2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition is a hotter hatch with black elements

Volkswagen’s hot hatch just got hotter for the 2019 model year with the introduction of a Rabbit Edition. The new 2019 VW Golf GTI Rabbit Edition is a special model that pays homage to the heritage of the GTI. It will be available along with three usual trims offered for the 2019 Golf GTI: S, SE, and Autobahn.

Slotted between the S and SE trims, the limited-edition VW Golf GTI Rabbit Edition is distinguished from the standard models through its looks and features. Available only in four colors -- Cornflower Blue, Deep Black Pearl, Pure White and Urano Grey – the GTI Rabbit Edition boasts of an exterior with a black rear spoiler, 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels as well as LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and black mirror caps. Inside, the limited edition features Rabbit-badged seat tags as well as red-stitched floor mats.

Volkswagen also provided the 2019 Golf GTI Rabbit Edition with a number of systems such as KESSY keyless access with push-button start, Blind Spot Monitor, Front Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.

Regardless of the trim level or model, the 2019 VW Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that, when injected with premium fuel, can deliver up to 228 hp (170 kW) of output. This means that the newest iteration of the Golf GTI is around 8 hp (6 kW) more powerful than its predecessor, which engine provided 220 hp (164 kW).

Also standard on all Golf GTI models are Golf R brakes and the VAQ mechanical differential. The new Golf GTI S can be availed with the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning as well as Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist). The Driver Assistance Package is provided as standard on other Golf GTI models, including the Rabbit Edition.

On the other hand, the 2019 VW Golf GTI SE comes with standard equipment like leather seating surfaces. SE models can be availed with the new Experience Package, which includes DCC chassis control as well as the Fender Premium Audio system.

The 2019 VW Golf GTI with a six-speed manual transmission (standard) has starting price of $27,595 while the version with the new seven-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic has a base tag of $28,695. All Golf GTI models have an additional destination charge of $895.

Volkswagen of America has also announced value realignments across its vehicle lineup for the 2019 model year. These realignments mean that majority of its offered models now come standard with driver-assist features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert, as well as Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist). Entry level trims are offered with these features through optional Driver Assistance packages.

PRESS RELEASE

MODEL YEAR 2019: ENHANCED ENTHUSIAST MODELS AND EXPANDED DRIVER-ASSIST FEATURE AVAILABILITY HEAD THE CHANGES

Today Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced changes for the 2019 model year. Enthusiast models—from the iconic Beetle to the sporty GTI and powerful Golf R—receive special models and new options, while the Golf and Golf SportWagen front-wheel-drive models adopt the 1.4-liter engine from the 2019 Jetta, which debuted earlier this year.

Value realignments across the lineup mean that the majority of models now feature standard driver-assist features, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert. The models that don’t include these features as standard offer them in Driver Assistance packages on the entry-level trims (with the exception of Beetle and Beetle Convertible, which does not offer Front Assist).

Press kits for 2019 models are now available at media.vw.com.

Atlas

For the 2019 model year, the Atlas is available in seven trims levels —S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line®, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. The Atlas family receives a modest value alignment, with driver-assistance and innovation features moving to lower trims. Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on all models. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit—the high-tech configurable instrument cluster—is now standard on SEL models.

In addition to the new driver-assistance features, the entry-level Atlas S also adds standard automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. The Atlas SE adds tri-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. Atlas SE w/ Technology models add two options: a panoramic sunroof with Homelink® garage door opener and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Atlas SEL models add upscale features for the 2019 model year: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Media Control, LED taillights, Discover Media navigation, and a heated steering wheel.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0-liter starts at $30,895 for the S model; 3.6-liter models start at $34,095 for the S 4Motion. The destination charge for all Atlas models is an additional $995.

Beetle

The 2019 Beetle is offered with a standard automatic transmission with Tiptronic® in four trims—S, SE, Final Edition SE, and Final Edition SEL.

All Beetle models for the 2019 model year come equipped with standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert. For an enhanced exterior, the Beetle S now features standard body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, body-colored door handles, and body-colored side sills with chrome accents.

The Final Edition SE offers standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, heated washer nozzles, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, rhombus cloth seating surfaces with leatherette inserts, heated seats, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with unique “Beetle” clip, stainless steel pedal caps and metal scuff plates, unique Safari Uni color dashpad, Climatronic®, gloss-black center console, three-color ambient lighting, Composition Media infotainment, SiriusXM® radio, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, and a “Beetle” badge on tailgate replaces the typical “Turbo” badge.

The Final Edition SEL features standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Pure White accents, Bi-Xenon® headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED taillights and rear license-plate lighting, fog lights, diamond-stitched leather seats, Discover Media infotainment with navigation, Car-Net Security & Service and Guide & Inform, Fender® Premium Audio, and Park Distance Control.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts at $20,895. The destination charge for all Beetle models is an additional $895.

Beetle Convertible

The 2019 Beetle Convertible is offered with an automatic transmission with Tiptronic® in four trims—S, SE, Final Edition SE, and Final Edition SEL.

All Beetle Convertible models for the 2019 model year come equipped with standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

The Final Edition SE offers standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, rhombus cloth seating surfaces with leatherette inserts, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with unique “Beetle” clip, stainless steel pedal caps and metal sill scuff plates, unique Safari Uni color dashpad, Climatronic®, gloss-black center console, Composition Media infotainment, SiriusXM® radio, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, and a “Beetle” badge on tailgate replaces the typical “Turbo” badge.

The Final Edition SEL features standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon® headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED taillights and rear license-plate lighting, fog lights, diamond-stitched leather seats, Discover Media infotainment with navigation, Car-Net Security & Service and Guide & Inform, Fender® Premium Audio, and Park Distance Control.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible starts at $25,995. The destination charge for all Beetle models is an additional $895.

Golf

The 2019 Golf is available in two trims—S and SE. The 1.8T engine is replaced by the same 1.4T, 147hp powertrain found in the all-new 2019 Jetta. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission for both S and SE trims.

The S trim adds standard Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert for model year 2019. SE models offer an available Driver Assistance package, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System, (Lane Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $21,845. The eight-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,945. The destination charge for all Golf models is an additional $895.

Golf Alltrack

The 2019 Golf Alltrack is available in three trims—S, SE, and SEL. The S trim adds standard Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.

SE models offer an available Driver Assistance and Appearance package, which includes Lane Keeping System, (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The top-of-line 2019 Golf Alltrack SEL gains a six-speed manual transmission.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $26,895. The six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission with Tiptronic® starts at $27,995. The destination charge for all Golf Alltrack models is an additional $895.

Golf GTI

The 2019 Golf GTI is available in the usual three trims—S, SE, and Autobahn—and a limited-edition GTI Rabbit Edition slots between the S and SE trims and pays homage to GTI heritage.

All models now come with 228 horsepower standard (achieved with premium fuel), an eight-horsepower increase from previous years, plus Golf R brakes and the VAQ mechanical differential. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now available in the optional Driver Assistance Package on S models, and standard on the rest of the lineup.

The heritage-inspired Rabbit Edition is new for model year 2019. It will have a limited production run, and features 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), black mirror caps, Rabbit-badged seat tags, red-stitched floor mats, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Rabbit Edition will be offered in four colors: Cornflower Blue, Urano Grey, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl.

SE models get new standard equipment, including leather seating surfaces, plus a new available Experience Package, which offers Fender® Premium Audio and DCC® chassis control.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $27,595. The new seven-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic® starts at $28,695. The destination charge for all Golf GTI models is an additional $895.

Golf R

The 2019 Golf R is available in one trim—Golf R with DCC® and Navigation.

A new special color program is available for model year 2019, offering 40 custom order colors—many of which are heritage colors from Volkswagen enthusiast models (the existing five colors remain available for series production). In addition, a Black Wheel package is now available, featuring 19-inch gloss-black aluminum-alloy wheels.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R with DCC and Navigation and a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $40,395. The seven-speed DSG® automatic transmission starts at $41,495. The destination charge for all Golf R models is an additional $895.

Golf SportWagen

The 2019 Golf SportWagen is available in three trims—S, S 4Motion, and SE. For front-wheel-drive models, the 1.8T engine is replaced by the same 1.4T, 147hp powertrain found in the all-new 2019 Jetta. The S 4Motion retains the 1.8T engine. The 1.4T is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.8T is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® automatic transmission.

The 2019 S and S 4Motion models offer an available Driver Assistance package including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.

SE models add 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System, (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist).

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S with a standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $21,895. The eight-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,995. Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S 4Motion® with a standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $24,395. The six-speed DSG automatic transmission starts at $25,495. The destination charge for all Golf SportWagen models is an additional $895.

Passat

The 2019 Passat is offered in two trims—Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line®—both equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI® engine. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on every Passat.

The Wolfsburg Edition replaces the outgoing S trim and upgrades 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels and trades the entry-level Composition Color infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen for Composition Media infotainment with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, SiriusXM® radio, and Voice Control. Other upgrades include KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. An optional Wheel & Roof package ($1,000) offers 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.

The SE R-Line® model features the sporty exterior and interior treatments of the outgoing R-Line model, plus LED lighting, including LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights. It also adds standard features previously only found in the top Passat trims: Discover Media infotainment with navigation, ambient lighting, Easy Open trunk, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control, and Fender® Premium Audio.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat starts at $25,295. The destination charge for all Passat models is an additional $895.

Tiguan

The 2019 Tiguan is offered in six trims—S, SE, SEL, SEL R-Line®, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. Front-wheel drive is standard on S, SE, SEL, and SEL R-Line, with 4Motion® with Active Control available. SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line models are equipped with standard 4Motion.

In a value realignment, an alarm system is standard on SE trims, moving down from SEL models, and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and Park Distance Control are now standard on SEL trims, moving down from the top-of-the-line SEL Premium model. Mid-model year, the SEL R-Line is replaced by the SEL R-Line Jet-Black, which features similar content, plus 19-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The SEL Premium R-Line trim remains the same.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $24,295 for front-wheel drive models and $25,595 for all-wheel drive models. The destination charge for all Tiguan models is an additional $995