New 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Looking for a sleek, fast and efficient hatchback to maneuver through your busy life? Check out the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The sporty car seats five passengers comfortably and has the agility, quick reflexes and speed of its namesake. The car is mostly a carryover from the 2008 model, and is available in two trims: the S 2-Door Hatchback or the S 4-Door Hatchback. Both trims come in a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, with the ability to produce 170-horsepower. That is a lot of get-up-and-go for such a compact hatchback. While a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the four-door model, it is optional on the two-door (usually outfitted with a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard). The fuel efficiency for this mini-powerhouse is also excellent. On the highway expect 29 MPG and 21 MPG in the city. The fuel efficiency is inline with the Rabbit's competitors the Mazda3 and the Toyota Matrix. Its price is also thousands below the sticker of the Rabbit's other competitors.

While the base model has great standard features, like the 36 month/36,000 mile warranty and bucket seats, it’s the 4-door model that really transcends the idea of the pared down hatchback. Heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats, a six-CD changer with satellite radio complete with state of the art sound system come standard in the model. Most of those perks are optional add-ons in the 2-door version.

This little car packs in a lot of safety features. The Rabbit comes with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control. Six airbags keep passengers protected in case of an accident. Complete with a content theft deterrent alarm system, ignition disable (by Immobilizer III) and a panic button, the tough little hatchback protects you whether you are inside or outside of its walls.

Looking for a car to navigate the cruel city streets or just to save money at the cruel gas pump? The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a fun, zippy and most importantly a safe hatchback that has all the fun features of a car well above its class.