A comprehensive safety system is responsible for the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit’s four-star frontal and five-star side-impact rankings in the NHTSA’s crash-testing. Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags are standard. The five-door Rabbit is available with optional rear-seat side airbags – a unique offering in this class of vehicle. Active front seat head restraints help to properly position passengers during an impact, and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel maintains the proper distance between the driver and the steering wheel’s airbag. A brake pad wear indicator and an optional tire pressure monitoring system are also included on every Rabbit.

The Rabbit’s six standard airbags, coupled with its standard traction control and available stability control systems, represent a significant gain in safety equipment over the first generation model. Rabbits are also protected by VW’s anti-theft system, with an alarm linked to the doors, hood and rear trunk that is designed to immobilize the engine when someone enters the car without the key. A laser-welded steel frame with anti-intrusion side door beams also add increased protection during a collision, while providing improved rigidity for better driving dynamics and handling response.