Engine: 2.5-liter dohc 20v I5

Engine Options: 150-hp 2.5-liter dohc 20-valve inline-5

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; six-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual front airbags, front-seat side (thorax) airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes with traction control, child safety rear door locks, LATCH (child-seat securing) system, three-point safety belts for all five seating positions

Optional Safety Equipment: Electronic Stability Program; rear-seat side (thorax) airbags (on four-door model), tire-pressure monitor

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Wolfsburg, Germany

Model Tested: Volkswagen Rabbit 4-door automatic ($18,065)

Standard Equipment: velour upholstery, air conditioning, dual chrome exhaust tips, tinted glass, dual-reflector halogen headlamps, power mirrors with turn signal indicators, 15-inch wheels, intermittent wipers, anti-theft alarm system, height-adjustable front center armrest, cruise control, floor mats, lighted glove box, lighted luggage compartment, power windows, remote locking, automatic door locks (at 8 mph), lighted vanity mirrors, power outlet in cargo area, 10-speaker premium audio with MP3 reader and AM/FM and six-CD changer, 8-way manually adjustable height and reach front seats with power recline for driver's seat and manually adjustable angle, adjustable lumbar support for front seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest, height-adjustable and telescoping steering column, 4 tie-down hooks in cargo area, velour seat fabric, rear-passenger ventilation

Options as Tested: power sunroof ($1,000); ESP ($450); 16-inch wheels with all-season tires and full-size spare ($400); XM Satellite Radio ($375)

Destination Charge: 630

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque: 170 @ 3750

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 22/30

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 165.8/69.3/58.2 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.6/59.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.3/NA/41.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.5 /NA/ 35.3 inches

Trunk Volume: cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent

Ground Clearance: 5.4 inches

Curb Weight: 3137 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: disc/disc with ABS, traction control; electronic stability program

Brakes:

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Gallons