2008 Rabbit

2007 Volkswagen of America, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. Volkswagen of America, Inc. believes the information and specifications
in this brochure to be correct at the time of printing. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics and other colors are subject
to change without notice. Some features may be unavailable when your vehicle is built. Some vehicles are pictured with options
that may be available at extra cost or may not be available on some models. Ask your dealer about the availability of options
and verify that the vehicle you ordered includes the equipment you ordered. Tires are supplied and warranted by their
manufacturer. EPA fuel mileages are estimates only. Your fuel consumption may vary. High-performance tires are designed for
optimum performance and handling in warm climates. They are not suitable for cold, snowy or icy weather conditions. If you
drive under those circumstances, you should equip your vehicle with all-season or winter tires, which offer better traction under
those conditions. We suggest you use the recommended winter or all-season tire specified for your car or its equivalent. These
high-performance tires also have a lower aspect ratio that aids performance and handling; however, in order to avoid tire, rim
or vehicle damage, it is important that the inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained at optimum level. Please also
remember in making your selection that, while these tires deliver responsive handling, they may ride less comfortably and make
more noise than other choices. Finally, these tires may wear more quickly than other choices. Volkswagen, the Volkswagen logo,
the Running Rabbit logo and Climatronic are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Rabbit, Side Curtain Protection and
Monster Mats are registered trademarks of Volkswagen of America, Inc. Tiptronic is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing. h.c. F.
Porsche AG. Barracuda is a registered trademark of Mount Blanc. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a registered trademark of SIRIUS
Satellite Radio Inc. For further information regarding any Volkswagen model, please call 1-800-DRIVE-VW, visit vw.com or your
local dealer..

VW08RSBUS
vw.com 6006
In1975, Volkswagen
brought the Rabbit across the Atlantic. Built for the tight, speedy streets
of Europe it looked a little, well, foreign to most Americans. It didnt take long
though, for city-dwellers to discover the advantages of driving something
smaller, more nimble, more fuel efficient and more versatile than they were
used to. Today, just like the original, the Rabbit is designed with the
metropolitan motorways in mind. Who knows, maybe itll make some more
automotive history. Say hello to the Rabbit. Wed say meet , but something
tells us you have already met.
 e
Hurry Honkers (hre hngk rz) n. People who honk
their horn a millisecond after a light changes like
theyre a drag racer. A move that commonly has the
reverse of its intended effect. Take it easy. Wheres
the fire, hurry honker?
e
Bumper Broadcasting (bump r brd kast'ing) v.
Letting the entire city know what schools youve gone
to, what team you root for, what radio station you
listen to and who you voted for with bumper stickers.
Whats with the bumper broadcasting? Nobody cares
what mountain you drove to the top of.

Spot Sloth (spot slth) n. A person who gets in their

parked car and then sits in it for a long time before
leaving. Sorry Im late. I found a space but I had to wait
like seven minutes for this spot sloth to actually pull out.

Urban driving
has a language all its own.
Were including some of the unique
terms weve discovered so you
can talk the talk. Look for them
in the corners.
 2.5L Power to the pavement
Engine: The Rabbits story begins where all VW stories do: under
the hood. Heres where weve tucked over 10% more horsepower
than the previous model. Thats 170 hp versus last years 150. This
extra oomph opens gaps, catches green lights and gets you out of
traps. Its a huge part of why the new Rabbit not only survives, but
also thrives on the toughest city streets.

Transmission: The Rabbit has either a 5-speed manual or a

6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. In either case, the ability
to choose gears yourself gives you control over any situation.
Downshift to change lanes with authority or to pass a wild-eyed
bike messenger. Upshift to leave a bus in your dust or catch a light.
And with Tiptronic, you can also opt to let the car select gears for
you in regularor sport mode. The choice is always yours.

Noser (noz r) n. A person who sticks the front of their

e
car in the path of another in an attempt to force
their way into a lane. He tried to pull a total noser
back there but I didnt let him in.
 Lane Pirate (lan prt) n. Someone who steals space
in a lane from another driver. I know exactly how
to position myself for lane piracy. I sweep up close
and make my move.

It guzzles
road
The Rabbit conforms to Californias stringent
not gas
PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) guidelines*
and gets up to 29mpg on the highway.**As impressive
as that is, the truly amazing part is how much
performance it packs into every one of those miles.

The ideas in this brochure are new, the paper however is recycled.
*In applicable states. **EPA and fuel mileages are estimates only. Your fuel consumption may vary. Please remember to recycle. The brochure. Not the ideas in it. Thanks.
 The 5th door
The Rabbits simplest and most useful feature is the hatchback.
It turns this from a regularcar into a master of space. Folding
the 60/40 split rear seat forward gives you over 46 cubic feet of
storage space. If carrying linear feet is the issue, the backseat
armrest in the 4-door model opens to form a handy pass-through.
In the trunk, youll find a removable storage divider and even
a power outlet.

Pump Up the Volume: The Rabbit is taller, longer and wider than
its predecessor. It drives, packs and takes on all challenges like
a big car but parks and avoids pigeon poop like a small one.
The Germans have an expression for this: Raumwunder. It means
small on the outside and big on the inside. Wow, even their
words are more efficient.

Hatch Hiker (hach hk r) n. Somebody who needs

e
to have something moved and begs you to use
your car because it has a hatchback.Susan called
to see if I would help her move something again.
She is becoming a total hatch hiker.
 Captain You: These streets are not exactly the most Periscoping (per-skop'ing) v. To have a conversation
with the person in the backseat through the
comfortable concrete you can drive on. Thats why we rearview mirror. How do cabbies make periscoping
made sure the drivers seat is. Its 6-way manually adjustable look so easy?
and has side bolsters. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes
and the safety belt is height adjustable. The blue instrument
panel lighting means its bright and easy to see. Easy
readability is pretty huge, since taking your eyes off these
roads had better be done lightning fast. Just as important,
though, its hypnotically cool. That said, its cool for more
than just colors. On top of the usual information, youll find
the outside temperature, a brake pad wear indicator, even
a tire pressure monitoring system.
 e e
Dial Hunting (d l hunting) v. To hear another drivers
music and attempt to find out what station they are
listening to. The tunes blasting in the car next to
me rocked. I dial hunted that mother.

Noise
Pollution
Rock-It! Driving always benefits from a soundtrack. Driving in the
horn-honking, jack-hammering, Get outta my way!cacophony
of downtown demands one. Thats why the Rabbit comes
standard with a 10-speaker CD stereo system (and 4-door with
a satellite radio system). More than just powerful, the stereo is
smart. It can adjust the volume up and down, depending on
how fast youre going, to help compensate for road noise. Its
also protected by the Rabbits anti-theft system. The vehicle
alarm system is linked to the doors, the hood and the rear trunk
lid. So if a thief gets inside, the Immobilizer system will kill the
engine. Just because crime is a reality doesnt mean it has to
become your reality.
 Carmakazi (krm -kze) n. A person who is
e
reckless, unpredictable and loathed by all on
the road. I gotta get away from this carmakazi
before he causes a wreck.

Safety first
City streets are full of thousands, sometimes millions of drivers at
once. The reality is, some of these people are gonna make mistakes.
Thats why the Rabbit is loaded with things to help protect you. You
want airbags?* Of course you do. How about six of them: dual front,
side curtain and front side thorax? On top of that, the doors are
built with anti-intrusion beams. The whole car is a safety system
because, well, the world isnt. Dont just take our word for it. The
NHTSA awarded the Rabbit a 4 Star frontal and a 5 Star side

6
impact crash test rating.**

Strong Like Bull Market on Wall St.: The Rabbits steel frame is laser-
welded. This process means the Rabbits skeleton is engineered
to deal with the kind of punishment dished out by city streets.
A stiffer frame also improves the Rabbits handling, gives it a super-
solid road feel and even helps reduce interior noise. Yeah, lasers
are even cooler than we thought.

* Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all accident scenarios. Always use safety belts
and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
** Frontal NCAP: 4 Star Driver / 4 Star Passenger (based upon 4-door model)
Side NCAP: 5 Star Front Seat / 5 Star Rear Seat (based upon 4-door model without optional rear side airbags)
 Prevent and Preserve Safety System
Every Volkswagen comes standard with the 47 safety features that make up
the Prevent and Preserve Safety System. The features work together to
both help you avoid an accident and protect you if an accident is unavoidable.
And we are constantly updating it because when it comes to your safety, theres
always room for improvement. vw.com/safehappens

optimized head restraints

help minimize whiplash injuries from rear-end collisions. steering wheel
deformable/collapsible
on impact.
automatic locking feature
locks automatically engage at 8 mph and unlock automatically
when the airbags deploy.
side curtain protection
airbags deploy down the roofline
* front seat safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters
in a severe front impact, the turbines in the pre-tensioners activate
from the a-pillar to the c-pillar reeling in excess safety belt slack.
to help minimize head and
upper torso injury in the event pinch-protection on power windows
a closing window reverses if theres
of side impact.
any obstruction.

latch safety cell construction and

lower anchors and tether anti-intrusion side door beams
for children. A standardized driver and passengers travel inside
child-safety seat system. a rigid cage of reinforced steel.

asr, eba dual front and

improves handling and prevents
compression-induced
side airbags*
skidding in slippery conditions. deploy within a tenth
of a second.

alphabet brakes
abs + ebd + hba = enhanced control crash-optimized front end
edl, esp** designed to divert impact energy away from
complex traction-control
system helps prevent cab occupants.
over or understeer.

roadside assistance
4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour protection by
*airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all accident scenarios. always use safety belts Cross CountryAutomatic Services, Inc. , peace
**
and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age. optional feature. of mind when youre out on the lonely road.
14 15
 Rabbit Colors

Shadow Blue Metallic: Blue has lots of layers. Calm, confident

and friendly, it can also be mysterious and seductive. Blue
has a little bit of something for everyone. If the world had to
pick a favorite color, the winner would probably be blue.

United Gray Metallic: Gray is anonymous, until you take a

second look. Its the subtle cousin of silver who prefers to
let your right foot do the talking.

Reflex Silver Metallic: Shiny, slippery, and swift, silver is part

shield, part tip of an arrow. Silver is restless. Silver is sturdy.
Silver looks like its moving, even when it isnt.

Tornado Red: Red wears its emotions on its sleeve.

It stands out, demands attention and seduces people
with its passion. Theres a reason bulls charge at red.

Candy White: Gleaming, glossy, and stark, white lets

its reputation for innocence lull people to sleep and
then, whoosh, flashes by like lightning.

Black: Stealthy, classic, eternally cool, black has the

confidence of a color thats been around forever for
a reason. Everybody loves black, except those who
are afraid of it.

Sage Green Metallic: Green is the color of spring and rebirth

but it can also be the color of envy. Somehow, its warm and
cool at the same time. It can say a lot but, most importantly,
green means go.
 Mazda3 5-Door** Rabbit 4-Door

Engine 4 cylinder 5 cylinder

Horsepower 156 HP 170 HP
Torque 150 lb/ft 177 lb/ft
Traction Control N/A Standard
Warranty 3 year/36,000mi 4 year/50,000mi
Exhaust Single Double
Heatable Seats N/A Standard
Daytime Running Lights N/A Standard
Security System N/A Standard
Brake Pad Wear Indicator N/A Standard
MP3 readable audio system N/A Standard
6-disc in-dash CD Changer Optional Standard
8-way adjustable seats N/A Standard
Speakers 6 10
Signal Mirrors N/A Standard
Heatable Side Mirrors N/A Standard
Heated Washer Nozzles N/A Standard
Valet Key N/A Standard
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat N/A Standard
Rear Seat Side Airbags N/A Optional
Automatic Transmission 5-speed 6-speed
w/Tiptronic

Base Price $17,925 $17,485

Because the city is

expensive *Base MSRP for 2008 Rabbit with manual transmission, correct at time of printing. Price excludes transportation, taxes, options, title and
dealer charges. Supplies limited. Dealers set actual prices. Vehicle shown with optional 16" wheels.
**2008 Mazda3 5-door Sport. MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Additional standard features may be available

enough
on both models.
Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all accident scenarios. Always use safety belts and seat children only
in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.

The fact that you can get the German-engineered Rabbit for $15,490*
is pretty amazing. The fact that it comes loaded from the wheels to
theroof with standard features isdownright mind-blowing. Now if
only you could find an apartment this well appointed.
Suspension meets braking
Suspension: The Rabbits suspension is precise,
balanced and ber-responsive. Up front are
independent McPherson struts with a stabilizer
bar. In back, a 4-link, fully independent system with
a stabilizer bar. This package works together to tackle
any turn, soak up almost any pothole and bob and
weave through traffic like a prizefighter.

Brake System: Thats right, we said system. The Rabbit

doesnt just have brakes, it has a team of technologies
for stopping. After all, in the land of instant gridlock
and car doors that fly open into your path, being
able to stop quickly is a matter of survival.

Eye Contract ( kontrakt') n. To make eye contact with

driver in the lane you are attempting to merge with.
You have to let the person in if you make eye contract.
 e e
Blinker Slinger (blngk r slng r) n. When two cars
coming in opposite directions, both signal for the
same parking spot. I beat him on the blinker sling
back there. It was totally my parking spot. Im a quick
draw blinker slinger.

Its the little things:

Lane change feature: Tap the blinker and it flashes few seconds, while the usual drips come down, and then wipe
three times. This lets you keep your hands on the one more time to get any last bits of water/cleaning fluid/puddle
wheel, where they belong. sludge. Bad news for the squeegee guys.
Power windows: All have pinch protection, one touch Side mirrors: More than just reflective, the Rabbits side-view
open or close on driver controls and open or close mirrors are power-controlled, heatable and even have blinkers
them all at once with your key. integrated into them.
Two power outlets: One in the center console and one Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Proper tire pressure has a lot to
in the trunk means you can plug in anything from your do with great gas mileage and great performance. This system
cell phone to, well, whatever you want. helps promote both with real-time tire pressure diagnostics.
2-speed windshield wipers, with variable intermittent Dual tone horn: Lets be realistic, youre gonna need this baby in
wipe feature: After you stop the wipers they delay a the city. Dont abuse it though, or youll just be another #$%!@.
 drivergear.vw.com
Accessorize
01 05

02 03 04 06

Here are a few ways to make your Rabbit even more

yours. 01 Body Kit. 02 17" Goal Wheels. 03 18" Vision
Wheels. 04 18" Karthoum Wheels. 05 Barracuda Bike
Rack*. 06 Snowboard/Ski Rack.* 07 Bounce Graphics.
08 Quick Graphics.

*Shown with Aerodynamic Base Carrier Bars. Vehicles are pictured with 07 08
options and accessories that may be available at an extra cost.
 Exterior Specs 2-Door 4-Door Interior Specs 2-Door 4-Door

Roof-mounted amplified flexible black whip antenna s s Illumination of controls and gaugesblue, with red indicators s s
Rear/passenger side/Rabbit & 2.5 badge s s Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, coolant temperature
Brake lights center high mounted stop lamp in top of rear window s s gauge, fuel gauge, gear indicator (if equipped with optional automatic
Body panels crash optimized front end s s transmission), outside temperature, warning lights, digital clock. s s
Body color bumpers with black moldings s - Folding keys (2) with radio-frequency remote transmitter for central
locking, eyelet s s
Body color bumpers with body colored moldings - s
Valet key s s
Dual exhaust tips s s
Interior front center dome light with time delay and one rear reading light s -
Anti-intrusion side door beams s s
Interior front center dome light with time delay and two reading lights - s
Body color door handles s s
Luggage compartment light s s
Tinted glass, green s s
Automatic locking feature (doors lock automatically when vehicle reaches
Dual tone horns s s
8 mph). Dealer can disable feature or program to unlock when ignition key
Dual-reflector halogen headlamps with clear, is removed. Doors unlock automatically upon airbag deployment s s
lightweight, chip resistant polycarbonate lenses s s
Child safety rear door locks - s
Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Upon start-up of vehicle, headlights engage with Driver and passenger door mounted power lock/unlock switches
reduced power. Instrument panel lighting, parking lights and taillights remain off. To for central locking system s s
engage all lights with full power, the light switch must be turned to the on position s s
Remote central power locking system with selective unlocking s s
Headlights-on warning tone, upon opening of drivers door when
Driver and front passenger visor vanity mirrors s s
ignition key is removed s s
Interior rearview mirror s s
Side blinkers integrated into side exterior mirrors s s
Mirror control pad with joystick control s s
Body color mirror housings s s
Chrome lock cylinder for glove box s s
Driver and passenger side power exterior mirrors, heatable s s
Metallic trim around shifter s s
Power glass sunroof with tilt, slide, tinted glass, manual sunshade, pinch
protection, and drivers door power lock operated convenience closing feature - o Metallic instrument cluster rings s s
195/65 R15 H, all-season tires s s Power outlet (SAE size) in trunk s s
205/55 R16 H, all-season tires o o Power outlet (SAE size) in center console s s
6J X 15'' steel wheels, with full wheel cover s s AM/FM radio sound system with single CD player, MP3 format readable,
and 8 speakers s -
6.5J X 16'' alloy wheels o o
Premium VII AM/FM radio sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer,
Anti-theft wheel locks o o
MP3 format readable, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft deterrent
Two-speed windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe feature s s warning light and coding system. - s
Heated windshield washer nozzles, front - s Auxiliary input jack in glovebox s s
Satellite Radio with SIRIUS and 3-month subscription - s
Interior Specs Immobilizer theft deterrent system s s
Manual single-zone climate control (Climatic), CFC-free s s Remote releases for trunk and fuel filler flap, located on drivers side door s s
Anti-theft vehicle alarm system for doors, hood, trunk lid, radio, and starter, Driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system s s
o = optional

s = standard
with warning LED in door top sill and with audible and visual activation s s Side Curtain Protection s s
Immobilizer theft deterrent system s s Rear passenger side thorax airbag supplemental restraint system - o
Cruise Control s s Optimized front head restraints s s
Electric rear window defroster s s Emergency locking retractors for all seating positions s s
s = standard

o = optional
Molded door trim with cloth inserts s s Front seat safety belts pre-tensioners with load limiters s s
Front and rear floor mats - s Height adjustable front 3-point safety belts, black s s
Brake pad wear indicator s s Rear 3-point safety belts, all 3 seating positions, black s s
Front center armrest adjustable/folding with storage compartment - s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)child seat lower
attachment points and top tether rear outboard seating positions s s
 Interior Specs 2-Door 4-Door Technical Specs 2-Door 4-Door

Child seat tether anchorage points with markings in rear seating positions s s Brakes
Buckle switch (sensor that deploys airbag depending on safety belt use) s s HBA - Hydraulic Brake Assistant s s
Interlock featurecenter rear safety belts cannot be extended unless seat Engine
back is in fully locked position s s 2.5L 170hp, 177lbs-ft torque, 20 valve, DOHC, in-line 5 cylinder engine s s
6-way manually adjustable driver seat: fully reclining, with height adjustable, Steering
lockable head restraints s - Electro-mechanical power steering with variable assistance and active return s s
4-way manually adjustable driver seat: fully reclining with height adjustable, Suspension
lockable head restraints s - Independent front McPherson struts with stabilizer bar s s
8-way manually adjustable height and reach front seats, power recline Rear fully independent four-link suspension with coil springs, and stabilizer bar s s
(driver only) with lockable head restraints - s
Traction Control
Easy Entry System allows front seat to move forward for easy access to ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation s s
rear seating area s -
EBA - Engine Braking Assist prevents compression-induced skidding in
Lumbar support, adjustable for driver and front passenger seats - s slippery conditions s s
Heatable front seats o s Electronic Stabilization Program (includes EBA, HBA and EDL) o o
Fold-flat front passenger seat - s
Transmission
60/40 split folding rear seat s - 5-speed manual transmission s s
60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through - s 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode o o
Blinker control stalk with lane change feature (one tap on the lever creates Clutch starter interlock for manual transmission. Vehicle will not start if clutch
a 3-blink sequence) s s is not depressed s s
3-spoke padded steering wheel s s Hydraulic clutch for manual transmission s s
Height adjustable and telescoping steering column s s
Steering wheel deformable/collapsible upon impact s s Warranty
Theft-deterrent steering column s s
12-year/unlimited distance limited warranty against corrosion perforation s s
Two front cupholders, one rear s -
5-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty s s
Two front cupholders, two rear - s
4-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty.
Soft opening (silicone dampened) glovebox, lockable s s
wear & tear items and adjustments excluded after initial 12-months/12,000
Storage compartment inside front center armrest - s miles (whichever occurs first). s s
Molded shift knob s s
Brushed metallic appearance interior door handles s s Roadside Assistance
Grip on inside of trunk lid to assist closing s s
Cloth seat fabric s - Roadside assistance 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour, provided
by Cross Country Automatic Services, Inc. s s
Velour seat fabric - s
Rear passenger ventilation for heat and A/C in center console - s
Power windows with pinch protection and automatic one-touch feature,
o = optional

s = standard
operable from drivers side only s s

Technical Specs
Body Panels
s = standard

o = optional
Crash optimized front end s s
Brakes
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) s s The Carbon Neutral Project is a partnership with Carbonfund.org designed to start
Power assisted front vented disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes s s addressing the issue of carbon emissions. With their help, well be making it easy for
anyone who owns a Volkswagen to determine their vehicles carbon output and take
EBD - Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution s s
action toward offsetting it. Learn more at vw.com.
Urban Hand Signals: Theres a complex system The Manual Merge
of non-verbal ways city drivers talk to one This is one drivers
another. Here are a few basic examples way of telling another
(and what they mean). Keep in mind, though, that Like it or not,
just because some people are crazy enough Im cutting in front
to take their hands off the wheel while theyre of you.
driving doesnt mean you should too.

The Field Goal The Piston

This is how a driver A circular, repeating
expresses utterdisgust motion that is one
with the driving of the drivers way of asking
person/people in front another to roll down
of him. It commonly their window to ask
follows a looong honk. for directions.

The Shrug of Shame Fury Fist

This almost The waving of ones
involuntary signal is closed fist, usually out
the way a driver says the drivers side
My bad to anyone window, as if to say
he has wronged. Why I oughta!
Its a universal sign Usually considered
of apology. more civilized than the
more common bird.

Power Points: When drivers are stopped they will sometimes hold the top of their steering wheel
and use just the index finger to ask another driver a question.

Figure 1: You going for Figure 2: Will you let me in? Figure 3: Do you see that
that space? violators will be
towed sign?
Thank You Waves: Theres no surviving on the urban asphalt without some help.
Here are a few popular waves of appreciation. Use them as often as you can.

The Rusty Elbow El Presidente

A motionless wave A high, angled wave
that is held for 3-5 done in two crisp
seconds to make sure motions. Almost
the intended recipient a salute.
sees it.

The Spread Eagle Big Props Now remember

An open-handed
wave where no
two fingers touch,
A Spring and Summer
wave of thanks done
through the sunroof.
mind those city rules
commonly done
out of the window.