The Return of the Rabbit: A Nostalgic Ride
In 1975, Volkswagen introduced its second water-cooled model for North America, the Rabbit. This distinctive name was chosen over the rest-of-the-world Golf badging, and it quickly gained popularity. The Rabbit name persisted until 1984 when it was replaced by the Golf designation in North America. However, to cater to the nostalgia-prone American VW enthusiasts, Volkswagen revived the Rabbit name for the late 2006 model year.
Recently, a second-generation Rabbit was discovered in a Colorado self-service boneyard, reminding us of this intriguing chapter in Volkswagen’s history. The Rabbit badges were present on U.S.- and Canadian-market cars until 2010 when the Mk6 Golf replaced the Mk5 Rabbit.
The 2006-2009 Rabbit was specifically targeted at hip urban drivers in North America. Its brochure even included guides to “the language of urban driving,” showcasing Volkswagen’s clever marketing strategies. Terms like “Hurry Honker,” “Bumper Broadcasting,” and “Spot Sloth” were defined, capturing the essence of city driving.
This particular Rabbit model found in the boneyard is a two-door hatchback variant. When it was released, it had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,600, which would be equivalent to around $23,211 in today’s dollars.
Under the hood, this Rabbit boasted a powerful 2.5-liter straight-five engine producing 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Comparing it to its ancestor from 1975, this Rabbit’s power output is more than double, highlighting the advancements in automotive technology over the years.
While the base transmission for this model was a five-speed manual, the one found in the boneyard is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. This automatic option was incredibly popular among buyers at the time due to its convenience and ease of use.
Although the car appears to be in decent condition, there are signs of rust-through, which is not uncommon for vehicles that have spent time in harsh climates. Interestingly, it seems that this Rabbit was turned in as part of Colorado’s Vehicle Exchange Program, specifically designed for pre-2012 vehicles that fail their emissions tests. This suggests that the Rabbit may have struggled to meet modern emissions standards, leading its owner to seek an alternative.
In conclusion, the return of the Rabbit was a nostalgic ride down memory lane for Volkswagen enthusiasts. With its unique name, clever marketing tactics, and improved performance, the Rabbit exemplified Volkswagen’s dedication to meeting the needs of urban drivers. While this particular Rabbit may have reached the end of its life, it serves as a reminder of the impact and lasting legacy of this iconic model.