2009 Volkswagen Jetta Review

European automakers are especially good at turning sedans into station wagons. So it's not surprising that Volkwagen -- Europe's largest automaker -- has come up with a wagon version of its popular Jetta four-door.

Volkswagen calls the 2009 station wagon a "Sportwagen" because, like nearly all automakers, it avoids the words "station wagon" for the U.S. market because it's felt in the industry here that a wagon projects an unwanted "domesticated" image, like a minivan. Europeans are more practical-minded when it comes to vehicles and think that giving a wagon a different name is silly.

The Sportwagen was delayed for 2008, but it fits in the market for versatile, fuel-efficient compact cars better now than it would have a year ago, when gasoline prices were lower.

Volkswagen has a reputation for good fuel economy, which is one reason it was one of few automakers that had a sales increase last month, when sales of most car producers fell.

The roomy Jetta is known for its overall refinement and solid workmanship. But look for a good Volkswagen dealer because customer satisfaction scores for dealer service aren't as high as they should be.

Prices for the Sportwagen range from $18,999 to $27,090. It comes in entry S trim, as the mid-range SE, which starts at $21,349, and the top-line SEL, which starts at $25,990.

This new front-wheel-drive Volkswagen also is sold as the TDI with a 2-liter diesel four-cylinder engine, although the automaker says diesel model availablity currently is tight.

The S has a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, while the SEL has Volkswagen's mighty turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder, which generates 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

The diesel has only 140 horsepower, but never mind that figure because it outdoes the two other Sportwagen engines when it comes to torque (236 pound-feet). It's torque, not horsepower, which provides that kick in the back you get when you floor the accelerator pedal.

The engines work with five- and six-speed manual transmissions and with a six-speed automatic that has a manual-shfit feature. There's also a new six-speed "DSG" hybrid automatic/manual transmission that provides especially fast manual shifts.

The five-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, while the turbo four-cylinder's figures are 21-22 city and 29 highway. The five-cylinder just needs regular-grade gasoline. Premium is recommended for the turbo motor to get maximum performance, but Volkswagen said regular fuel can be used "with a slight reduction in performance."

Volkswagen hasn't released mpg figures for the diesel engine, but they'll be appreciably higher than those for the gas motors. Figure on about 30 mpg in the city and up to 41 on highways, which will put the Sportwagen in the economy leader class.

Volkswagen says the Sportwagen five-cylinder does 0-60 mph in 8.4-8.7 seconds, depending on the transmission, while the turbo engine model does that sprint in 6.9-7.2 seconds. It hasn't released diesel acceleration figures, but that model will be fairly quick, although not as fast as a Sportwagen with the turbo four-cylinder.

Not incidentally, the Sportwagen diesel is a modern unit that has none of the noise or exhaust "smoke" of old-generation diesels.

All Sportwagens are well-equipped, with such items as air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, height-adjustable/telescoping steering wheel, split/folding rear seat and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety items include an anti-skid system and front- and curtain-side air bags. Rear side air bags are optional.

Regular options include a "panoramic" sunroof, 17-inch (up from 16-inch) alloy wheels and a touch-screen navigation system, which incorporates audio functions.

I tested the $21,349 Sportwagen SE. Options included the $1,100 regular (non-DSG) six-speed automatic transmission, $1,800 navigation system, $1,300 sunroof and $450 17-inch alloy wheels. The extras raised the list price to $26,249.

The Jetta Sportwagen is as much fun to drive as the sporty Jetta Sedan. Its responsive automatic helped the five-cylinder engine provide good acceleration in town and during 65-75 mph passsing. It's a definite improvement on highways over the 2.5-liter, 150-horsepower five-cylinder I had in a 2007 Jetta test car.

The Sportwagen's precise steering has the right amount of power assist, handling is sharp and the supple suspension shrugs off road imperfections. While firm, the brake pedal allows consistently smooth stops with the standard anti-lock brakes.

Easily grasped door handles make it easy to enter the attractive interior's supportive front seats, although rotary controls for the seatbacks are awkward to use. Climate controls are large and radio controls can be operated fairly easily. Gauges need better daytime visibility and nightime lighting, but large outside mirrors help provide good driver rear visibility.

The backseat area is roomy, although rear doors should open more widely. Front console cupholders are located to avoid spills, but pop-out rear cupholders are a stretch because they're at floor level behind the front console. All doors have storage pockets.

The cargo area is huge, with a low, wide opening. There is 32.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seatbacks in their normal position and an even more impressive 66.9 cubic feet when they're flipped forward. An optional fold-flat front passenger seatback provides additional cargo space.

The hood raises smoothly on a single strut, with no inconvenient prop rod needed.

The Jetta is Volkswagen's top-seller in America, and the Sportwagen should enhance sales with its added practicality.

2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen 

Price: $18,999-$27,090

Likes: Lively performance. All-pro tailback moves. Roomy. Comfortable. Good fuel economy.

Dislikes: Narrow rear door openings. Awkward rotary front seatback adjusters.