US highways as it is overshadowed by typically large cars, only fair fuel economy around town but decent highway results and it is rather plain Jane styling.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 150 hp 5 cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission front wheel drive, electro mechanical power steering, anti-slip regulation control, electronic differential lock, antilock front and rear disc braking system, front and side air bags, side curtain head airbags, rear seat child anchor system, child safety door locks, daytime running lights, side protection door beams, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows with pinch protection, power mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column, center armrest with cooled storage, intermittent wipers, front seats lumbar adjustment, fold flat front passenger seat, split folding rear seat, rear seat armrest with pass through, front and rear reading lights, fuel and trunk remote door releases, power central locking system, remote keyless entry, in-dash 6-disc CD changer / MP3 format readable, heated front seats, heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm system and immobilizer system. Options: power sunroof $1,000, Electronic stabilization program $450, 16” alloy wheels $400, Sirius Satellite radio $375.
Gas Stats:
$2.99/ Gal avg. July 10 ‘07
for more information.
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $16,990.
