Mein Hässi (My Rabbit)

Winter in Minnesota can be very brutal to unsuspecting cars.  I am, but shouldn't be surprised that every Volkswagen I've owned from the 73 Super Beetle to this Tornado Red Twin Cities Edition 2008 Rabbit S manual has started at the first turn of the key.  On gleaming icy highways and snow-covered neighborhood streets the Rabbit hugs the roads and pushes through the snow like any four-legged master of the winter weather would!  I love this car.  So much so, I decided to name it Hässi (little Rabbit), pronounced Hay-see, the German pet name for a loved one.  

But perhaps maybe I should explain why my choices of German-engineering have led me to the 2008 Rabbit.  I drove this exact build of car about a year before I leased one. The experience was magic for a car that starts at only $15,890.  This IS a base model Rabbit, excepting for the 17" Alloys, smoked taillights, exhaust tips, and spoiler that earn it the Twin Cities Edition status.  When looking for a vehicle that offered much bang for the buck, the Rabbit S did the trick.  Some of the highlights of this car may not seem like much, but this Wolfsburg, Germany-assembled Rabbit keeps it simple and does it right!  An EIGHT-speaker stereo with single in-dash CD Player is basic in looks, but packs a powerful punch.  Fit and finish is impeccable without an shakes, rattles, or buzzing -- even at 10 degrees below zero!  Unbelieveable.  Dash controls and buttons are clearly labeled as the usual no-nonsense interiors of VW cars go and while the seats are cloth in the S model Rabbit, they are the most comfortable I've had in a VW because, even though unheated, they are warm in the winter and have excellent support.  Space to haul almost anything you can think of, makes this vehicle the perfect choice if transitioning to a fuel-saving vehicle, but not transitioning out of an active lifestyle.  The first week I owned the Rabbit, I purchased an enormous barbeque for my father for Christmas last year and the rear hatch of the Rabbit swallowed it whole!  I was shocked.  Now, I hate to sound vain, but what makes this Rabbit the most fun is NOT what's on the inside, but what's on the outside that counts. :)

The 08 Rabbit features a fully-independent suspension with enough tight-turning radius steering for narrow German streets and tight spots in the US as well.  Handling on the highway or in town is a premium.  For this less than $16,000 vehicle you too can experience what true automotive engineering should be!  The Rabbit hugs the road fondly remembering its Autobahn roots with a confidence and tenacity that encourages taking the highway on-ramps a little tighter...and then tighter still.  Ride feel is sensitive and sharp -- one knows this is a driver's car because you can actually feel the road beneath you.  A 170-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder gasoline engine provides 177 lb-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm -- more than enough sink-in-your seat force and passing power while still maintaining 30mpg.  I can attest, this is a true rating.  The Rabbit's sleek lines, athletic stance, and strong personality give it a fun and functional twist.  It is the original hot hatch!

To find out how excellent the Volkswagen Rabbit is, I recommend checking one out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.  In this economic environment the transition to a solidly-built, economical, fun-to-drive vehicle with room for it all is a win-win-win...win!