If I bought a Rabbit, the first thing I'd do would be to install a set of larger anti-roll bars. Then void the warranty by stuffing something in the way of forced induction under the hood to give the engine some lungs above 4000rpm. At that point, I'd have surpassed the price of the excellent GTI, so I'd just go and buy that instead.
For all its improvements over the Golf IV, the Rabbit/Golf V is a bit of a stop-gap as VW readies the Golf VI, due to be released (in Europe, at least) in 2008. The Golf/Rabbit V, on sale in Europe since 2004, has proven expensive to produce and so, claiming 'segment competitiveness', VW has shortened the V's production cycle to five years from the traditional seven.
If, as promised, Volkswagen is filling dealer lots with a good number of Rabbits offered at under $15K, there's no reason the company shouldn't retake a segment it arguably pioneered. While the Rabbit may have shortcomings in the hard driving department, VW already has that covered with the GTI. The Rabbit does what it was designed to do - efficiently, comfortably, and stylishly - at a price that should have the blogging, tattooed urban types forming queues.
2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
Estimated Price: $14,990
Engine
Engine code: BPRType: In-line five, iron block and aluminum headValvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinderDisplacement: 2480ccBore x stroke: 82.6mm x 92.7mmClaimed crank hp: 150bhp @ 5000rpmClaimed crank torque: 170lb-ft @ 3750rpmRedline: 5800rpm
Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive,five-speed manual
TransmissionGear Ratios
1: 3.78:12: 2.12:13: 1.36:14: 1.03:15: 0.84:1Final drive: 3.65:1Differential: Open
Exterior Dimensions
Curb weight: 2974 lbsOverall length: 165.8-in.Wheelbase: 101.5-in.Overall width: 69.3-in.Height: 58.2-in.
Suspension
Front: MacPherson Strut, 28mm anti-roll barRear: Double wishbone w/semi-trailing lower control arm and lateral upper control arm, 17mm anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front: 11.4-in. vented discs, single piston sliding calipersRear: 10.2-in. solid discs, single piston sliding calipers Wheels and TiresWheels: 16 x 6 cast aluminumTires: 195/65R16