2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Features Review

November 10, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Available panoramic sunroof replaces almost the entire roof with glass
Autoblog

Optional touchscreen navigation system
Motor Trend

Optional on all Jettas is an iPod interface
Edmunds

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is very well equipped, even in its most basic trim, but for those who want more from their VW wagon, the Sportwagen Jetta offers a long list of options too.

Consumer Guide says that the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is “available in S, SE, and SEL trim levels.” The standard features on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen lineup vary across trim and price levels, but even the most basic Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen S is loaded with appealing features. Edmunds reports that all 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagens come “standard with 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors and washer nozzles,” along with “cruise control” and a “keyless entry” system. ConsumerGuide reviewers add “heated front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment” and an “AM/FM/CD/MP3 player” to that list. Moving up to the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen SE, ConsumerGuide finds a “leather-wrapped steering wheel” and “AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer” joining the standard features list, and the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen SEL gets an “upgraded sound system, steering wheel radio controls,” and a “trip computer.”

Edmunds notes that the “stereo and climate controls are straightforward and easy to use.” Furthermore, ConsumerGuide loves how the “clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls,” though they criticize the optional nav system for “[incorporating] most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.”

While the Sportwagen Jetta is essentially just a new bodystyle for the standard Jetta, there are some Jetta features omitted and others that are unique to the Sportwagen. Most notably absent from the Sportwagen are the sedan's automatic headlamps. However, you won't find the Sportwagen's optional panoramic sunroof on the sedan. Autoblog appreciates that optional sunroof, which "replaces almost the entire roof with glass."

Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the available options on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen can push the price “into the mid- to high-20s” range “as option boxes are checked,” according to Car and Driver, but that money will get you some pretty high-end features. Among the available options on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen are a “touchscreen navigation system with data stored on hard drive” that Motor Trend says you can use to “upload MP3s to the drive” and “the aforementioned, gigantic moonroof.”

Conclusion

A well-equipped base model of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen contains features aplenty, but for those with fatter wallets, the available moonroof and navigation system await.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Available panoramic sunroof replaces almost the entire roof with glassAutoblogOptional touchscreen navigation systemMotor TrendOptional on all Jettas is an iPod interfaceEdmunds The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is very well equipped, even in its most basic trim, but for those who want more from their VW wagon, the Sportwagen Jetta offers a long list of options too. Consumer Guide says that the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is “available in S, SE, and SEL trim levels.” The standard features on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen lineup vary across trim and price levels, but even the most basic Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen S is loaded with appealing features. Edmunds reports that all 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagens come “standard with 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors and washer nozzles,” along with “cruise control” and a “keyless entry” system. ConsumerGuide reviewers add “heated front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment” and an “AM/FM/CD/MP3 player” to that list. Moving up to the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen SE, ConsumerGuide finds a “leather-wrapped steering wheel” and “AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer” joining the standard features list, and the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen SEL gets an “upgraded sound system, steering wheel radio controls,” and a “trip computer.” Edmunds notes that the “stereo and climate controls are straightforward and easy to use.” Furthermore, ConsumerGuide loves how the “clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls,” though they criticize the optional nav system for “[incorporating] most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.” While the Sportwagen Jetta is essentially just a new bodystyle for the standard Jetta, there are some Jetta features omitted and others that are unique to the Sportwagen. Most notably absent from the Sportwagen are the sedan's automatic headlamps. However, you won't find the Sportwagen's optional panoramic sunroof on the sedan. Autoblog appreciates that optional sunroof, which "replaces almost the entire roof with glass." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the available options on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen can push the price “into the mid- to high-20s” range “as option boxes are checked,” according to Car and Driver, but that money will get you some pretty high-end features. Among the available options on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen are a “touchscreen navigation system with data stored on hard drive” that Motor Trend says you can use to “upload MP3s to the drive” and “the aforementioned, gigantic moonroof.” ConclusionA well-equipped base model of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen contains features aplenty, but for those with fatter wallets, the available moonroof and navigation system await. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: "Sleek, nicely sized package" Autoblog: "Great interiors" The Washington Times: “Embodies the best of the current trend toward aerodynamic styling” The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen makes its U.S. debut to ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The new Dodge Journey is a crossover with an available third-row seat and more storage options than you can count, 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.

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See the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen in Other Years:

2010 | 2009

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Garry #1, Posted: 12/30/2008

    What about the Diesel?

    You guys didn't say a word about the diesel option that will offer great performance and amazing economy!

  2. fb_540901137 avatar by Phil Pugliese #2, Posted: 6/18/2009

    Where is the diesel review? With 50% of Jetta Sportwagon sales being TDI, where the TCC rarely misses the boat, you missed it here.

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