In 1975, Volkswagen launched what it hoped would be a successful successor to the Beetle, whose popularity had started to wane by the mid-1960s. Called the Golf in the rest of the world, the new vehicle was dubbed the Rabbit for the U.S. market. Sporting an angular appearance, thanks to a design by famed Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Rabbit was distinctively different than the Beetle, and it would prove the success VW needed. In its first year of production, the Rabbit was available as a either a two- or four-door hatchback. It was a front-wheel-drive vehice powered by a 1.5-liter. water-cooled four-cylinder engine that generated 70 horsepower. Top speed was 93 miles per hour, according to Volkswagen. A four-speed automatic was standard, while a three-speed automatic was available as an option. With a length of 13 feet, the Rabbit was actually 5 inches shorter than the Beetle. But because VW turned the Rabbit's front-positioned engine sideways, there was plenty of interior space. Among the Rabbit's features were a driver's seat that adjusted to 18 different positions, padded sunvisors, four-wheel independent suspension, and rack and pinion steering. Options included air conditioning, a roof rack, bumber guards, a rear window defogger, and a wood-panel dashboard. Despite its lackluster engine, at least by today's standards, the '74 Rabbit was still highly rated when compared to its competitors, with reviewers citing its balance, handling, ride, and quickness as positive points.