2006 Volkswagen Rabbit First Drive

Introduction

Volkswagen Rabbit – 2006 First Drive: Raumwunder is a German expression for small on the outside and big on the inside, and it’s how VW describes the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit, which returns this summer as an all-new, fifth-generation replacement for the venerable Golf. With this new car and revived nameplate, VW is hoping customers will get all warm and fuzzy for the old Rabbit and subsequently judge the new model to be a fun, high-value, entry-level compact like the original. Initially engineered for the constricted and speedy streets of Europe, and first shipped across the pond in 1975, the Rabbit sold more than 1.3 million units in the U.S. during its hey-day after American buyers grew to appreciate its nimble handling, versatile packaging and fuel efficiency.

Kerri Martin, Volkswagen’s Director of Brand Innovation and the woman behind the return of the Rabbit, is responsible for another recent and successful nameplate revival in the United States; she previously served as a BMW marketing manager and reintroduced the Mini brand to Americans. “The Rabbit was always exclusive to the U.S. and Canadian markets; while the rest of the world had the Golf, we had the iconic Rabbit,” said Martin. “The reintroduction of the Rabbit represents Volkswagen’s commitment to this market and is a nod to the passionate North American enthusiasts who have an emotional connection with the Rabbit name.”

Though retaining the title of Golf throughout the rest of the world, the fifth-generation Rabbit destined for North America will be built in Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg, Germany, facility along with the recently introduced GTI, a performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit. Part of VW’s marketing plan is to stress the revived Rabbit nameplate as a unique, German-engineered model in a market segment that is gaining momentum in America, thus distancing it from competitors like the Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus ZX3 and ZX5, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Matrix.

On sale now, and boosted by 30 percent more horsepower than the old Golf, the new Volkswagen Rabbit is slightly taller, longer and wider than before and conforms to California’s stringent PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) regulations. Three-door versions will start at $15,620, while five-door models will start at $17,620 (including the $630 destination charge). VW expects fully-loaded versions to top out around $20,000, and hopes to sell between 10,000 and 12,000 Rabbits during the upcoming model year.

Model Mix

The new 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit in your choice between a three- or five-door hatchback equipped with a single level of trim, priced a couple thousand dollars higher than some competitors. In the future, it is possible that the Rabbit might be offered in TDI turbodiesel or 2.0T turbocharged guise, but for now just the Rabbit 2.5 comprises the lineup. The GTI is based on the Rabbit, but is considered to be a separate model.

Notable standard equipment for every Volkswagen Rabbit includes air conditioning; cruise control; power windows/locks/mirrors; a telescopic steering wheel; side impact and side curtain airbags; and four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and brake assist. Added standard features include a five-cylinder gasoline-powered engine, five-speed manual transmission, dual chrome exhaust tips, green-tinted glass, 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65 tires, a driver’s-side one-touch power window, manually-adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split rear seat.

Five-door Rabbits add body-color exterior moldings, windshield washer nozzles, a cooled front storage compartment, floor mats, two interior reading lights, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, added front seat adjustment with a power reclining driver’s seat, heated front seats with lumbar support, a fold-flat front passenger’s seat, velour seating material, a rear-seat center armrest/pass through, more interior storage pockets, and rear seat climate vents.

Options for both Rabbits include a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 tires, and stability control. Five-door models maintain exclusive rights to a power glass sunroof, XM or Sirius satellite radio and rear side-impact airbags.