Other automakers need to learn from Volkswagen when it comes to how to keep a model fresh, no matter how old it is. Volkswagen introduced the 2019 GTI Rabbit Edition in the U.S., which feels like a tribute to the original iteration of the hatchback. It will be slotted between the base ‘S’ trim and mid ‘SE’ trim.

What’s New Here?

The bunny GTI frolics around wearing 18-inch, black alloy wheels. The body is available in four shades - Cornflower Blue, Urano Grey, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl.

On the inside, there are red-stitched floor mats and ‘Rabbit’ seat tags. It is also offered with keyless entry and push-button start. In terms of safety, you'll find forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert all on the list. All these features are optional on the ‘S’ trim, but standard in the rest of the line-up.

Under The Hood

This is slightly more than the 2018 model’s 220 ponies. Brakes are borrowed from the Golf R, along with a mechanical differential.

2019 Updates For Other Cars As Well

Volkswagen has given updates to the rest of the lineup as well. This is the same unit found on the 2019 Jetta as well. The biggest change, however, is the addition of safety features like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, to a majority of the stable. The models include the Atlas, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf SportWagen, and the Passat.

A nice initiative by VW to give the models safety features instead of some unwanted features. Is this their way or regaining the lost faith? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition.

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf

Read more Volkswagen news.