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2006 Volkswagen Rabbit First Drive
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TO THE POINT
What’s New? The 2006 VW Rabbit is all new, replacing the Golf as the entry model in the lineup. Choose between a three- or five-door hatchback in a single trim.
Selling Points: Fun to drive, front comfort, quality materials, useful utility, low-emission engine, top-notch safety equipment
Deal Breakers: Unimpressive fuel economy, unimpressive acceleration
Our Advice: Despite the Rabbit’s wholesome goodness, the Ford Focus and Mazda 3 are strong alternatives to consider unless you must have a Vee-Dub badge.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Ford Focus
RELATED LINKS
VW Jetta Road Test
VW Rabbit Preview
What’s New for 2007
THIS WEEK
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Specifications
Volkswagen says the Rabbit gets a four-star frontal and five-star side-impact crash-test rating from the NHTSA.
Test Vehicle: 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit five-door
Base Price: $17,620 (including the $630 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 150 at 5,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 170 lb.-ft. at 3,750 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual (standard); six-speed automatic (optional)
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,071 (manual); 3,173 (automatic)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 22/30 mpg (both transmissions)
Observed Fuel Economy: 19.4 mpg
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Length: 165.8 inches
Width: 69.3 inches
Height: 58.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 39.3/38.5 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.2/35.3 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 15 cu.-ft. (behind rear seats); 46 cu.-ft.
Competitors:
Chevrolet HHR
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Dodge Caliber
Ford Focus
Honda Fit
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Spectra5
Mazda 3
Mini Cooper
Nissan Versa
Scion xB
Pontiac Vibe
Suzuki SX4
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Yaris Photos courtesy of Volkswagen
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About Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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