2019 Volkswagen GTI Rabbit Edition | MotorWeek Road Test

While the rest of the world knew it as the Volkswagen Golf, when it arrived in the U.S. for 1976, it was dubbed…the Rabbit. It quickly began multiplying like crazy… so much so, that VW took over a Chrysler plant in Pennsylvania just to keep up with demand. Well, that rabbit hutch didn’t last too long, but the Golf sure has. And, here to celebrate is a special edition…the 2019 Golf GTI…Rabbit!

[arminsteinke]

As long John Davis is around us, all is well.

[davidchernack]

John: tries to give performance specs
The GTI's front tires:

[adammarkowitz]

So 13, 000 hard miles have resulted in a significant decrease in performance? Not confidence-inspiring.

[swanblake]

VW just announced they are cutting there warranty down becaause it is costing them so much. Kind of tells you everything you need to know

[larshoneytoast]

I have a 2016 base model Golf with an automatic transmission. The engine sounds beautiful when it rises at 4K rpm. Structure feels molded from solid steel. And the steering response is perfect.

[subvet]

Must have been some really worn tires to get all that squeal and poor times. The GTI with the manual should see times of 6.0 all day and 5.7 with the DSG.

[JohnDoe-xris]

I had a 2016 GTI....and I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Sold it with only 26k miles on it. The brake rotors would rust overnight. And then they would screech/grind the first few times you braked burning off that rust. Then all 4 rotors had deep grooves cut in them. I could see one rotor, but all 4? And eventually all four rotors had perm rust on them...braking wouldn't burn off the rust. I've NEVER had a car do this. It also burned through a set of tires in only 20k miles. I don't drive the car hard, and I even had an alignment done at 4000 miles...still the tires cupped really bad in only 20k miles. And while driving on the highway, the onboard computer shut off one of my cylinders! The car bucked and sputtered. I pulled over...with two months left on warranty (thank goodness) and had it towed to the dealership. They called, said they see where the computer shut off one of the cylinders. But they don't know why, they can't recreate it....sorry about your luck, here's your car back. Then I started getting dew on the inside of the windows. Then my grand daughter said the back seat was wet. I know I never left a window open for it to rain into. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I finally decided to check the spare tire area....2 inches of standing water! It was like a bathtub! That's it, I'm getting rid of this thing. It was a fun car to drive, but a terrible car to own. I will NEVER buy a VW again as long as I live.

[eklektikTechno]

This show still retains its appeal that it had over 25 years ago when i started watching

[russs]

Where can I buy one of those magic helmets that buckle under your chin automatically on impact?

[louisnguyen]

Had a GTI that had constant electrical problems. Hope this rabbit is better, but kinda doubt it.

[muznick]

Looks just like my 2019 Urano Gray Rabbit. I think mine could get a 7 sec 0-60 if started in 2nd gear.

[SquiggleSquared]

can't believe you guys put regular in the car when it specifically says to get the best performance, put in 91. Adds to the bad acceleration time.

[CarStory]

As an owner of a 2018 GTI Autobahn, I can tell you it's my favorite hatchback daily driver. No, it's not a fast car but I didn't buy it for 0-60 runs. It's fun and easy to drive under any condition I find myself in. I think it's the best GTI yet inside and out.

[leightonmann]

Cool sleeves. Car is pretty good too. I like the Legacy plaid upholstery.

[tyranelewis]

You would have had better performance and MPG using the recommended Premium fuel as VW states the posted HP, Torque and MPG were achieved. Even though you can use regular fuel you will not get the posted performance figures using regular

[varsity]

Yea you gotta get the DSG in these cars to get the most out of it and enjoy it

[minforasn]

No one complains about how these volkswagen design never change. It practically looks the same ever since it came out.

[tomdolgin]

That car’s 2.0T should use premium 91 octane at least. I use 93 because 91 is only available at one gas station chain. You would have gotten faster 0-60 & 1/4 mile times. Put premium in 2 times and see how much better the engine runs and accelerates. It can run on 87 octane, the engine will adjust and pull the timing, but it’s just going to feel sluggish and get worse gas mileage. So you might as well just put at least 91 in. You lose a lot of hp & foot pounds of torque when you use 87 octane when premium 91 or above is recommended.

[Ksport]

I'd love to replace my 04 GTI 1.8t with a new GTI-S/Rabbit (or Alltrack 6spd), but there's just something about the new ones that doesn't have me rushing to the dealer. I know it's a better car than my 04, but I think it lacks the 'rawness' the older cars and disconnects the driver from the drive/experience. Sure, it's quick, but I also think it lacks a true sporting feel that can be found in the numerous aftermarket tuners out there for VWs

[Frajenbran]

Have a 2015 Autobahn DSG I bought new. Now has over 70k and still love it as much as day I bought it.