Rabbit is notably easy to enter, exit and see out of- and once in it proves more than adequately comfortable for four passengers and some belongings. The rear cargo area is adequate though not enormous, but the seats in back fold flat in typical 60/40 fashion. Three people and three ski-bags could probably be accommodated without a roof-rack.

The 400-litre trunk will accommodate most of your needs.

The 6-CD changer equipped stereo system provided decent sound quality, bettering that of the unit found in a Subaru Impreza or Mazda 3 Sport if my ears serve me correctly. Satellite radio was hooked up as well, pre-wired and controlled through the head-unit. If you're considering satellite radio, pay the $450 to pre-wire your car and avoid clumsy wiring, suction cups and a separate interface down the road.

Hopping along
Volkswagen's always done a decent job of creating a solid, planted and quiet feel in their inexpensive cars. Rabbit is no exception- the ride is free of unwanted noise, the car feels stable at speed, and the steering is direct and sporty as far as electric-assist systems go.

Amusingly, it's got plenty of grip and a taut chassis that loves being grabbed by the scruff and tossed about on empty backroads. The pedals are placed closely to one another so drivers can heel-and-toe with ease, if desired. If you've ever geared down and accelerated towards that picturesque corner when nobody's looking, Rabbit will satisfy.

ESP is standard, though the factory tires are largely unsuitable for use in the snow- so if you live up north, get some winter boots installed.

Buying one
The test car featured the Comfortline package, adding 16" wheels and a 6-CD changer. With satellite radio, a winter package (heated seats and washer squirters), sunroof and satellite radio, the as-tested price totaled $25,225 before taxes and freight.

That's reasonable for the equipment level, especially given the list of features and fun-to-drive characteristics. Rabbit doesn't offer AWD which is available in the price range from Dodge and Subaru, however. What it does offer is a fun-to-drive package with a particularly high-quality feel to both the ride and the interior.

Be sure to consider Rabbit when a bit of upper-scale quality and performance are important. With its understated looks and conservative styling, your significant other doesn't even have to know it's fun to drive.


Roomy for four
Well made and solid
Fun-to-drive ride and handling



Stiff shifter
Understated looks may be too plain for some



None


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard