Volkswagen Drops Rabbit, Resurrects Golf

Volkswagen is, er, putting the Rabbit out to pasture. The company announced today that its entry-level hatchback will be called the Golf when the restyled 2010 model arrives. The storied Rabbit nameplate, resurrected amid cutesy TV ads for just three years, will go back to the history books when the Golf returns this fall. Though not completely redesigned, the Golf sports updated sheet metal and a new interior. Volkswagen will likely offer two- and four-door versions, with the U.S. model debuting April 8 at the New York auto show.

Spokesman Steve Keyes confirmed that drivetrain choices will include the Rabbit’s five-cylinder — a gutsy but relatively thirsty engine — as well as a more fuel-efficient diesel. If the Rabbit was any example, we’d expect the Golf to be a notch up in cabin quality and pricing compared to other entry-level hatchbacks. Stay tuned for more info, as well as our first impressions of the car, at next week’s auto show.

Comments

Very good decision to drop the Rabbit handle. Too bad the upcoming USA Golf will continue to be saddled with the Rabbit's old 5 cylinder gasoline engine.

well really its only a name change and its about time we got the diesel ,no how about the all wheel drive offered in europe gee just what this country needs a very fuel efficient all wheel drive , lets see subaru beat them at that

It's a real shame that they are dropping the Rabbit name. "Diesel Golf" doesn't have the same ring that "Diesel Rabbit" has.

Just call it Polo already!

K,
The Polo is a different model entirely.

Can you confirm that this is not a full redesign as stated in your posting. I was under the impression that this was a full redesign as VW has claimed that this new generation is significantly cheaper and simpler to manufacture. A sheetmetal refresh and new interior wouldn't accomplish that.

I have 2 imagine it's all new since it's being called the 'mark vi'. The 'mark v' wuz around in Europe since 2004 or '05. Looks a bit similar but it's all new, sans maybe engines.

I know why they call it the Golf - after a few winters of salt spray you get a hole in one.

It might be called a Mark VI but it is more of a Mark V1/2. VW found the current model to carry much less margins then their competitors (even the higher purchase price compared to the EU Ford Focus and Opel/Vauxhall Astra equicvalent). They therefore decided to use the existing platform and design a slightly better margin providing body and interior around it.

I.E.: they made the parts inside you usually do not touch out of cheaper plastic etc. etc.

As far as engines go? They mostly are the same, which in the EU means the 1.4 tsi turbo/supercharger combo and 2.0 tsi turbo are the engines to go for if you want petrol and a 2.0tdi with 170hp for those who want diesel.

That V5 you guess get in the states is a 'lazy' engine better suited to an automatic transmission (no substitute for cubic inches...). VW apparently think the US public prefer torque-rich low tech larger displacement engines to high revving buzzy turbocharged 4 cylinder engines. Go figure!

All cope well without 4 wheel drive. The only one that might need that is the upcoming R20model (replaces the EU R32 v6 option) which we be more than 260hp. 4 Wheel drive is not really befitting for a small but heavy car like the Golf which is not the class leader when it comes to dynamics. It costs extra maintenance / fuel as well

Ford has a 5 cylinder turbo (borrowed from Volvo) in their EU Focus that proves that with a good diff you can have 250+ hp on your front wheels without torque steer.

As far as corrosion protection is concerned there is not much reason to worry. The Golf is made for use in the freeze / thaw climates of Northern Europe and the usage of salt on the roads that comes with it. And not being a hybrid you won't get any nasty mileage increase surprises when you drive in the cold because your batteries stop working efficiently... ;)

What you really want is the new Scirocco that is based on the Golf. Nice 2 door coupe with 250+ hp 4 cylinder turbo engine and DSG gearbox. Very sweet... Audi TT hardware in a nicer, better looking and more practical package with a smaller price tag!

This was an excellent decision on their part, why take away a good thing like the Golf, something that has been around for so long, VW is a very popular car here in South Africa, even I drive a Golf and I just love her so reliable.

In Canada VW come with a standard 12 year rust warrenty