Car and Driver Compares Eight Small Cars in their May Issue


Results - Points Out of 250

1) Volkswagen Rabbit - 212
2) Subaru Impreza 2.5i - 193
3) Toyota Corolla - 191
4) Saturn Astra XR - 190
5) Mitsubishi Lancer GTS - 189
6) Suzuki SX4 Sport - 179
7) Scion xD - 165
8) Ford Focus SE - 162



http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3793868

_43LE_43LE - 4/17/2008 3:24:23 PM
+5 Boost
The Rabbit's a nice car. I think that they should have also thrown in the Civic and the Mazda 3. They would also have done well in this comparison.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/17/2008 4:02:39 PM
+3 Boost
Wow, they really like the Rabbit.

Understandable--sporty, fun, stylish, well-built.


_43LE_43LE - 4/17/2008 4:20:58 PM
+3 Boost
I just had a Jetta as a rental and it's certainly a nicer drive than the Civic.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 4/17/2008 5:14:12 PM
+1 Boost
"Car and Driver did that comparison last year (Dec. 2006 actually)"

Different comparison. This one is in the latest issue (May).



AudiphileAudiphile - 4/18/2008 2:33:12 PM
+1 Boost
They did not include the Honda and Mazda in this comparison because the winner of the last comparison is compared with the newcomers. The Civic Si and Mazda 3 finished second and third in the last comparison, thus they were not automatically included in this comparison.

However, you are right that such nice cars as those two should have been included. Perhaps they should have expanded the field to 10 cars.


grouchogroucho - 4/17/2008 4:12:32 PM
+2 Boost
Not really a surprise... its the most upscale car of the group. Neatly packaged, well built, fun to drive, nicest interior, good performance. What's not to love about the Rabbit. I'm just shocked the Corolblah beat out the Lancer and Astra.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 4/17/2008 5:12:39 PM
0 Boost
Agreed, I'm surprised the corolblah wasnt last place where it rightfully belongs.


rallyssrallyss - 4/17/2008 6:35:55 PM
0 Boost
astra should have won


RupertRupert - 4/17/2008 6:59:39 PM
+2 Boost
No we have the Astra in Europe and the Rabbit has always been better.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 4/17/2008 10:04:50 PM
+1 Boost
Not sure why, it's not like toy's are known for winning comparisons or like they deserve to.


AudiphileAudiphile - 4/18/2008 2:24:04 PM
0 Boost
Guys, I subscribe to Car & Driver. I read that review not too long back. VW came out on top in that comparison, but it was the GTI that was tested, not the Rabbit.


AudiphileAudiphile - 4/18/2008 7:44:55 PM
+1 Boost
You're right, Turbo. I did read a recent comparison where the GTI won, but I can't locate it now.


ktu01ktu01 - 4/19/2008 1:13:44 AM
+1 Boost
The Astra (given that it's from Opel) would've given the Rabbit a run for the money. The 1.8 engine for the US market is one of the base engines in Europe, whereas if they had used the 1.6 Turbo (180 hp, which would be comparable to Rabbit), or even a 2.0 Turbo.

All in all, GM had a great car on their hand that would've performed a lot better with a different engine.


RupertRupert - 4/19/2008 8:54:52 AM
+1 Boost
But the Astra isn't as good to drive and the interior isn't as good. It generally feels quite a bit cheaper than a Rabbit. It is cheaper, but still the Rabbit is the better car.


autoproautopro - 4/19/2008 5:44:32 PM
+1 Boost
VW is junk,but they drive great!
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC