2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 39 Rabbit reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has considerable visual appeal with and gets positive reviews. Road and Track calls the fit and finish "distinctly VW; that means good, just not great. But for the money, there are few that compare."
They continue, "It's no high-dollar exotic," but drivers will have "no issues hopping inside this sexy, sporty little animal." MSN calls it "more functional looking than handsome." Experts point out several styling similarities to the new Jetta, as well as its Golf predecessor. The overall style is simple, aerodynamic, and muscular.
The Volkswagen Rabbit has what New Car Test Drive calls "the greatest visual distinction -- the grille. Unlike the GTI's "aggressive, deep and blacked-out grille,
the Rabbit has a traditional grille set above the bumper and between the headlamps rather than extending down into the lower front fascia. Cars.com finds styling that's "sweetly aerodynamic with that touch of cuteness you expect from the maker of the venerable VW Beetle. European styling is evident, but a bold front end is American-style sporty."
Reviewers are also noting its similarities to certain features of the Jetta and the previous Golf. Cars.com says that while the headlights resemble the Jetta, the "body-colored bumper doesn't create a one-piece grille appearance, as do the chrome units in other Volkswagens." As for the similarities to the Golf, they add, "Length, width and height are identical." New Car Test Drive notes the Rabbit "isn't as squared off as earlier Golfs. It looks smoother, more well rounded, more muscular, more contemporary and even friendlier."
New Car Test Drive points out the size of the wheels, saying, "Standard 15-inch and optional 16-inch wheels and tires lend a sure-footed aspect to the side view. A wide and dynamically sweeping C-pillar enhances the car's well-planted profile." They also note how the rear view is dominated by "Large and wide-set tail lamps that, with twin tailpipes and a broad bumper, underscore a well-planted appearance."
