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By 
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor
I read all the competitive reviews on the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen to produce this conclusive review, and to give our enthusiastic approval of the new Jetta Sportwagen. I also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the car, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ.
Likes:
- Pert Audi-like styling
- Optional 200-horsepower turbo engine
- Dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Standard safety features
Dislikes:
- Dull performance from standard five-cylinder engine
- Seats raised, the cargo area isn’t huge
- No all-wheel-drive option
It’s been a few years since Volkswagen offered a compact station wagon in the U.S., but the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen arrives just in time to capitalize on rising fuel prices and the arrival of the new Volkswagen diesel engine -- the first clean diesel engine in its lineup since emissions rules changed in 2007.
The new Jetta Sportwagen is the sleekest edition of the Volkswagen station wagon yet. In profile, it’s more like an Audi -- and VW’s new interior styling that bowed on the 2006 Jetta has worn well with time.
The Sportwagen offers either a 2.5-liter in-line five with a five-speed manual or automatic, or a turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 hp and either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. The diesel engine TDI will arrive at the end of the summer with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which eliminates the clutch pedal but allows manual shifting.
Handling is typically Germanic, with firm steering and not too much body roll. The Jetta’s brakes feel well-balanced, too. It’s not a large vehicle, but with the second-row seats folded forward the Jetta Sportwagen boasts a big cargo hold, but no clever cargo organizers or anything that shows an influence from small sport-utility vehicles.
A huge panoramic sunroof is an option on the 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen, as is Sirius satellite radio and a navigation system. Pricing ranges from about $19,000 to nearly $26,000, which neatly overlaps the small crossovers from Saturn, Ford and Subaru -- but the Jetta Sportwagen isn’t offered with all-wheel drive like those vehicles.
The Bottom Line: It’s been a long time coming back, but the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen gives crossover buyers something else to consider -- and diesel power is on the way.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, also consider:
- Dodge Journey
- Pontiac Vibe
- Toyota Corolla Matrix
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
The new Dodge Journey is a crossover with more storage options than you can count, and an available third-row seat, and it’s priced almost exactly in the same range as the VW Jetta wagon. The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla Matrix are essentially twins underneath the skin, and though they’re smaller than the Jetta they have decent carrying capacity and an enviable reputation for reliability. The Chrysler PT Cruiser’s been around for a long time, which means it can be had cheaply -- and it’s probably the cutest vehicle in this bunch.
Buying Tip:
For whatever the reason, Volkswagen Jetta wagons hold a tremendous amount of value as the years go by. You may pay more at the dealer, but when it comes time to resell the vehicle you’ll be pleased -- particularly if it’s a diesel-powered wagon.(TheCarConnection.com will cover the diesel Jetta Sportwagen in a separate review when it becomes available in the summer.)
