2008 Volkswagen GTI Review

VW's value-priced 2008 Rabbit, and the performance-oriented GTI are both available in three- or five-door hatchback body styles.

A 170-horsepower, 2.5L five-cylinder engine powers the Rabbit; it comes with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which has a Sport mode.

The GTI features a 200-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that, besides bringing better performance than the Rabbit's engine, is also more efficient. It's paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or Direct Shift six-speed automated manual gearbox, and with the manual is rated at 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Both the Rabbit and GTI are front-wheel drive.

The Rabbit comes with a wide range of standard equipment for a low-priced small car, including air conditioning, power heated mirrors, cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and an eight-speaker sound system. An electromechanical steering system helps bring crisp handling and easy maneuverability in parking lots.

The GTI comes with a lot of additional performance equipment, and more comfort and convenience items. A sport suspension, special appearance cues, 17-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, alloy pedals, and sport seats bring a performance emphasis. Xenon headlamps, keyless entry, and a ten-speaker sound system are among the included extras.

For both the Rabbit and the GTI, VW is generous with standard safety features, too. Front side and full-length curtain air bags, and anti-lock brakes are standard on both, and the GTI adds electronic stability control.
Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see minor changes for 2008. The Rabbit's 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine now makes 170 horsepower, up 20 from last year, and tire pressure monitors are newly standard. The GTI gets revised suspension settings that reduce its ride height by nearly an inch.

The Rabbit is now offered in a single trim level, called the S. see less