2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

Station wagons hit their high watermark in the states about 50 years ago, accounting for 15 percent of all auto sales. By 1990, that number had slipped below 5 percent. Where did all the buyers go? The first stop was minivans. In the 1980s, vans inherited all the people who wanted to keep the wagon’s versatility, but didn’t want to look like their parents. The next migration was to SUVs in the 90s, by minivan owners who wanted to keep the versatility, but didn’t want the soccer mom (or dad) stigma. In recent years, the move has been to crossovers and station wagons (once again). This time, it was the SUV owners, who wanted to keep the versatility but didn’t want to pour their paychecks into their gas tanks.

Model Lineup

For drivability, versatility and economy, it’s hard to beat a good wagon. Volkswagen is poised to remind us of this, with the rollout of its first 2009 model. On sale in July, the new Jetta SportWagen offers an engaging blend of sport and sensibility. SportWagen will be available in four models, featuring three engines and four transmissions. Leading the charge is the entry level S. With an estimated MSRP of $19,000, the S (and the $21,400 SE) get VW’s 2.5-liter, five-cylinder motor, linked to either a five-speed manual or available six-speed automatic with Tiptronic. The SEL ($26,400) packs VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four, coupled to a six-speed stick or optional six-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox.


S, SE and SEL Jetta SportWagens will be available from the get-go. Joining the lineup about a month later will be the 2.0-liter, 140-hp, four-cylinder turbo diesel, with the same transmission choices as the SEL. It’s an interesting trio of engines. The 2.5 five makes 170 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The characteristic drone of the five cylinder is deceptive, making the motor sound like it’s working harder than it is. The five fits well in this platform, especially with the five-speed stick. It’s capable of making the trip from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds, and EPA’s estimates for fuel economy are 21 city/29 highway.

Performance Driving

Those that want to put the “sport” in SportWagen would do well to sample the SEL. That Jetta gets what may well be VW’s best engine—the 2.0T—and two choice transmission choices. While no performance or mileage stats are yet available for the SportWagen 2.0T, it figures to be noticeably quicker than the 2.5, with comparable economy. Despite its small size, this engine has ample low-end zip, impressive mid-range boost and cruises effortlessly at speed. The extra gear in the manual transmission helps add to the long-legged feel of the turbo, and for those who prefer a manumatic, there are none better than VW’s DSG, this side of an exotic car.


The TDI engine was not yet available for testing. By VW’s account, it’s about a second slower from 0-60 than the 2.5, but with a whopping 236 lb.-ft. of torque, the diesel should feel quite lively off the line. Fuel economy estimates were not yet available; however, expect the TDI to be at the top of the Jetta class when the numbers are crunched. VW expects fully half of SportWagen’s customers to buy a diesel, once they come on line.

Chassis, Safety, Features

The chassis that these engine choices roll in has a refined ride and confident road manners. Traction control and an Electronic Stabilization Program are standard on all models. The front-wheel-drive SportWagen (VW says an all-wheel-drive version is being studied, but not planned) feels, as its name suggests, more sport sedan than station wagon. But, a station wagon it is, as demonstrated inside.