The Volkswagen Rabbit emerged as Consumer Reports' top-rated affordable hatchback following tests of six vehicles for the June issue. The Rabbit outpointed CR's previously top-rated hatchback, the Mazda3.
"With agile handling and a versatile, well-finished interior, the Rabbit feels solid and is a pleasant car to drive," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The Rabbit has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior, and agile handling."
The Rabbit was tested against five other versatile small sedans the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman, and the Scion xD. Prices ranged from $16,620 for the xD to $24,700 for the Clubman.
The Rabbit achieved an "Excellent" overall score in CR's tests, the only vehicle in the group to do so. The Impreza and Matrix were rated "Very Good" overall. The Astra and Mini Cooper scored lower, but still in the "Very Good" range. The xD was the lowest rated vehicle in the group, judged "Good" overall.
Separately, CR's engineers also tested the Toyota Prius with the Touring Package trim line-and ranked it second overall in the ranking of Affordable Hatchbacks, right behind the Rabbit and one point ahead of the Mazda3.
Double duty
With four doors, large tailgate openings, usable back seats and seating for up to five, the cars in this group do double duty as people and cargo haulers, according to CR's experts. Adding to their appeal, today's hatchbacks are much more refined and pleasant to live with than their forebears.
Interior quality is often on par with larger, more expensive models. Hatchbacks often include comfort and convenience features like power windows and locks, climate control, good sound systems and cruise control.
"As gas prices continue to soar, hatchbacks make sense for anyone used to the utility of an SUV but ready for a smaller, more affordable and efficient alternative," Champion said.
Of the vehicles in this report, Consumer Reports is recommending only the Rabbit and Impreza Outback Sport. CR has no reliability data yet on the new Matrix, Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman and xD because they are new or redesigned models for 2008.
Consumer Reports recommends only those vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the magazines Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
