Posted on Monday 12 May 2008
Influential magazine Consumer Reports has picked the Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit) as the winner of its latest group test, rating it the highest in the small four-door hatchback category. Judges picked the Golf over strong competitors such as the Mazda3 and Ford Focus because of its solid feel and “well-finished interior.”
Other top contenders beaten by the Golf include Subaru’s Impreza Outback Sport, the Saturn (Opel) Astra, Toyota Matrix, Mini Clubman and the Scion xD. Despite the Golf’s first place positioning, judges also gave the Mazda3, Scion xB, Nissan Versa and the Honda Fit strong recommendations.
Small hatchbacks are becoming popular in America once again due to rising fuel prices and the weak economy, which is causing consumers to search for economically viable personal transportation. The small and fuel-efficient cars are being sought after more than hybrids vehicles chiefly due to the high initial costs of the latter and the similar fuel-efficiency afforded by the former.
Consumer Reports also claim small hatchbacks are “more sensible than similar-sized sedans” as they are easier to load with larger packages and can be used like “miniature SUVs”. The full report will be published in the June issue of the magazine.
It’s about time Consumer Reports! Now if VW can keep the momentum and introduce some more fuel efficient engines for us here in the states, there will be even more cause for celebration. The five cylinder is just “ok” for now, but if VW wants to play on in this segment, it has got to offer up some better engines to entice more buyers into the car.
Granted, this formula of the Golf’s (Rabbit) hasn’t changed much over the years and some will complain of that, but the basic purpose of this car has remained true to its mission and it delivers it in spades. I have driven many different compact cars and even though the Golf here in the states has a few shortcomings, it feels so much more solid than any of its competition. Quite frankly, I am surprised I don’t see more of them on the road. They are an excellent value for the money and that added element of “safety” is comforting in a small car.
C’mon VW, serve us an encore with some better engine choices…how about the twin charged set up for us?
Just bought a used ‘04 Jetta and I’m as impressed with it as I was with my only other VW purchase–a new 1978 Rabbit L. I have no reason to think this Jetta will be as unreliable as Consumer Reports indicates but time will tell. I’m not as impressed with the new generation VW’s nor their 5 cylinder engine. I would like to see VW build something along the lines of the classic mid-80’s Bimmerish 4th gen. Jetta with a new 4 cylinder (non-turbo) engine. Something with about 12 to 1 compression, direct injection (so it would run on regular gas) and tuned & geared for economy. With the cost of gas, and everything else, shooting up I’d say the horsepower wars have GOT to stop! This trend of using horsepower as a selling point by bumping it up every year (along with car size and weight) is simply out of step with the times we are living in.