http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9881

VW renames the golf "Rabbit" starting price is under 15k....


I dont think its going to be a stripper model either, im sure it will have abs and all that.


Wonder how this is going to effect sales of the fit/yaris/versa/caliber

It is very much priced right, interior on the newest vw's is amazing and the suspension is superb, and its a 2.5 engine..

 

It's still a Volkswagen, with questionable reliability. I'll still take the Fit over it, any day.

 

I just got back from the New York auto show and had a chance to sit in the new Rabbit. I have to say, it's very impressive for a sub $15,000 car. That being said, we currently have a '99 Golf and for somewhere in the ballpark of 70,000 miles it has had more problems then it should have. Time will tell, $15,000 is a very attractive price for a new VW.

 

At this point I'd feel better about buying an American or Korean car than a VW. What garbage.

 

Actually the diesel VW's have been about average. They have no coil packs - the major recent issue with VW. I wonder how much the diesel will be. You used to have to buy the GLS to get the diesel - maybe that has changed.

I am also tempted (but still leary) by the VW.

 

I'll be honest guys, im on my 3rd volkswagen.

ive had an 87 scirocco that was bullet proof 130k miles.
a 92 gti 8valve which was bulletproof, save for a wheel bearing or 2 ;P

Currently i have a 2003 gti, its at 50k miles and the only problem it has ever had was 1 wheel bearing, and this is with it modded(spikes at 21psi)

The coilpack issues and window regulators were pretty much all taken care of by 2003.

Besides, according to europe this model is not problem prone at all.

 

Your gti turbo is going to crap soon at 21psi. The kkk03 will be big money to replace ($1300 turbo only). Sorry for the bad attitude, but I've seen it a ton. Keep that little turbo down below 1 bar like it's supposed to and it may last. There is no comparison between honda's reliability and a 1.8t car. I can understand your love for German engineering, though.

 

well i dont hit 21 psi all the damn time ;P alot of the time on my commute i try to not hit boost at all.

I know plenty of folks, including 2 in my local club with 1.8t's that are at 130k+ with the basic bolt ons. It's a damn strong engine especially considering the abuse they get from all that boost.

One of them did lose a turbo, but got a used ko3sport for dirt cheap. There are tons of them out there so finding a backup turbo isn't a problem.

anyway, all that aside, rabbit TDI looks very nice.

 

I am fond of the Rabbit name. Had one. It was a fine party vehicle in my youth.
12 second 0 to 60 times for the TDI. Thats a big tradeoff for a few MPG.
I researched the TDI and decided it was to slow for me. Interstate on ramps would kill ya. Waiting to see how the 2.5 mileage is. Does the 2.5 need premium fuel?

 

Actually the TDI does fine at on ramps. 40-60 is comparable to a gas vehicle, it is the 0-30 that is a little slow.

 

Nice car at that price point

 

The difference with deisels is that you don't really have to push them to get max performance. With a car that redlines at 4k, it's almost a normal habit to run right through the gears. I bet normally fit drivers wouldn't see 60 mph for 15-16 seconds under "brisk" but not all-out acceleration. I just couldn't handle not having the ability to really go when I want/need to.

 

I had a 98 Gti and a 01 Tdi Golf, both had so many electrical problems and was too much of a headache.

 

i used to own a 2001 jetta wolfsburg. i loved the car. but man was it plagued with problems. i think the car was a lemon. for example the alternator gave out without warning. the coilpacks were also replaced, but it still had issues.

i sold the car at 75K miles. before things got worse.

 

What is the curb weight of the rabbit?

 

My old VW had soo many problems, I swear to never buy one again.

 

Not sure, but the GTI is about 3,150 lbs.

 

"pricing starting at $14,990 for the two-door."

VW loses already.

 

too expensive to me

 

VWs are okay i guess...i would not get the rabbit though:o