2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 39 Rabbit reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit receives good reviews on its safety features, and the hatchback receives solid safety ratings in government and insurance industry crash tests.
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit's four-door hatchback earned four out of a possible five stars for the car's protection of occupants in frontal crashes and five out of five stars for side-impact crashes for both the front and rear passengers. The two-door Rabbit was not tested. The Rabbit earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating of "Good" in frontal and side impacts.
Accident Avoidance
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit's accident avoidance features are largely well received. Reviewers such as New Car Test Drive advise interested buyers to purchase the optional electronic stability system. The computer-controlled assistance feature is designed to help keep the car on its designated path rather than spinning out of control. The Rabbit also provides four-wheel disc antilock brakes as a standard feature. For 2008, the Rabbit also adds a tire pressure monitoring system.
Crash Protection
Safety items are also well liked on the 2008 Rabbit. They include front-seat side and side-curtain air bags (rear side air bags are optional). For child-seat safety assurance, the hatchback uses the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system with specified latching points.
Some experts point out that the Rabbit's diminutive size places it at a slight disadvantage. "There is an inherent risk. The odds are that in a crash, the Rabbit will collide with a larger vehicle and incur more damage," say the reviewers at BuyingAdvice.com.
