2009 Volkswagen Rabbit: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit ▼
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- MSRP: $16,300 - $19,340
- Invoice: $15,456 - $18,781
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Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
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Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5 |
More than adequate for most situations. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive but can sometimes be reluctant to downshift for more power. Its useful manual-shift gate is an unexpected surprise in this price class. No manual-transmission models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission model averaged a subpar-for-the-class 19.8 mpg. Rabbit uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.2 |
Firm but well controlled over all but the sharpest bumps. Overall comfort is enhanced by Rabbit's solid body structure.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Rabbit is fun to drive, albeit less sporty than the related GTI. Steering has good feedback. The brakes have solid pedal feel and excellent stopping control. A standard antiskid system is a welcome safety plus in this class.
QUIETNESS
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Main complaint is undue tire noise, even on apparently smooth pavement. The engine sounds strained above 4000 rpm, but is reasonably quiet below that. Little wind noise.
CONTROLS
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
Rabbit's gauges are large and legible. Standard controls are simple and handy.
DETAILS
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.1 |
Like its Jetta sibling, Rabbit is among the best in class. Rabbit's interior has many soft-touch surfaces and quality plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.6 |
Six-footers have ample legroom and headroom, though the optional sunroof cuts into head clearance a bit. All Rabbits have a standard tilt and telescopic steering and height-adjustable driver seat to fine tune a comfortable driving position.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4 |
Headroom and legroom are sufficient for smaller adults. Legroom gets very tight if the front seats are set far back. Entry and exit are a squeeze play on 2-door models. Tip-and-slide front seatbacks on one test car required unusual force to move, further complicating entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.9 |
Usefully cubic cargo hold can swallow a lot of stuff with some careful packing. Rear seatbacks fold but don't lie flat. Small item storage is good, but not great. The glovebox is fairly large, but the door map pockets are on the small side.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.6 |
Like the related Jetta, VW's Rabbit sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It also comes with many laudable standard safety features and boasts a high-quality interior. Its hatchback body style makes it a versatile little hauler, too. Rabbit's fuel economy is disappointing in this class, as are VW's customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| S 2-door, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 64 | 60.1 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Compact Cars
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