Now that the Golf is gone, the Rabbit is free to roam. And roam it does, as my base model Rabbit's 2.5L I-5 is rip-roaring fun in the lightweight 3-door hatchback. Its 170 lb-ft of torque provide impressive acceleration, enough to push your head right up against the headrest. The slick 5-speed manual shift lever effortlessly moves from one cog to another and from the moment the driver figures out the clutch's friction point, he or she will want to shift all day.

The New Rabbit is immediately recognizable as a Volkswagen; not to mention good-looking.

The Rabbit's suspension is tuned for both comfort and handling. Over rough Montreal roads, the struts' ample travel suck it all in. On an off-ramp or on the highway, the new fully independent setup keeps the car firmly planted on the tarmac. The new chassis, shared with the Jetta and the Passat, is a marvel of engineering given its ability to maintain perfect poise in almost any situation.

The trick to Volkswagens is the premium interior that really gives the owner the impression that they have bought a more upscale car than the $20,000 sticker price would suggest. Best of all, the multiple adjustments made possible by the front seats and the tilt-telescoping steering ensure a perfect driving position. This, combined with properly-spaced pedals, give the impression that you are driving a GTI.

Unfortunately, Volkswagens are infamous for their spotty reliability. My tester's throttle sticks on occasion and the auto up/down power window on the passenger side often would not go up automatically. Both issues are easily addressed.

Premium and well-executed interior in a sub-20K car.

The Rabbit is an impressive little car that really charms by its incredible road manners and top-notch attention to detail.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux