2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Review

The SportWagen is back after a three-year absence and is available with either a 2.5-liter engine, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the GLI, or the TDI diesel. Gasoline-powered models arrive at dealers in July, while the diesel is expected in August.

- We're really coming around in favor of small and midsize wagons, especially when they're styled like the Jetta. Next to minivans, they're some of the most practical vehicles to consider, and given the plethora of models available with four- and six-cylinder engines (and to a lesser degree, diesels), they're an especially good choice for buyers who need efficient utility. The TDI version sounds most enticing, with its 236 lb.-ft. of torque making for some serious off-the-line fun and its promise of superior fuel economy.

The eccentric relative: you might have one, or know someone who does. It's the uncle who has a charming "old style" hobby like model trains or who travels the world by booking passage on freighters. While his curious habits are odd and amusing, they're all harmless. After all, he's generous, a lot of fun at family gatherings, and always warmly welcomed.

Volkswagen knows all about it. In fact, it's long had a quirky model in its lineup: the station wagon. The history goes back to the oddball Transporter, what the company called the Volkswagen Station Wagon in the U.S. and we called the Microbus. Today, after a half-century of bringing something called a wagon to the U.S., VW reaches 2008 with a new introduction: the 2009 Jetta SportWagen.

Four models with essentially three trim levels offer buyers a selection among prices, engines and options, including a diesel model. All the high-end safety features are standard, and there are several options that add convenience and a bit of luxury. The little wagon is an enjoyable drive and will be appreciated by those who favor function over form. If one word sums it up, it would be "purposeful." A nimble, well-made car with good storage capacity makes sense in an era of gasoline prices teetering on the brink of $4 a gallon. All that makes the Jetta SportWagen looks even more likeable than your eccentric relative.

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The Jetta SportWagen, like all current VWs, comes with antilock disc brakes with force distribution and stability and traction control as standard equipment, noteworthy for a car slated to start just under $20,000.

From a technology standpoint, the automaker offers a DVD navigation system with a touch-screen interface, Sirius Satellite Radio, an MP3-capable disc player and the ability to connect a USB device, iPod, or any device that can plug into a standard auxiliary jack.

VW doesn't break any new ground on the convenience front, although its five-stage, fully heated seats are a step up from the average. The optional heated windshield washer nozzles should be welcome in colder climates where keeping the front view clear can be a challenge. Turn signals are duplicated in the side mirrors and all the power features - windows, locks and mirrors - are standard on all models.

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Volkswagen offers the Jetta SportWagen in four different trim levels. The base S model wagon comes equipped with a 2.5-liter, inline-five cylinder engine mated to a standard manual or optional automatic transmission. VW estimates the starting price for this model to be about $19,000, which includes steel wheels; a rear wiper; a single CD/MP3 audio system with eight speakers; air conditioning; an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, including manual height, lumbar and power recline; a six-way manual passenger seat with adjustable lumbar; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; a 60/40 split folding rear seat; and automatic door locks. Safety equipment consists of antilock disc brakes with force distribution, stability and traction control systems, as well as front-side and side-curtain airbags. Options available for the S include a Cold Weather Package with heated seats and washer nozzles, rear-side airbags, an iPod adapter, alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The second model equipped with the five-cylinder engine, the SE, adds to the standard features on the S by including alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, leatherette seats and door panel inserts, a six-disc CD/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a center armrest with two cupholders and a pass-through. In addition to the options available on the SportWagen S, buyers of the SE can select a DVD navigation system with a multi-function trip computer. The SE's estimated starting price is $21,400.

The SEL 2.0T model steps up the performance with a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine joined to a manual or automatic transmission. In addition to the standard features of the S and SE, the SEL delivers heated mirrors with memory, heated windshield washer nozzles, larger alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, a multi-function trip computer, a 115-volt outlet in the rear seat area, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way adjustable lumbar and three-position memory, an eight-way manually-adjustable passenger seat including height and adjustable headrests and power recline, and leather upholstery and interior trim. VW estimates the starting price will come in around $26,400. Options for the top model amount to rear-side airbags, panoramic sunroof and DVD navigation system.

Finally, there's the Jetta SportWagen TDI which marks VW's effort to bring a diesel-powered passenger car back to all 50 states. Features on the diesel mirror those of the SE, though the Cold Weather Package, 115-volt outlet and premium audio system are all standard. For options, it's the multi-function trip computer, rear side airbags, panoramic sunroof, alloy wheels, and DVD navigation. VW hasn't announced pricing for the TDI.