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Volkswagen Rabbit: Difference between revisions

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The '''Volkswagen Golf''' (Mk I and Mk V badged as '''Volkswagen Rabbit''' in North America) is a compact car manufactured by [[Volkswagen]]. The Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model in history and world's third best-selling model, with more than 24 million built as of 2005.  
{{merge|Volkswagen Golf}}
{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:01 09golfvwsmall.jpg]]
|Marque = [[Volkswagen]]
|aka = [[Volkswagen Golf]] outside the US
|Production = 2006-Present
|Class = Compact
|Body Style = 3- or 5-door Hatchback
|Length = 165.8 in (4210 mm)
|Width = 69.3 in (1759 mm)
|Height = 58.2 in (1479 mm)
|Wheelbase = 101.5 in (2578 mm)
|Weight = 2975-3041 lb (1349-1379 kg)
|Transmission = 5-speed manual <br> 6-speed automatic
|Engine = 2.5 litre [[Inline-5]]
|Power = 150 hp @ 5000 rpm<br>170 lb-ft of [[torque]] @ 3750 rpm
|Similar = [[Ford Focus]] <br> [[Honda Civic]] <br> [[Chevrolet HHR]] <br> [[Mazda Mazda3]] <br> [[Nissan Sentra]] <br> [[Dodge Caliber]] <br> [[Pontiac Vibe]] <br> [[Mini Cooper]] <br> [[Toyota Matrix]]
|Designer = '''Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)'''
}}
The '''Volkswagen Rabbit''' is a compact car manufactured in Germany by [[Volkswagen]]. It originally debuted in Europe in 1974 as the [[Volkswagen Golf]] and adopted the Rabbit moniker when it made its first appearance in Canada and the United States in 1975.  In 1985, [[Volkswagen]] switched its name back to the original [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]], and it remained as such for 21 years.  When the new Mk V platform was developed, [[Volkswagen]] opted to switch the [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]]'s name again, and in early 2006 the brand new Rabbit was unveiled. By March 2009, however, Volkswagen has again opted to drop the "'''Rabbit'''" moniker in favor of the "'''Golf'''", thus continuing Volkswagen's never ending saga of switching the name of its entry-level hatch for the North American market.


Most production of the Golf has been in the 3-door [[hatchback]] style. 5-door hatchback, [[station wagon]] (estate/Variant) and [[convertible]] ('''Cabrio''') variants have also been available, as well as a [[sedan]] (saloon) car based on the Golf (see [[Volkswagen Jetta]]). They have existed everywhere between basic personal cars and high-performance sports [[coupé]]s.
===Recent Changes===
* On August of 2008, Volkswagen unveiled the sixth generation of the Golf/Rabbit on the internet, though Volkswagen will not 'officially' unveil the car until the 2008 [[Paris Motor Show]] in October of that year. Predictably, as of this writing, information is scarce but what is known is that the '''new 2009 Golf''' will be wider than the outgoing model and will feature styling reminiscent of the [[Volkswagen Scirocco]] and taillamps suspiciously similar to ones found on the [[Volkswagen Touareg|Touareg]]. The new car's styling is more 'evolutionary' than 'revolutionary'. Underhood, the new Golf will feature a range of 2 Diesel (1.9-liter and 2.0-liter TDI) and 3 Petrol (1.4-liter TSI, 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter TFSI) burning engines. BTW, the first UK example of the new Golf will be auctioned of for charity by the '''London Press Club Ball''' on October 15, 2008. All proceeds from the auction will go to the “Journalists' Charity”, which is a UK charity organization for all journalists in need. [http://wikicars.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Volkswagen_Golf&action=edit&section=1][http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/volkwagen-golf-vi-unveiled-a-bit-early/][http://jalopnik.com/399773/new-vw-golf-vi-gets-an-early-internet-unveil][http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/08/2009-volkswagen-golf-vi-images-leaked.html][http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080804.001/new-vw-golf-vi-photos-leaked][http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/08/2009-vw-golf-vi-to-be-auctioned-for.html]


The success of the Golf popularized the use of the hatchback in the C segment of cars and started the entire golf class.
<gallery>
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-5.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-4.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-3.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-2.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-1.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-6.jpg
Image:2009-Volkswagen-Golf-0.jpg
</gallery>


== History ==
The Mk V Rabbit is set to replace the [[Volkswagen Golf]] for the 2007 model year and beyond.  As such, the engine has been upgraded to a standard 2.5-L 150-[[hp]] I-5 for both the 2-door and 4-door models.
The Golf is a historically important automobile, as it has been in continuous production from 1974 to the present day. It is an early example of a [[hot hatch]]. The Golf was also a crucial model for Volkswagen itself; by the early 1970s, the company was in serious financial trouble. [[Volkswagen Beetle|Beetle]] sales were in terminal decline, and car buyers increasingly turned away from Volkswagen's air-cooled, rear-engined models. The Type 3 and Type 4 failed to attract any interest, whilst the NSU-developed [[VW K70|K70]] was an unmitigated disaster. The savior of the German car giant came in the form of [[Auto Union]], which owned the famous [[Audi]] brand. Volkswagen had acquired the Ingolstadt Company in 1964 from Daimler-Benz, and crucially gained access to Audi's expertise in water-cooled engines and [[front wheel drive]] which were needed to produce a new generation of Volkswagens. The Golf was the central product of this new strategy.


== Mk I (1974–present) ==
===Styles and Major Options===
[[Image:DSC02676.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Volkswagen Golf 1976 Mk1 (Australia)]]
The 2006 Rabbit is available in two trims: a 2-door hatchback and a 4-door hatchback. Here are some of the features offered with each of them:
The first Golf began production in 1974. Marketed in the United States and Canada from 1975 to 1984 as the '''Volkswagen Rabbit''' and in Mexico as the '''Volkswagen Caribe''', it featured the water-cooled, [[front wheel drive]] design pioneered by the Citroën Traction Avant in 1934 with the addition of a [[hatchback]] pioneered by the [[Renault 4]] in 1961. The Golf was ''Wheels'' magazine's Car of the Year for 1975.


While the Golf was not the first design with this layout (earlier examples being the Austin and Morris Mini of 1959, the Austin Maxi in the late 1960s and the [[Fiat]] [[Fiat 128|128]] 3P of the early 1970s), it was very successful, especially since it married these features with Volkswagen's reputation for solid build-quality and reliable engineering.
'''Rabbit 2-Door'''
*150-[[hp]] 2.5L DOHC engine
*6-way manually adjustable driver's seat
*Turn signal indicator in side mirrors
*10-speaker AM/FM CD stereo system
*Speed sensitive wipers


The Golf was designed by Italian automobile architect / designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, of the ItalDesign design studio. A version of this original Golf model, known as the [[Volkswagen Citi]]Golf, is still produced in South Africa as an entry level car.  
'''Rabbit 4-Door'''
*150-[[hp]] 2.5L DOHC engine
*60/40 folding rear seat
*Heatable front seats
*Adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger
*Light tinted windows


In 1978, Volkswagen commenced producing the Rabbit version of the Mk1 Golf in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thus becoming the first European car manufacturer in modern times to produce a vehicle in the United States.  Former [[Chevrolet]] executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, which was built to lower the cost of the Rabbit in North America by producing it locally.  Unfortunately, McLernon tried to "Americanize" the Rabbit by softening the suspension and using cheaper materials for the interior.  VW purists in America and company executives in Germany were displeased, and for the 1983 model year the Pennsylvania plant went back to using stiffer shocks and suspension with higher-quality interior trim.  The plant also began producing the GTI for the North American market.  (Rabbits were built in Pennsylvania through 1984.) The first [[VW Caddy]] pick-up, based on the Mk1 Golf, was also created at the Pennsylvania plant.
===Pricing===


The GTI version, launched in Europe in 1976 and in the US in 1983, virtually created the [[hot hatch]] genre overnight, and many other manufacturers since have created special sports models of their regular volume selling small hatchbacks. It was one of the first small cars to adopt [[fuel injection]] for its sports version, which raised power output of the 1588&nbsp;cc engine to 110&nbsp;[[horsepower#PS|PS]] (81&nbsp;kW/108&nbsp;hp). In 2004, ''Sports Car International'' announced the GTI Mk I as the 3rd best car of the 1980s. In the United States, the Mk1 Golf GTI was known as the Rabbit GTI. For background to the development of  the GTI, read, "The People's Porsche", an undergraduate dissertation.
Today's actual prices for the [[Volkswagen]] Rabbit can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/volkswagen/rabbit/prices CarsDirect].


There was a minor facelift in 1980 for North American versions only, which saw the adoption of larger rear lamp clusters (more in line with Guigiaro's original concepts), larger bumpers, square headlights and a new dashboard with a more modern-looking instrument display.
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=2 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | 3-door
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | 5-door
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=2 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $14,990
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $16,990
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=2 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $14,378
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $16,277
|}


The convertible version, named the Cabriolet, was sold from 1980 to 1993 (a convertible version of the Golf II was not made, so the Mk1 cabrio with slight modification was produced until the introduction of the Mk III cabrio). It had a reinforced body, transverse roll bar, and a high level of trim. The A1 Volkswagen convertible is of unibody construction built entirely at the factory of Karmann, from stamping to final assembly; Volkswagen supplied the engine, suspension, interior, etc. for Karmann to install. The vinyl tops were insulated and manually operated, with a glass rear window.
===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:


As of 2006, Volkswagen of South Africa still manufactures two first generation Golfs, the four-door [[Volkswagen Citi|"Citi" Golf]] and the [[Volkswagen Caddy|"Pickup"]].
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=2 |'''Trim'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | 5-Cyl. 2.5L<br>5-Speed [[manual transmission|Manual]]
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | 5-Cyl. 2.5L<br>6-Speed [[automatic transmission|Automatic]]
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=2 |'''MPG'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | 22/30
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;"| 22/30
|}


===Volkswagen Rabbit GTI===
===Engine and Transmission===
'''The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI''', the North American version of the high-perfomance Golf GTI, debuted in the 1983 model year and was in production for two seasons.  Assembled from parts made in Mexico, Canada, Germany and the U.S. in Volkswagen's Westmoreland, Pennsylvania assembly plant, the Rabbit GTI had the same Mk1 chassis, and the same A1 body type as the Mk1 Golf GTI that had been on sale in Europe since 1976, with a few exceptions. Key distinct features of the Rabbit GTI were its GTI surname, the squared front end styling, blue or red felt and leatherette trim, and its alloy "snowflake" wheels. The squared styling of the front end, particularly the wraparound blinkers, gave it added safety and slight improvement in performance.  Under the hood, the engine was a JH 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine that ran on unleaded petroleum fuel. The JH 1.8l was transversely mounted, and it would peak in stock condition at around 80-85 HP. Claims to gas mileage of near-perfectly tuned Rabbit GTIs range bewteen 25 and 30 miles per gallon.
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.


== Mk II (1983–1992) ==
===Performance===
[[Image:Golf15.jpeg|right|thumb|250px|MK II Volkswagen Golf]]
Please make sure to '''''write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view'''''. This section should include information about the car's '''acceleration figures''', '''handling''', '''braking''', etc.
The second-generation Golf was launched in 1983 (launched in North America in 1985) and featured a larger bodyshell and a wider range of engine options, including a GTD (In euro markets, using the 1.6 'umwelt' diesel engine), a DOHC 1781 cc (1.8) 16-valve version of the straight-four GTI (as well as the tried and tested 1781 cc (1.8) 8v GTI), the supercharged 8v "G60" with 2wd and 4wd options, and a racing homologated variant of this, the "Rallye".


This Golf was marketed for the first time with that name in the United States and Canada.  The Rabbit name used on the Mark I was meant to give a car a cuddly image, but with the eighties redesign of the car, Carl Hahn, the former Volkswagen of America president now chairman of the whole company, dictated that Volkswagen model names be standardized globally.  James Fuller, head of the Volkswagen brand in North America, concurred in using the Golf name to stress the car's Teutonic character.  The GTI continued to be sold as a trim level of the Golf in Europe, but in North America it was (and contiunes to be) marketed as a separate model line.  
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.


[[Image:Golf2_g60ltd_front.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Volkswagen Golf II]]A very limited edition hand-built Golf II variant exists, including all of the best features available at the time. Designed and built by the Volkswagen Motorsport division, only 71 of these "G60 Limited" models exist; featuring a unique number and plaque, the G60 [[supercharger]] was combined with the 16-valve GTI engine, mated to a sports transmission and Syncro [[four wheel drive]] mechanism. All of these special edition models came in black, with four doors (except two in three door), a plain two-headlight grille (not the usual GTI four headlights) and a unique blue grille detail (not red, as the GTI) and motorsport badges. It is rumored that two models were produced with air conditioning. In 1989, these cars cost in the region of £25,000 each and were primarily sold to VAG executives and management, although a few exist in Britain as of 2005. These cars produced 212 bhp, making them the most powerful VW Golfs ever produced, until the introduction of the MKIV Golf R32 in 2003.  
===Reliability===
Before being redesigned and renamed the Rabbit, the [[Volkswagen Golf]] received high reliability ratings in recent years. While there is little reason to believe its ratings will drop significantly, it is wise to bear in mind that the new Rabbit is based on an entirely new platform and that reliability ratings for this model are not yet available.


There was also a version called Golf Country, designed for light off-road driving. It had more suspension travel, four-wheel drive, bullbars (generally over a single headlight grill), a skidplate for protecting the engine area, and a spare wheel mounted externally on the back. In Europe it was offered with the acclaimed 114 bhp 1.8 8v petrol engine, and in smaller numbers, the 75&nbsp;hp 1.6 GTD turbo diesel engine. The Golf Country was particularly popular in Alpine regions in central Europe.  
*'''RECALL ALERT:''' On Dec 15, 2010 Volkswagen launched a recall affecting 228,236 Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models, manufactured between 2006 and 2010, due to the possibility that the Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen may have a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against a fuel supply line. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 31, 2011. The German manufacturer can be contacted at 1-800-822-8987.[http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/chrysler-and-volkswagen-issue-massive.html]


During the life of the Golf II, there were a number of external style revisions. The most notable was the introduction of so called "Big Bumpers", which were introduced between 1989 and 1990 in the European market. Other notable changes to the looks of the Golf II include the removal of quarterlight windows in the front doors, in favor of single piece glass circa 1987. Also the introduction of larger grill slats circa 1987.
===Safety===
[[Image:VW-Golf-VI-6.jpg|thumb|right|400px]]
The [[Volkswagen]] Golf has received excellent safety ratings from the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA], earning 5/5 stars in front impact test and 4/5 stars in side impact tests consistently since 2000. These are some of the safety features included or available for the Golf:
*4-wheel [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|Anti-lock braking system]]
*Available [[Electronic Stability Control]] (ESC)
*Front, side, and side curtain [[airbag]]s
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Side impact bars
*Seatbelt pretensioners


As with the North American Rabbit, the second-generation Golf was produced in Pennsylvania.  When sales in North America failed to live up to expectations, the Westmoreland plant was closed in July 1988.  Subsequent Golfs sold in North America came from Germany and Mexico.  The Mark II Golf was discontinued in Europe in 1991, but Mexican-made Mark II models remained available in North America for another year. 
<gallery>
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-7.jpg
The GTI was ''Motor Trend'' magazine's Car of the Year for 1985, as well as VWVortex's "Best Golf of all time". The MkII GTI failed to make the same waves as the MkI, and failed to win back the Golf GTI's fanbase which had adopted the Peugeot 205 GTI.  In North America, where Peugeot did not sell the 205 in any guise, Volkswagen faced tough competition from the [[Honda Civic]] S (later Si).
Image:VW-Golf-VI-2.jpg
 
</gallery>
As with the Mk1, there was a "warm hatch" version known as the Golf Driver. Introduced in 1988, it featured the GTI's exterior styling, namely the twin front headlamps, and wheelarch spoilers but with a standard 1.6&nbsp;L engine. For the last year of production, the Driver was given a carburetted version of the GTI's 1781 cc engine. 
{{-}}
 
==="Changes" advert===
Part of the popularity in the UK of the Mk II drew from one 1987 advert. "Changes" starred model Paula Hamilton, made up to give her a close resemblance to Diana, Princess of Wales. She is seen leaving her husband, posting her wedding ring back through the letterbox and ditching her mink coat, chucking the house keys at the cat, rejected the fur coat and pearl necklace - but kept the Mk II car keys. ''If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen'' ran the tagline. The advert spawned a new era in car advertising.
 
== Mk III (1991–1998) ==
[[Image:Mk3golf.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1998 Volkswagen Golf]]
The third-generation Golf was launched in November of 1991, although it did not appear in North America until the spring of [[1993]].  The delay in North America was due to Volkswagen's decision to supply U.S. and Canadian dealerships with Mark III Golfs (and Mark III Jetas) from the VW plant in Puebla, Mexico.  Quality control problems led Volkswagen of America to reject Golfs and Jettas from Mexico; shortly thereafter, labor unrest at the plant delayed the car's North American introduction even further. The third-generation Golf and Jetta finally made it to North America, first as 1993 models in the [[San Diego]], [[California]] area, then in the fall in the rest of North America as [[1994]] models.  Three-door Golfs of this generation were mostly only available in North America in GTI form.
 
The third-generation Golf was elected [[Car of the Year]] in [[1992]]. For the first time a station wagon derivative was produced. The GTI variants (especially with the straight-four 4 cylinder engine) are considered to be the poorest of the performance Golfs, with significantly increased weight, but with minimal power increases. A "best of breed" VR6 variant exists which was available in a well regarded "Highline" trim; this 2.8&nbsp;L VR6 engine gave a significant boost in power to 174&nbsp;PS (128&nbsp;kW/172&nbsp;hp) for the Mk.III, a car weighing only about 1285&nbsp;kg (2836&nbsp;lb). Compare that to the Mk.II GTI that weighed 285&nbsp;kg (629&nbsp;lb) less but had only 139&nbsp;PS (102&nbsp;kW/137&nbsp;hp) and a much smaller engine to tune (1.8&nbsp;L). The convertible version was called the Cabrio.
 
A 16-valve version of the third-generation Golf GTI was introduced in 1993. This model was greeted with a muted sense of disenchantment with the motoring press. The engine was the same enlarged to 2.0&nbsp;L, with power now reaching 150&nbsp;PS (110&nbsp;kW/148&nbsp;hp). While underpowered compared to the VR6, it was still relatively popular with driving enthusiasts in Europe (North America didn't get the GTI version proper, but had the name applied to the VR6 engine). Once again the Golf Driver version took its place as the official GTI-look-alike but with a more humble single-point injected 1.8&nbsp;L engine.[[Image:One_Jimmy.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Volkswagen Golf III]]
 
The Golf MkIII was also the predecessor of the diesel craze that swept through Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Volkswagen introduced the direct-injection system in the Golf TDI in 1996. At 110&nbsp;PS (81&nbsp;kW/108&nbsp;hp) for a 1.9&nbsp;L engine, it wasn't the first diesel engine installed in a road car to achieve over 50&nbsp;hp/L, but it showed the public that diesel engines could be powered without losing their fuel efficiency, while also retaining massive amounts of low-end torque, in the TDI's case, 235&nbsp;N·m (173&nbsp;lbf·ft) at 1900&nbsp;rpm.
 
During the [[1990s]], Volkswagen sponsored three high-profile rock bands' European tours, and issued a special-edition Golf, with distinctive exterior markings, for each: the Golf [[Pink Floyd]] Edition ([[1994]]), the Golf [[Rolling Stones]] Edition ([[1995]]), and the Golf [[Bon Jovi]] Edition ([[1996]]).
 
In 1996 Volkswagen produced a limited 1000 special-edition 3-door '20th Anniversary' GTI's. These had the usual GTI specification but a came with checkered GTI logo'd Recaro sport seats, red seat belts, half-chrome golf ball gear knob, red stitching on the steering wheel and on the handbrake gatter and silver dialed instruments. The red theme continued externally with a red striping on the bumpers and red brake calipers, the wheels were 16" split rim BBS alloys, visually similar to the 15" that were found on VR6 model. Brush stainless steel rear twin tailpipes on the exhaust and smoked front fog and indicator lamps to match the rear lamps. 3 optional extras were made available; electric sunroof, air conditioning and metallic black paintwork. Insurance was based on the standard GTI which made this version a very desirable model. The edition was sold in only 6 colour schemes and the 1000 number figures that were produced was as follows; 600 8 valve models, 150 16 valve models and 250 TDI models. The diesel model was only produce for the European market and wasn't sold in the UK. Together with the 'colour concept' version that was produced during the final months before the production of the Mk.IV version, the 20th Anniversary model will probably be seen as the one of the rarest MK.III models.


As with the Mark I and Mark II, the Mark III would remain available in North America for a year after it was discontinued in Europe.
===Photos===
 
'''Awards'''


1997 Which? Magazine Best Buys - Best Family Car
===Mk III editions===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:VWGolfPinkFloydCloseup.jpg|Pink Floyd
Image:Grey_face_right.jpg
Image:GolfRollingStones.jpg|Rolling Stones
Image:GolfBonJoviLogo.jpg|Bon Jovi
Image:VWGolfNewOrleans.jpg|New Orleans
Image:VWGolfEuropeEdition.jpg|Europe
Image:GolfAvenueLogo.jpg|Avenue
Image:GolfMovieLogo.jpg|Movie
Image:GolfJokerLogo.jpg|Joker
Image:GolfSavoyLogo.jpg|Savoy
Image:VWGolfSpecialEdition.jpg|Special
</gallery>
</gallery>
===Colors===
The [[Volkswagen]] Rabbit is available in the following colors:


==Mk IV (1997 - 2006)==
'''Exterior'''
[[Image:VW Golf IV.jpg|right|250px|Volkswagen Golf Mk IV]]
*Black Uni
[[Image:800px-Vw_ebay_045.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS]]
*Reflex Silver
Launched in 1997 the Golf IV was the latest version of Volkswagen iconic model, and it became the biggest selling car in Europe at one point. It was a deliberate attempt to take the Golf further upmarket, with a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels. Overall the level of maturity of the design and its target audience were also evident — the humorous plays on the game of golf which resulted in special edition models of the three earlier generations being called "Golf Ryder", "Golf Driver", not to mention the GTI's "golf ball" gearlever knob were dropped, and replaced with a more subtly styled golf ball knob.
*United Gray
*Sage Green
*Shadow Blue
*Candy White
*Tornado Red


===Design and engineering===
'''Interior'''
As with the Mk 4 Passat the year before, the Golf Mk IV was a very significant car in its class. As with its big brother, not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between the mainstream machines and the premium cars, with SEAT and Skoda taking over as the "mainstream" brands; it also brought in a new level of interior quality and sophistication never seen before from a mainstream brand in the class. In fact, the quality of the Golf was on a par with its sister Audi A3 from the year before.  Although costing slightly more than its rivals, the price difference showed when it came to luxury and upmarket feel. Rivals launched beforehand now appeared cheap, while, famously, [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] engineers and designers were so far advanced with the yet-to-be-launched Mk I [[Ford Focus|Focus]], they were unable to react to the Golf, and could only make minor changes to the Focus' interior, which Ford initially felt would be ahead of rivals.
*Anthracite
*Art Gray (only available for 4-door)


However, the advent of the Mk IV Golf meant that many mainstream rivals in the class had to raise their game with interior quality to the point where there are now virtually no differences in quality levels between some mainstream and premium cars in the class. Only the budget brands in the class have not raised their game, but this is reflected in their prices. More telling, though, is that the quality of the Mk IV was not repeated 100% in its replacement.
===Main Competitors===
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Toyota Matrix]]
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]
*[[MINI Cooper]]
*[[Ford Focus]]


The latest model remained faithful to the Golf concept but included some of the new 'arched' styling themes first seen on the Mk IV Passat. The overall effect was considered to be far more pleasing than the previous model.
==Hybrid Models==
There are no [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] models of the Rabbit.


However, the upgrade of the vehicle's interior materials and exterior details appeared to have been done at the expense of the vehicle's chassis, which was average. Although the ride and handling was inferior to that of the Mk IV [[Vauxhall Astra]]/Mk II [[Opel Astra]] the average dynamics were reasonably well concealed in daily driving, though, and the car's reputation was unscathed until the [[Ford Focus]] was launched a year later. The chassis ability of the Ford was to have a profound effect on the Mk IV Golf's replacement.
==Unique Attributes==
There are no hybrid models of the VW Rabbit; however, there exists a possibility that VW's excellent 2.0 litre clean-diesel engine will be available 2008+.


As with the Golf II, a convertible version of the Golf IV was never made. Instead, the Golf III Cabrio was facelifted to give it the frontal styling of the Golf IV hatchbacks.
==Interior==
This section should include information on the interior's ''design'', ''build quality'', ''ergonomics'', ''space (head and legroom, front and rear)'', ''features'', ''stowage compartments'' and ''overall comfort'' and ''livability''. Add pictures wherever applicable and '''''keep information in a third-person point of view'''''.


===Volkswagen Bora/Mk IV Volkswagen Jetta===
==Resale Values==
A saloon version of the Mk IV Golf was spawned. As with previous incarnations of the Golf, it had its own identity, and this time was called the [[Volkswagen Bora]] although the name Jetta remained in North America. Unlike its predecessors, the Bora/Jetta featured unique rear doors, front wings and bonnet. The front doors were the only body panels shared with the Golf. The interior, though, was identical to the Golf, featuring none of the very minor styling changes found on its predecessor.
''Add more fields as necessary.''


The Golf IV was made in [[Germany]], [[South Africa]], [[Slovakia]], [[Brazil]], [[Mexico]] and [[Belgium]]. The Golf IV was also made in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], in Vogošća (near [[Sarajevo]]) in TAS, where Mk.I and Mk.II models were also made. This Bosnian Mk.IV was for local market only. As of June 2006, it is still being made in Brazil.
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''<MODEL> Year'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X-3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''Resale Value'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
|}


Engine choices included 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.3, 2.8 and 3.2 &nbsp;L gasoline engines, and a torquey 1.9&nbsp;L turbodiesel, with power ranging from 68 to 150&nbsp;PS (50 to 110&nbsp;kW). A choice of three and five-door hatchbacks or a five-door station wagon was available. The European Golf wagon was not identical to the North American Jetta wagon; the Golf wagon is shorter than the American Jetta wagon.
==Criticisms==
The 2.5 liter 5-cylinder provides good torque, but can't match the horsepower figure, or fuel economy, of Japan's 4-cylinders.


The Golf IV was introduced to North America in mid [[1999]]. Available engines for the Golf at its introduction to the American market were a 2.0&nbsp;L gasoline engine, and a thrifty (48mpg) 1.9&nbsp;L [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] [[diesel]] [[Turbo Direct Injection|TDI]] engine.  The latter soon developed a reputation for good low-speed torque and fuel economy, and can operate on alternative biofuels. A 1.8&nbsp;L turbocharged gas engine was introduced in [[2000]], along with the 12-valve 2.8&nbsp;L VR6. The 2.0&nbsp;L gasoline engine was the base engine in the sportier GTI only as a [[1999.5]] model. For 2000, Volkswagen opted for the relatively new 1.8&nbsp;L turbocharged gasoline engine as a base engine for the GTI. The top-of-the-line GLX model was equipped with Volkswagen's torquey 2.8&nbsp;L VR6, which put out an impressive 174&nbsp;hp. The VR6 engine, with its narrow 15-degree camshaft design, was unique to Volkswagen. This engine is lighter than other V6 engines, which is benefits the handling characteristics of this front-wheel drive car. In [[2003]], Volkswagen introduced a 24-valve version of its VR6 engine. This engine had the same torque characteristics of the older 12-valve version, with an extra 26&nbsp;hp. This engine featured the first 6-speed manual available in the MK IV platform. The 1.8T and VR6 models continued until [[2005]], when the MK IV platform came to an end.  Leftover Golfs were sold in North America as [[2006]] models in anticipation of its fifth-generation successor.
==History==
The [[Volkswagen]] Rabbit was initially introduced in 1974 as the North American version of the European [[Volkswagen Golf]]. Production of the Rabbit continued for the duration of the first platform, the Mk I, until 1985 when its original Golf name was reassigned to it. The Rabbit, redesigned on a new platform, now returns the favor in 2007, making its comeback by replacing the Golf in [[Volkswagen]]'s lineup.  A more complete history of the Golf/Rabbit can be found [[Volkswagen Golf#History|here]].


Australian models were available in 2.0 petrol (GL/GLE) and 1.8 turbo (1.8T GTi) versions only, all five-door.
==Generations==
'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.


'''Awards'''
==Current Generation: Mk VI (2009-present)==
[[Image:VW-Golf-VI-36.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Sixth generation Volkswagen Golf.]]
The 2009 Rabbit features a 5 cylinder engine with Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission that can be set to sport mode which allows for longer RPM runs before shifting gears. The sport mode also aggressively down shifts to keep the engine in the power band. Alternatively a manual mode is available which allows the driver to shift gears up and down as with a F1 car (sequentially).


2000 CAP Used Car of the Year Awards - Best Small Hatch
The base radio is OK at best, however the premium sound system is highly recommended. Like the Monsoon system of previous marks, the premium sound system incorporates high end speakers with a much more fidelic head unit.


2000 Diesel Car 2000 Awards - Best Hatchback
Turning radius on this car is absolutely fantastic. The stock suspension and geometry setup is perfect for that sporty feeling or emergency maneuver. Five cylinder exhaust sound is impressive, yet quite.


1999 Used Car Buyer Greatest Used Buy Awards - Best Small Family Car
MY 2009 will be the last year for the Rabbit nameplate. Volkswagen announced that for MY2010, the Rabbit will be take on the Golf nomenclature.
{{-}}
'''MK VI'''


1998 What Car? Car of the Year Awards - Best Small Hatch
<gallery>
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-43.jpg
1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars - Best Family Car
Image:VW-Golf-VI-34.jpg
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-33.jpg
=== GTI 337 edition (2002)===
Image:VW-Golf-VI-49.jpg
The GTI 337 was officially introduced at the New York Auto Show and made it to dealers by late May [[2002]]. The price of the GTI 337 was $22,225 in the U.S. and $32,900 in Canada. Only 1,500 units are being produced for the American market with an additional 250 specifically for Canada and it only came in Reflex Silver.
Image:VW-Golf-VI-60.jpg
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-55.jpg
"The 337 name comes from the code name for the Golf model back in the early 1970s," said Frank Maguire, vice president in charge of sales and marketing at Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The GTI is the sport version of the Golf and since we didn't begin selling the GTI here until 1983, the name 337 seemed like a nice way to recognize the history of this vehicle and make it meaningful to our most enthusiastic drivers. This is a very unique car for the Volkswagen lover."
Image:VW-Golf-VI-61.jpg
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-57.jpg
Starting with a 180&nbsp;hp 1.8T GTI GLS, the following extra equipment and changes have been made:  
Image:VW-Golf-VI-1.jpg
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-3.jpg
18" BBS RC Wheels with 225/40-ZR18 High-Performance Summer Tires; greatly improved sport suspension — 1" lower overall ride height; Votex body kit with front valance, side skirts, rear hatch wing and rear valance with 3" chromed exhaust tip; 315&nbsp;mm (12.3") diameter vented front and 256&nbsp;mm (10") rear vented brakes with red powder coated calipers; all-new six-speed MQ350 transmission; Recaro front seats in special "Le Mans" red and black cloth with custom GTI embroidery; brushed aluminum interior trim accents; red stitching on steering wheel, shift boot, handbrake knob and seats; special golf ball shift knob; aluminum pedals with rubber inserts; stainless steel exhaust with mild sound tuning; red trimmed floor mats; special exterior retro GTI badging; Monsoon sound system (U.S. only); and more...
Image:VW-Golf-VI-4.jpg
 
Image:VW-Golf-VI-5.jpg
===20th anniversary edition (2003)===
</gallery>
[[Image:StockSide001.jpg|thumbnail|250px|2003 VW Golf GTI 20th Anniversary]]
==Previous Generations==
Due to the popularity of a commemorative 25th anniversary edition GTI produced in Europe in 2001 (GTI 337 edition in North America), Volkswagen of America produced 4,200 so-branded '20th Anniversary Edition' GTIs and 4000 were shipped to the United States and 200 to Canada. This event, in [[2003]] marked the 20th anniversary of the GTI's first introduction to the US, then called the Rabbit. Several special features distinguish this new GTI from the rest of the pack.  
===Mk2===
 
The second-generation [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] was launched in 1983 (launched in North America in 1985) and featured a larger bodyshell and a wider range of engine options.
On the outside, the 20th came with throwback red-lettered 'GTI' logos on the left front and right rear. The rear was also accompanied by a vintage-look chrome rabbit. Blackened headlights and dark-tinted tail lights added a distinctive look, while Votex front, rear, and side skirts along with a hatch spoiler and special edition 18" OZ Aristo alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation. These models were produced only in three colors: Imola Yellow, Jazz Blue and Black Magic Pearl. Distribution of production was 50% Black magic pearl, 25% Jazz Blue and 25% Imola Yellow.
 
Inside, a few accents were noticeable. Unlike other models, there were no 'options' available. The only true option was ESP, Volkswagen's stability control feature. All 20ths had a sunroof, black leathered with silver stitching steering wheel, shifter boot and emergency brake handle, and sporty black cloth [[Recaro]] bucket seats with silver stitching accents and a red 'GTI' emblem embroidered in the middle of the back rest. Aluminum trim came standard, complete with a numbered nameplate above the center console identifying the exact production number (US production only) of the vehicle and a black headliner. This edition also came with a special golf ball shifter knob. Volkswagen's premier 8-speaker [[Monsoon]](tm) stereo system was also standard.
 
Mechanically speaking, this was the average GTI 1.8T GLS with a few exceptions. A 6-speed manual MQ350 transmission marked the most notable departure from the norm, and upgraded suspension stiffened up the ride and lowered the car approximately 40&nbsp;mm (uprated springs and shocks, increased sway bar diameters, and revised bushings in the rear). Upgraded disc brakes front (12.3" vented rotors) and rear (10.3" vented rotors) helped bring things to a stop, while red powder-coated calipers added a bit of flair to the package.
 
===Golf R32 (2003-2004)===
In [[2003]] Volkswagen produced the Golf R32 in Europe. Again, due to unexpected popularity, Volkswagen (through Volkswagen of America) decided to sell the car in [[North America]] (except [[Canada]]) as the [[2004]] Volkswagen R32. Billed as the pinnacle of the Golf IV platform, the R32 included every performance, safety, and luxury feature VW had to offer including the all new 3.2&nbsp;L VR6 engine producing 240 hp, [[all wheel drive|AWD]], a new 6-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension, automatic climate control, sport seats from Koenig, 18" OZ Aristo wheels, ESP, massive (334&nbsp;mm) brakes, sunroof, and model specific bodywork.
 
In spite of outwardly appearing very similar to the 20th Anniversary GTI, the R32 shared the vast majority of its major components with the 3.2&nbsp;L [[Audi TT]], most notably, the engine, all wheel drive system, and both front and rear suspension geometries. Five thousand cars were produced and intended to be sold over a 2-year period. Each car was sold just 13 months later.
 
This was a venture put out by Volkswagen which was considered to be a corporate gamble. Volkswagen surprisingly sold all 5,000 R32s in America with little marketing and advertising.
 
The Golf R32's competitors (at the time of production) were the [[Subaru Impreza WRX|Subaru Impreza WRX STi]] and the [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII]], although, unlike these cars, the R32 was not run by Volkswagen in rally competitions, and lacked the playstation appeal and ultimate status as those cars.  Instead of the boy-racer, go-fast approach of the competition, VW focused on the stability and drivability in everyday conditions.  
 
The R32 remains the quickest car Volkswagen has imported to the U.S. Capable of 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds, and clearing the 1/4 mile in only 14.1 (@99.2 mph), it edges out its sportiest sibling (the Phaeton W12 - 420 PS) by a tenth of a second by the 1320 foot mark.
 
It also has a surprisingly high resale and used-car value; the [[Kelley Blue Book]] used car retail price (the price an individual might expect to pay for one from a dealer) for a model in excellent condition with low mileage actually exceeds the original retail price of the car in many cases, making it one of a few recent cars that have actually approached an increase in value over time. This premium can be explained mostly due to scarcity, both of the cars themselves due to low production and importation, and especially of ones that have not been driven particularly hard.
 
==Mk V (2003-present)==
The fifth generation Golf was unveiled at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show]] in October of 2003 and went on sale in Europe one month later. It was not released in the United States until January of 2006, however, and then only in GTI form through the spring of 2006. For the presentation of the new Golf, [[Wolfsburg]] was renamed to Golfsburg for a week. Before the [[North American]] launch of the Golf (early summer of 2006), Volkswagen of America announced on April 12, 2006, that they have decided to change the name of the Golf and return the Rabbit nameplate to the lineup for the US and Canadian markets. It continues to be the Golf in the rest of the world.  (Speculation is that Volkswagen of America returned to the Rabbit name to attract attention from automotive writers who otherwise would not have bothered with a base VW model already available in Europe for 32 months, while other observers have suggested the move is an admission of what marketers realized in 1975 - that the Golf name was too esoteric for North American customers.)  Volkswagen of America is promoting the new Rabbit's low price and the fact that it is built in Wolfsburg rather than in Latin American VW plants.
 
===Design and engineering===
While the interior quality of the previous model startled rivals and led most of them to up their game in revised/replacement models, the astonishing chassis and all round ability of the Mk I [[Ford Focus]] startled Volkswagen (and indeed other rivals). In order to counter criticisms of the average dynamics of the previous model, it is widely reputed that Volkswagen poached from [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] the engineering team who designed the [[Multi-link suspension|multi-link]] 'control blade' rear [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] system of the [[Ford Focus]], widely regarded as the class benchmark for ride and handling. Indeed, the rear suspension of Golf V (a modified wishbone arrangement) bears an uncanny resemblance to that of the Focus.  
 
The suspension changes, along with careful tuning of the chassis, led to the Mk V Golf delivering road manners which challenged the Ford Focus, and although the chassis ability was only just short of the Focus', the overall ability of the rest of the car led to the Mk V Golf being the best car in its class until the Mk 2 Ford Focus arrived in 2004.
 
The bulletproof interior quality of the previous generation appears to have been lost, and although still of a very high standard and ahead of other rivals the Golf no longer matches its in-house rival, the Audi A3. Many believe the reason for this step back in quality, also seen in the Mk V Passat of 2005, is to allow daylight between the marketing and price positioning of Audi and Volkswagen products. The previous generation Volkswagens were on a par with their Audi cousins.
 
'''Awards'''
 
2005 Auto Express - Best Hot Hatch (Golf GTI)
 
2005 Auto Express - Best Sporting Car (Golf GTI)
 
2004 WhatCar? Car of the Year
 
2004 WhatCar? Best Small Family Car
 
2004 Winner - AutoExpress New Car Honours
 
2004 Best Hatch ? BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards
 
===Engines===
Options for engines and [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]]s vary from country to country, but the Golf is available in petrol [[Straight-4|4-cylinder]] and a new PD diesel unit-injector [[turbo direct injection]] engine.  Transmission options include [[Manual transmission|manual]], [[Automatic transmission|automatic]], [[Tiptronic]], and [[direct shift gearbox]] (DSG). US and Canadian-spec Rabbits will use the same 150 hp five-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the [[Jetta]] and [[New Beetle]] in these markets. North American transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with [[Tiptronic]]. All of the Golf's engines, including the VR6, have the engine mounting points in the same place, making it possible to remove one engine and replace it with another while making few other modifications to the car.
 
===Mk V Jetta===
[[Image:VW golf V.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Volkswagen Golf Mk V]]
A saloon version of the Mk V Golf was spawned in 2004 and, as with previous incarnations of the Golf, it maintained its own identity, a practice long abandoned by most rivals. While the Jetta name has always remained in North America the name made a welcome return to Europe, Volkswagen choosing to abandon the Bora handle of the previous Golf saloon.
 
As with its predecessor the Jetta featured unique front wings and rear doors, but the front doors were also unique so the only external panel shared with the Golf was the bonnet. As with all Golf saloons, the Jetta featured a unique grille which is only shared with the contenporary Golf R32 (although the GLi variant has the Golf GTi's front end). Unlike all previous saloon variants however, the front lights were now shared with the Golf.
 
As with the previous Jetta/Bora, Volkswagen is again trying to market the car as a rival to mainstream cars from the class above, such as the [[Ford Mondeo]] and [[Vauxhall  Motors|Vauxhall]]/[[Opel]]/[[Holden]]/[[Chevrolet]] [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]], leaving the [[Passat]] to compete against the premium marques. The smaller Jetta, though, is still a Golf saloon whose true rivals are the [[Ford Focus]], [[Opel Astra|Vauxhall/Holden/Opel Astra]], etc.
 
===Variants===
[[Image:GolfPlus.gif|right|thumbnail|250px|Golf Plus]]


In [[December 2004]], Volkswagen announced the '''Golf Plus''' variant of the Golf V. It is taller than the standard Golf, but shorter than the [[Volkswagen Touran|Touran]], the [[Multi-purpose vehicle|MPV]] version of the Golf. The Plus would replace the Variant [[station wagon]] in the Golf lineup, although a Variant may yet be released.
This Golf was marketed for the first time with that name in the United States and Canada. The Rabbit name used on the MkI was meant to give the car a cuddly image, but with the eighties redesign of the car, Carl Hahn, the former Volkswagen of America president and now chairman of the entire [[Volkswagen]] company, dictated that Volkswagen model names be standardized globally.  James Fuller, head of the Volkswagen brand in North America, concurred in using the Golf name to stress the car's Teutonic character.


There will be no [[convertible]] version of the Golf V, as the [[Volkswagen Eos|Eos]] [[coupé]]-[[convertible]] (to be introduced in Spring 2006) will be marketed as a separate model and the [[Volkswagen New Beetle|New Beetle]] convertible makes a droptop Golf redundant. The Eos does not share body panels with any other Volkswagen model, although it is based on the Jetta/Golf platform.
When sales in North America failed to live up to expectations, the Westmoreland plant was closed in July 1988.


=== Performance models ===
===Mk1===
[[Image:800px-Golf_GTI_Mark_V.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|Mk V GTI with 18" wheels]]
In 1978, [[Volkswagen]] commenced producing the Rabbit version of the Mk1 [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thus becoming the first European car manufacturer in modern times to produce a vehicle in the United States.  Former [[Chevrolet]] executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, which was built to lower the cost of the Rabbit in North America by producing it locally. Unfortunately, McLernon tried to "Americanize" the Rabbit by softening the suspension and using cheaper materials for the interior.  VW purists in America and company executives in Germany were displeased, and for the 1983 model year the Pennsylvania plant went back to using stiffer shocks and suspension with higher-quality interior trim. The plant also began producing the GTI for the North American market.  Rabbits were built in Pennsylvania through 1984.
The Golf V GTI is hailed as a return-to-form for the progenitor of the genre. The Golf GTI features a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with FSI ([[Fuel Stratified Injection]]) direct-injection technology, which produces 200 bhp. It is available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback body shapes, and comes with a choice of either 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed automatic [[direct-shift gearbox|DSG]] gearbox. The concept GTI was first shown to the public at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show]] in [[2003]]. The first production model was initially unveiled at the [[Mondial de l'Automobile]] in [[Paris]] in September [[2004]] and went on sale around the world shortly thereafter. At the [[Los Angeles Auto Show]] in January, 2006 the GTI made its long awaited North American debut in 3-door guise.  


In late September 2005, the R32 went on sale in Europe. It features a 3.2&nbsp;L V6 FSI engine with 250&nbsp;hp (184&nbsp;kW) and reaches a top speed of 250&nbsp;km/h. Going from 0 to 100&nbsp;km/h will take a brisk 6.5 s, reduced to 6.2 s with the [[direct-shift gearbox]]. As with the previous R32; there is 4MOTION [[all wheel drive]] through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with 345&nbsp;mm discs at the front and 310&nbsp;mm disks at the rear.
'''The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI''', the North American version of the high-perfomance [[Volkswagen GTI|Golf GTI]],  debuted in the 1983 model year and was in production for two seasons. Assembled from parts made in Mexico, Canada, Germany and the U.S. in Volkswagen's Westmoreland, Pennsylvania assembly plant, the Rabbit GTI had the same Mk1 chassis, and the same A1 body type as the Mk1 Golf GTI that had been on sale in Europe since 1976, with a few exceptions. Key distinct features of the Rabbit GTI were its GTI surname, the squared front end styling, blue or red felt and leatherette trim, and its alloy "snowflake" wheels. The squared styling of the front end, particularly the wraparound blinkers, gave it added safety and slight improvement in performance.  Under the hood, the engine was a JH 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine that ran on unleaded petroleum fuel. The JH 1.8l was transversely mounted, and it would peak in stock condition at around 80-85 HP. Claims to gas mileage of near-perfectly tuned Rabbit GTIs range bewteen 25 and 30 miles per gallon.


After much speculation, information on the Golf R36, the Golf V's high-end flagship, began to leak in April 2006. It will get the 3.6 litre V6 engine from the Passat, and cost around £1,500 more than the R32. With 19-inch rims based on the [[Lamborghini Gallardo]]'s, it is expected to race from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds. It keeps the R32's 4MOTION, but suspension changes are expected to make it more driver-focused, and less refined. A March 2007 launch is expected. [http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/66731/vws_current_car_set_to_go_out_with_a_bang.html+golf+R36&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=1].
==Worldwide==
The Rabbit is known everywhere outside North America as the [[Volkswagen Golf]]. It has enjoyed immense worldwide success, and remains one of the world's best sellers, moving more than 24 million cars over 5 generations.


In September 2005, the Golf V GT was announced, which featured a 1.4&nbsp;L engine in a new and impressive Twin-Charger configuration. This new [[TSI]] engine is based on the recent [[FSI]], but with a pair of chargers forcing the induction of the air. The chargers are a single [[supercharger]] that disengages after a specified rev-range, at which point charging of the air is handled by a single [[turbocharger]]. This system could benefit from both of the efficiency of the supercharger in the lower rev ranges, with the longevity of the turbocharger higher in the rev range. This results in no [[turbo lag]] and provides good fuel efficiency due to its small size, but the same power as a naturally aspirated 2.2 litre engine.
==Design Quirks and Oddities==
The original Golf/Rabbit is credited with popularizing the ''hot hatch'', or European hatchback, style of automobile. After its initial debut, several companies rushed to bring out their own takes on the genre.


The inital American ad campaign for the GTI featured the "fast", which Volkswagen says is the feeling and force inside you that likes driving and encourages your driving passion, with the tagline "Make friends with your fast". However, recently those ads were replaced with a series of ads starring [[Peter Stormare]] as a "German engineer" hired to "[[Pimp My Ride|un-pimp ze auto]]" by taking [[Sport compact#Tuning|tuner]] cars and smashing them, giving their owners a GTI instead. The slogan for the campaign is "Pre-tuned by German engineers", however it has been Stomare's lines of "[[VDub]]: representing Deutschland!" and "V-Dub: German, engineering, in da ''haus!''", delivered with a stilted German accent and coupled with a "[[VDub]]" hand motion, that have popularized the ads.
==Awards==


==See Also==
*[[Volkswagen Golf]]


{{Volkswagen}}
==External Links==
*[http://www.vw.com/rabbit/index.html Official Volkswagen Rabbit Website]


== External links ==
'''''News and References'''''
* [http://www.uk-mkivs.net UK-MKIVS] - UK owners' club with useful technical information, how-to guides and general Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG) banter.
*[http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/ Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf]
* [http://www.volkswagen.de/golf/ VW Golf] – Official site, Germany
* [http://www.vw.co.uk/new_cars/golf VW Golf] – Official site, UK
* [http://www.vw.com/rabbit/ VW Rabbit] – Official site, US
** [http://www.vwfeatures.com/rabbit.html?ic_id=edh_rabbit2006 VW Rabbit] - Official minisite, US
* [http://www.vwvortex.com/ VWvortex] — One of the largest Volkswagen communities on the internet.
* [http://www.matey-matey.com/ Matey-Matey] – International Golf GTI site - Features useful technical articles, downloadable buying guides and numerous featured GTIs.
* [http://www.vw-club.ru/ VW club] Russian site
* [http://golf2.mip.ru/ VW Golf-2 club] Russian site
* [http://rdefined.com/ VW Golf R32 club] VW R32 enthusiast site, hosted in North America, with members worldwide
* [http://www.data.minsk.by/minsk/outdoor/12052006.html VW Golf Outdoor Ads]
*[http://www.gti-vr6.net/wiki/ VW GTI VR6 Wiki]
*[http://www.mkv-gti.net/wiki/ VW MkV GTI Wiki]
*[http://www.golfmkv.com/ GolfMkv] Site dedicated to MK-V GTI and Rabbits


=== External references (for [[#Volkswagen Rabbit GTI|Rabbit GTI subsection]]) ===
'''''Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums'''''
*http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=11
*http://www.webhelp.org/vw/
*http://www.vwrabbit.cjb.net/
*http://www.vintagewatercooleds.com/
*http://www.mcnevinvw.com/
*http://www.g-werke.com/
*http://www.wolfsport.com/
*http://www.vsvwa.freeservers.com/golfhist.html
*http://www.geocities.com/veedub16v_2000/history


[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Golf]]
[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:1974 introductions]]
[[Category:1970s automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]

Latest revision as of 14:44, 17 December 2010

It has been requested that this article be merged with Volkswagen Golf


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Volkswagen Rabbit
Volkswagen
aka Volkswagen Golf outside the US
Production 2006-Present
Class Compact
Body Style 3- or 5-door Hatchback
Length 165.8 in (4210 mm)
Width 69.3 in (1759 mm)
Height 58.2 in (1479 mm)
Wheelbase 101.5 in (2578 mm)
Weight 2975-3041 lb (1349-1379 kg)
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Engine 2.5 litre Inline-5
Power 150 hp @ 5000 rpm
170 lb-ft of torque @ 3750 rpm
Similar Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Chevrolet HHR
Mazda Mazda3
Nissan Sentra
Dodge Caliber
Pontiac Vibe
Mini Cooper
Toyota Matrix
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

The Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact car manufactured in Germany by Volkswagen. It originally debuted in Europe in 1974 as the Volkswagen Golf and adopted the Rabbit moniker when it made its first appearance in Canada and the United States in 1975. In 1985, Volkswagen switched its name back to the original Golf, and it remained as such for 21 years. When the new Mk V platform was developed, Volkswagen opted to switch the Golf's name again, and in early 2006 the brand new Rabbit was unveiled. By March 2009, however, Volkswagen has again opted to drop the "Rabbit" moniker in favor of the "Golf", thus continuing Volkswagen's never ending saga of switching the name of its entry-level hatch for the North American market.

Recent Changes

  • On August of 2008, Volkswagen unveiled the sixth generation of the Golf/Rabbit on the internet, though Volkswagen will not 'officially' unveil the car until the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October of that year. Predictably, as of this writing, information is scarce but what is known is that the new 2009 Golf will be wider than the outgoing model and will feature styling reminiscent of the Volkswagen Scirocco and taillamps suspiciously similar to ones found on the Touareg. The new car's styling is more 'evolutionary' than 'revolutionary'. Underhood, the new Golf will feature a range of 2 Diesel (1.9-liter and 2.0-liter TDI) and 3 Petrol (1.4-liter TSI, 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter TFSI) burning engines. BTW, the first UK example of the new Golf will be auctioned of for charity by the London Press Club Ball on October 15, 2008. All proceeds from the auction will go to the “Journalists' Charity”, which is a UK charity organization for all journalists in need. [1][2][3][4][5][6]
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The Mk V Rabbit is set to replace the Volkswagen Golf for the 2007 model year and beyond. As such, the engine has been upgraded to a standard 2.5-L 150-hp I-5 for both the 2-door and 4-door models.

Styles and Major Options

The 2006 Rabbit is available in two trims: a 2-door hatchback and a 4-door hatchback. Here are some of the features offered with each of them:

Rabbit 2-Door

  • 150-hp 2.5L DOHC engine
  • 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat
  • Turn signal indicator in side mirrors
  • 10-speaker AM/FM CD stereo system
  • Speed sensitive wipers

Rabbit 4-Door

  • 150-hp 2.5L DOHC engine
  • 60/40 folding rear seat
  • Heatable front seats
  • Adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger
  • Light tinted windows

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Volkswagen Rabbit can be found at CarsDirect.

MODEL Trims
3-door 5-door
MSRP
$14,990 $16,990
Invoice
$14,378 $16,277

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
5-Cyl. 2.5L
5-Speed Manual 		5-Cyl. 2.5L
6-Speed Automatic
MPG
22/30 22/30

Engine and Transmission

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

Before being redesigned and renamed the Rabbit, the Volkswagen Golf received high reliability ratings in recent years. While there is little reason to believe its ratings will drop significantly, it is wise to bear in mind that the new Rabbit is based on an entirely new platform and that reliability ratings for this model are not yet available.

  • RECALL ALERT: On Dec 15, 2010 Volkswagen launched a recall affecting 228,236 Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models, manufactured between 2006 and 2010, due to the possibility that the Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen may have a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against a fuel supply line. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 31, 2011. The German manufacturer can be contacted at 1-800-822-8987.[7]

Safety

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The Volkswagen Golf has received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA, earning 5/5 stars in front impact test and 4/5 stars in side impact tests consistently since 2000. These are some of the safety features included or available for the Golf:

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Photos

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Colors

The Volkswagen Rabbit is available in the following colors:

Exterior

  • Black Uni
  • Reflex Silver
  • United Gray
  • Sage Green
  • Shadow Blue
  • Candy White
  • Tornado Red

Interior

  • Anthracite
  • Art Gray (only available for 4-door)

Main Competitors

Hybrid Models

There are no hybrid models of the Rabbit.

Unique Attributes

There are no hybrid models of the VW Rabbit; however, there exists a possibility that VW's excellent 2.0 litre clean-diesel engine will be available 2008+.

Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfort and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms

The 2.5 liter 5-cylinder provides good torque, but can't match the horsepower figure, or fuel economy, of Japan's 4-cylinders.

History

The Volkswagen Rabbit was initially introduced in 1974 as the North American version of the European Volkswagen Golf. Production of the Rabbit continued for the duration of the first platform, the Mk I, until 1985 when its original Golf name was reassigned to it. The Rabbit, redesigned on a new platform, now returns the favor in 2007, making its comeback by replacing the Golf in Volkswagen's lineup. A more complete history of the Golf/Rabbit can be found here.

Generations

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Current Generation: Mk VI (2009-present)

Sixth generation Volkswagen Golf.

The 2009 Rabbit features a 5 cylinder engine with Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission that can be set to sport mode which allows for longer RPM runs before shifting gears. The sport mode also aggressively down shifts to keep the engine in the power band. Alternatively a manual mode is available which allows the driver to shift gears up and down as with a F1 car (sequentially).

The base radio is OK at best, however the premium sound system is highly recommended. Like the Monsoon system of previous marks, the premium sound system incorporates high end speakers with a much more fidelic head unit.

Turning radius on this car is absolutely fantastic. The stock suspension and geometry setup is perfect for that sporty feeling or emergency maneuver. Five cylinder exhaust sound is impressive, yet quite.

MY 2009 will be the last year for the Rabbit nameplate. Volkswagen announced that for MY2010, the Rabbit will be take on the Golf nomenclature.
MK VI

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Previous Generations

Mk2

The second-generation Golf was launched in 1983 (launched in North America in 1985) and featured a larger bodyshell and a wider range of engine options.

This Golf was marketed for the first time with that name in the United States and Canada. The Rabbit name used on the MkI was meant to give the car a cuddly image, but with the eighties redesign of the car, Carl Hahn, the former Volkswagen of America president and now chairman of the entire Volkswagen company, dictated that Volkswagen model names be standardized globally. James Fuller, head of the Volkswagen brand in North America, concurred in using the Golf name to stress the car's Teutonic character.

When sales in North America failed to live up to expectations, the Westmoreland plant was closed in July 1988.

Mk1

In 1978, Volkswagen commenced producing the Rabbit version of the Mk1 Golf in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thus becoming the first European car manufacturer in modern times to produce a vehicle in the United States. Former Chevrolet executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, which was built to lower the cost of the Rabbit in North America by producing it locally. Unfortunately, McLernon tried to "Americanize" the Rabbit by softening the suspension and using cheaper materials for the interior. VW purists in America and company executives in Germany were displeased, and for the 1983 model year the Pennsylvania plant went back to using stiffer shocks and suspension with higher-quality interior trim. The plant also began producing the GTI for the North American market. Rabbits were built in Pennsylvania through 1984.

The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, the North American version of the high-perfomance Golf GTI, debuted in the 1983 model year and was in production for two seasons. Assembled from parts made in Mexico, Canada, Germany and the U.S. in Volkswagen's Westmoreland, Pennsylvania assembly plant, the Rabbit GTI had the same Mk1 chassis, and the same A1 body type as the Mk1 Golf GTI that had been on sale in Europe since 1976, with a few exceptions. Key distinct features of the Rabbit GTI were its GTI surname, the squared front end styling, blue or red felt and leatherette trim, and its alloy "snowflake" wheels. The squared styling of the front end, particularly the wraparound blinkers, gave it added safety and slight improvement in performance. Under the hood, the engine was a JH 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine that ran on unleaded petroleum fuel. The JH 1.8l was transversely mounted, and it would peak in stock condition at around 80-85 HP. Claims to gas mileage of near-perfectly tuned Rabbit GTIs range bewteen 25 and 30 miles per gallon.

Worldwide

The Rabbit is known everywhere outside North America as the Volkswagen Golf. It has enjoyed immense worldwide success, and remains one of the world's best sellers, moving more than 24 million cars over 5 generations.

Design Quirks and Oddities

The original Golf/Rabbit is credited with popularizing the hot hatch, or European hatchback, style of automobile. After its initial debut, several companies rushed to bring out their own takes on the genre.

Awards

See Also


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