Oh, if only we had those nifty, thrifty European favorites here. Wait....
The Volkswagen Golf (or Rabbit, if you're a Yank like me and always prefer a car's name to reference a potential meal rather than a game for old people) has just been awarded Car of the Year by ACFO, an organization that produces a bi-monthly journal called "Fleet Operator." CotY was awarded to the Golf for "delivering operational performance, whole-life cost control and driver appeal as well as an environmental edge." In other words, it's one of the best Euro-boxes out there for professionals and consumers alike.
So why isn't it as popular here? It is the exact same vehicle, with only some different engine options, though the ones offered in the States are still quite good. A wise man named Jack Handey once wrote, "Instead of building newer and larger weapons of mass destruction, I think mankind should try to get more use out of the ones we have." So instead of pining after the fun, practical microcars being enjoyed by so many across the pond, why don't we try to appreciate and, I don't know, buy the ones we already have here.
[Source: ACFO via Newspress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
why not the LS2/LS7? 2:08PM (11/21/2007)
What gave you the idea the Golf/Rabbit isn't popular here?
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BioNick 2:35PM (11/21/2007)
I love my '02 TDI which was very well built in Brazil. 50mpg on B20 in the USA can't be beat!
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Phil L. 2:52PM (11/21/2007)
I don't know how Europe perceives VW, but in my area, they're noted for good design - but poor implementation that tends to be pricey to maintain. I believe current TDI designs are changing that perception, but it will take time to convince many. I'd love to save at the pump - but not if it means that savings are lost in the repair shop.
Meanwhile, there are other fun, efficient cars that Europe gets that we don't see in the US.
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amg 2:56PM (11/21/2007)
I don't know. According to Consumer Reports, the only engine available for the 2008 Rabbit is a 5 cylinder that is rated at 21/29 by the EPA. Not exactly an econobox, and I would pass on it for the economy reason alone. Maybe a cleaner diesel or smaller gasoline engine would sway me, as I'm sure they're fine cars, but I wouldn't bother buying it unless it had substantially better fuel economy, something closer to a Honda Fit (though I am really not a fan of the latest Fit redesign; I don't want to drive an egg).
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Rich 3:18PM (11/21/2007)
The problem is just as was stated "It is the exact same vehicle, with only some different engine options". I don't like the overpowered engine options they give us in the US. Poor MPG compared to the more frugal engine options in the EU.
Bottom line: I won't buy a new car until I'm happy with the MPG.
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BlackbirdHighway 3:21PM (11/21/2007)
I remember a friend of mine back in 1983 had a Rabbit with a turbo diesel that could get 70 mpg on the highway. (After so much time, I could be wrong, but that's what I remember.)
I don't see why we should expect any less after 25 years of technology advancement.
By the way, according to Wikipedia, the name doesn't refer to a game for old people, but rather a shortened German spelling for Gulf Stream.
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TG 3:42PM (11/21/2007)
TDI is great for economy but lately I have seen VW accident news stories in the press where the VW driver ends up in heaven.
I test drove one this summer and it didn*t feel right.. to tight. too low .. steering felt unnatural.
I*m keeping my crude but *TOUGH* like Brinks, Jeep. photo: TonyGuitar.blogspot.com
====================================== doubtfuls..
Forbes List of 2007 year - 10 WORST vehicles
====================================
Topping the list: The Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caliber and Dodge Magnum.
A massive recall involving anti-lock braking system control modules affected 11 different Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models, including the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty, which were all on our turkeys list, while another recall concerning automatic-transmission control modules potentially affected eight different vehicles, including the Magnum, Nitro and Liberty.
[1] Chrysler Sebring [Xmission module]
[2] Dodge Nitro [Xmission control module ]
[3] Jeep Liberty [ anti-lock troubles ][older is better?]
[4] Dodge Caliper R/T AWD [fuel costs can drain wallet]
[5] Dodge Magnum [ ranks bottom - Consumer Reports]
[6] Ford Crown Victoria [ weak side crash protection]
[7] Chevrolet Aveo [front fuel line recall]
[8] Nissan Quest [Front suspension Bolt recall] [Crash risk]
[9] Hyundai Entourage [least reliable]
[10] Pontiac Grand Prix [Fuel tank recall-1602 vehicles]
forbes.com/forbeslife/2007/11/15/cars-worst-year-forbeslife-cx_bh_1115cars.html
==================
Forbes checks across recalls, Consumer Reports and other sources. = TG
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TG 3:44PM (11/21/2007)
To be fair to VW. I did not test drive this exact same model so my low review marks can be taken with a grain of salt. = TG
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Bob Moffitt (Bob from ALAMN) 3:44PM (11/21/2007)
I drive an '01 Golf. I like it.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 10:08PM (11/21/2007)
Never heard of this award. Sounds to me like they just invented it 'cause they're sore losers about the European Car of The Year awards (over the years that is....)
Both in the ECOTY
and in terms of CO2, French, Italian and Japanese camakers comfortably beat the Germans, in whatever segment. I know there aren't any French and Italian cars in the US, but THERE ARE plenty of Japanese. I'd have no qualms about owning a TOYOTA AYGO or larger tomorrow. The GOLF I wouldn't have it even if I were to win it in a lottery, because of a matter of principle when it comes to quality/price that I like to keep nice and high, and because of what the Gemrans just did to the EU CO2 legislation:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/19/psa-leads-the-way-on-co2-emissions-in-europe/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/19/fiat-500-voted-car-of-the-year-2008/
the Mazda2 was second. The 2000 winner was the Toyota Yaris.
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mike 4:04AM (11/22/2007)
From VW US's web site, you can only get a Rabbit with a 2.5 liter 130 mph engine that gets 22/29 mpg. Sheesh, that's SUV gas mileage.
The Auto Industry has been doing this for YEARS. Keep the SUV popular by putting NOTHING into fuel economy tech. This is market segmentation, keep the PIG SUV's looking good by making the CAR mpg Disgusting.
Even Subaru does it. The 4 cyl. boxer engine gets nothing close to the tech of the 6 cylinder. Making the high horsepower engine's mpg look not so bad in comparison.
I've got a 4 cylinder Subaru and I can tell you I can't use more the 5% of the power available in my commute. I'm stuck with 20 mpg city driving because of the auto industry's need to sell Horsepower to the Horsepower suckers.
So, my next car will get 50 mpg, or I don't buy.
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Mini2Go 8:12AM (11/22/2007)
We are now researching something for the wife to buy next summer to replace her 10-year old Saturn (which, at 160K+ miles, STILL averages 35MPG!). In looking at the VW, I had ruled it out immediately because of the relatively poor economy and general value equation.
Overall, it really is disappointing and frustrating the complete lack of options for a small, economical vehicle that isn't either a death trap, ugly as sin, or just a plain cheap heap. We want an economical vehicle to run - not a cheap piece of plastic with some metal and rubber bits around it.
Are we really that small of a minority of consumers here in the US that the options for a safe, well-equipped, aesthetically appealing, reliable, small, economical car are so few (and the options that exist continue their ceaseless bloat)? Even though my wife deserves a new car and this one is knocking on death's door, I am so frustrated that I'm seriously wondering how much longer we can make it last.
...Way to go auto manufacturers, your doing a GREAT job of keeping at least me OUT of the market for buying a new vehicle!
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welshjr 8:16AM (11/22/2007)
oops: your = you're (darn typos!)
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diesel 8:37AM (11/22/2007)
Hello from Ireland,
I agree with a lot of the comments gone above the engine makes the car. The usa gets old technology. Over here you can get a 1.4 tfsi petrol engine that gives 170bhp. Thats the same output as a lot of 2.5 engines and it is quiet efficent. Now the technology costs money are you willing to part with a lot more money to save on petrol expenses. The 2.0 tdi golf engine is rated at up to 170bhp and 42 mpg US. Interesting enough jettas sold here are built in Mexico and that includes the TDI so vw should be able to get them to the US market cheap enough.
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Bill 9:11AM (11/22/2007)
Still waiting here in the U.S. for the new 50-state approved diesels.
VW has pushed back the date for the new diesel Jetta from spring 2008 to summer 2008.
And Subaru has relatively low mileage because of the AWD system.
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Jay 11:32AM (11/22/2007)
I vote for the Honda Fit as the best option for small fuel efficient cars available in the U.S. I do wish we could get some of the European cars we see here on autoblog green. I currently drive 2003 Mazda Protege5(wife+2yr old) and a 2003 Toyota Corolla(me when not cycling).
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mike 11:37AM (11/22/2007)
Mini2Go: good phrasing: "just a plain cheap heap", again this is Marketing. You can only find the high mpg cars in the cheap market segment. Except for the Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. Does the auto industry know what they are doing? I say, yes, they know exactly what they are doing. Building cars that burn Lots of Gas. If they are going to Front for the oil industry the share holders should be DEMANDING that oil industry kickbacks be reported and that value should be reflected in the share price, or pushed out into dividends.
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jim 12:03PM (11/22/2007)
A problem with VW's image here in the good ole USofA is that they have been pretty regularly at the bottom of most reliability ratings. Even if new models have improved it will take a while to shake the reputation.
As noted the mileage of the Rabbit/Jetta is hardly stunning.
VWs are expensive. While the base car is moderately priced, common options are only available as part of expensive packages with less desirable options.
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Andrew van der Stock 12:14PM (11/22/2007)
I have the '07 Rabbit with the 2.slow's repplacement, the 2.5 I5. The engine note is great. That's the only thing that is great about this sluggish, low revving, thirsty engine.
I wanted the 2.0 TDI I nearly bought in Australia before reloacting here to the USA. At worst, I wanted the basic FSI 2.0, both of which are FAR superior engines in terms of performance and frugality.
The 2.0 TDI gets around 45 US mpg in the exact same car even though the TDI weighs a bit more due to the DSG transmission. The 2.0 FSI gets around 35 mpg combined, and is faster than the TDI and the 2.5. I struggle to get 20 mpg around town. I've never got more than 29 mpg - at 65 mpg on cruise going down hill from Buffalo NY to home here in Maryland.
The engine is slow - my old New Beetle's 1.8T with the same exact power (although the turbo had better torque) totally spanks the Rabbit. The Rabbit accelerates leisurely to 60 mph in about 9 seconds if you really (and I mean REALLY) cane it. The engine shrieks towards the top of each gear at 5500 rpm just as if you're torturing it. My 1.8t did the same in about 7.5 seconds and used about 35% less fuel in doing so, all the while loving a good rev out to near 7200 rpm. I pwned a number of surprised V8 owners in Australia - they didn't expect the flower enabled NB guy to win. A good V8 hauling two tons of weight never wins against 1200 kg of turbo powered New Beetle.
It's no wonder the car sells so slowly. You can be handed your derriere by a Kia Rio if you're not paying attention. This engine sucks. I can't wait for it to be sent to palliative care and permanently retired.
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rodney 12:35PM (11/22/2007)
Oh and just so everyone knows...the 21/29 gas mileage is for the new 2008. Due to the new testing standards EVERY car on the market dropped about 10% in EPA estimates for 2008...but get this...VW was able to increase the horsepower of the 2008 Jetta/Rabbit by 20HP...and still get the same MPG as they did in 2007 despite the tougher 2008 EPA testing standards. So by my "guesstimation" if we were still going by 2007 standards, the 2008 Jetta/Rabbit would be rated at about 23/32...and I'm getting a little better than that out of mime...MORE HP AND BETTER FUEL ECONOMY.....I'll take that any day.....Thanks VW!
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