I think the sixth generation Golf/Rabbit will do as well against the Corolla as the current generation Rabbit has done.

From a small car comparo in Car and Driver's May 2008 issue:

Introduction
Eighth: 2008 Ford Focus SE
Seventh: 2008 Scion xD
Sixth: 2007 Suzuki SX4 Sport
Fifth: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS
Fourth: 2008 Saturn Astra XR
Third: 2009 Toyota Corolla
Second: 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
First: 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit S




From a December 2006 Car and Driver comparo:


Introduction
Sixth Place: 2007 Nissan Sentra 2.0S
Fifth Place: 2007 Toyota Corolla LE
Fourth Place: 2007 Hyundai Elantra SE
Third Place: 2006 Honda Civic LX
Second Place: 2007 Mazda 3s Touring
First Place: 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit