OUR TAKE: In the compact-car category, the Rabbit is pretty good choice, though we found this particular model a study in contradictions. The driver??™s seatback is powered, but the seat fore/aft, up/down and lumbar adjustments are manual; there are thoughtful upscale touches like the remote hatch and gas-cap releases, but the climate controls felt cheap; the audio system looks particularly functional with its simple knobs for volume, tone, etc., but the radio had a hard time drawing a clear signal, including the XM satellite stations; there??™s enough torque at launch to squeal the front tires, but not enough grunt at 40 mph to get out of its own way??”especially if you drive in regular automatic mode.

There??™s nothing wrong with the automatic, per se. It??™s a modern six-speed, and, like many such from many makers, it is too eager to shift up (it??™s that mpg-tuning thing) and keep the revs below 2000. Trouble is, this mill has a torque peak up at 3750, and the car weighs more than 3100 pounds??”it doesn??™t feel Rabbit-like, quick as a bunny, if you drive around in automatic mode. What??™s more, the engine feels strained until you??™ve nailed the pedal hard enough to induce a double downshift.

Also, this is one of the cars heavily promoted as ???three VWs for under $17,000.??? As soon as you add in the transportation/delivery fee, it goes over that mark, and then VW gets a grand-plus for the automatic. Our advice if shopping a Rabbit: Learn to shift. You??™ll save $1,075 up front, probably some gasoline (if you do it right), and you??™ll have more fun.

Or, if you can find an extra $2,000, we??™d recommend moving up to the GTI.

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