For all you Rabbit lovers...

[Matty-O]

2007 Volkswagen Rabbit

VW ditches the Golf name for its $15,000 hatchback.
BY MIKE DUSHANE
April 2006

As VW image guru Kerri Martin tries to recapture VW’s former funky enthusiast flair, she’s taking VW back to its roots. She did this to great effect at BMW’s Mini division, and since arriving at VW with Mini’s former ad agency, she’s made a lot of changes. From the GTI’s new commercials stressing German engineering to the fact that the GTI has a firm, well-damped suspension (unlike its marshmallow predecessor), VW is refocused on its performance past. Taking the retro theme a step further is the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf that debuted in Europe last year: In the U.S., it will be called Rabbit, just like the car’s first generation. We haven’t driven the Rabbit, but VW assures us that it will be a driver’s car, even with an unimpressive-sounding 150 horsepower from its 2.5-liter five-cylinder. With a price that starts around $15,000 with decent equipment (except good wheels), it might just be the vehicle that puts VW back on hip young shoppers’ radar. If the Rabbit has better quality than the outgoing model it replaces, VW’s product turnaround will be more than just marketing-speak.

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2006/Q2/4122006105818.jpg[/img]

[Mr_Diesel]

I'm pretty sure the Mk1 "rabbit" was still called a "golf" or "gulf" in europe... i may be wrong though... So I don't really know what this article means.

Btw, this vehicle has ABSOLUTLY zero resemblance to the original rabbit other than the VW badge and the 4 wheels... The Mk1 rabbit can never be duplicated.... EVER!!!

Still a cool idea, and a good name. I think "Rabbit" is better than "Golf" anyway. :lol:

[TisforTurbo]

it will always be a golf to me. doesnt really matter though since thats what they used to be called. at least they didnt pick a totally new name :roll:

[burn_your_money]

I'm pretty sure the Mk1 "rabbit" was still called a "golf" or "gulf" in europe... i

Yep, always was the golf. I don't know what VW was thinking but I think it's lame. The new golf looks nice though

[Provocyclist]

Hey, at least they didnt name is something weird like "Shanira", "toerag", or "eos" :lol:

[Salteatervw]

or phantom, or whatever.

[Cisco]

it's out on the canadian site
vw.ca :)

[burn_your_money]

In about 10 years I'll probably buy one :lol:
Or maybe get a wrecked one and put the engine in a real rabbit

[ajrn]

Well the VW logic, was that sales TANKED when the name Rabbit went away in the US..

...It may ALSO be, for some-- that the RABBIT (80?-84) was built in PENNSYLVANIA..

Personally-- if they're wanting me to buy a new VW-- Give us a TDI pickup to replace my '82..

AJ RN

[burn_your_money]

I think the reason why they are renaming the golf the rabbit is the same reason why there is a new charger and a new mustang both looking like the 70s models; babyboomers. Old people with too much money wanting to relive their youth

[Salteatervw]

I say bring the Polo or Lupo and call that Rabbit :twisted:

[Mr_Diesel]

I say bring the Polo or Lupo and call that Rabbit :twisted:

Neither come close to matching USA safety standards, otherwise they would already be here.

[Salteatervw]

Im not talking about the cars from Mexico.

[Salteatervw]

Polo standard features, UK:
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/new_cars/polo/standard_spec

[SteveXs2]

The local VW dealership just brought in some Rabbits and I saw them on my way home for lunch. When I'm done work I'm going to take a closer look on my way home, they look pretty nice though. I'd totally drive one.

[SteveXs2]

Wow! That's about all I have to say except that these are NICE looking cars. The back doesn't say Rabbit, it's got a rabbit logo and "2.5". Very clean. There looks to be lots of interior space, the car itself is attractive (in my opinion, of course), and the interior looks amazing. I want one!

[Evvy Dubble You]

Picked mine up yesterday and I'm loving it. I'm a first time VW owner and I'm very impressed with this car. Just the user friendly feautures are reason enough to love this car. The A/C'ed glove box, tap-to-blink lane change, key-powered windows (heck just the key itself is freakin cool,) and even a hanger for the gas cap so it doesnt set against the fender as you fuel... Not to mention the quikness and agility of the car.

All in all, I am a very hppy and impressed new Rabbit owner. :mrgreen:

Name's Evvy, like Eddie. Transplant from the Avenger/Sebring Enthusiast Club board. Hope to chat much with many of you.

Evvy Thomas

[GoodDayForADrive]

Welcome :)

[Reifle]

Golf has been Golf in Europe from day one! Apparently the power that be at VW made the name change very last minute that several original Rabbits arrived in the USA with Golf logos on them! Not usre what happened to them but if you could get your hands on one of those...

[Mr_Diesel]

Interesting... Those would probably be a very hot commodity here. I know there were a few "swallowtail" (?) Rabbits that were very rare too.