Likes - All-new 2.0-liter clean diesel engine
- Full tank gets close to 500 miles
- 3-D or 2-D navigational system
- Multi-function Indicator on dash runs accurate diagnostics
Dislikes - No standard steering wheel audio controls
Tech Specs - Horsepower: 140
- Torque: 236 lb/ft
- Gas Mileage: 29/40 city/highway
What's New/Changed - 50-state compliant clean diesel engine option
- Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program
- Possible $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit
The Vehix View - A spacious, soundless, clean-burning diesel costing thirty bucks to fill up for close to a 500-mile trip? Tell me where to sign up. And don't skimp on two very important optional packages: The panoramic sunroof and 3-D navigational system. All this for a price under $30k – why, the 2009 Jetta SportWagen melts even the iciest hearts of VW critics.
First Impressions
Chances are if you were thinking Cash for Clunkers trade in, you were thinking of the 5-door, 5-passenger, urban-and-outdoor versatile Jetta SportWagon TDI (Turbo Diesel Injection). Whereas most vehicles in this segment seem to radiate either a patchouli-level smell or heavy cost, the aerodynamic design of the SportWagen transcends drivers from forest to city life with ease, low cost and no rank diesel smell. While the taillights are strangely more reminiscent of an old-school Benz wagon than a hip VW, stand back and observe the side view of the Jetta's sculpted hood and sleek window design to get your punch of contemporary styling.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The Jetta SportWagen comes in the three trims: S, SE and the turbocharged yet non-diesel SEL that offers just a tad more power. Base price for the SportWagen TDI with the all-new 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine starts at $23,870. Mid-price when you begin to add on the exciting extras, such as the panoramic sunroof ($1,300), DVD navigational system ($1,990), and the 6-speed Tiptronics transmission ($1,100) brings the price closer to $29,410. A top-of-the line SportWagen SEL with the bigger engine, all the above mentioned features plus extras (alloy wheels, leather, splash guards, special mats) cost the consumer $35,955.
Engine and Transmission
The 2.0-liter clean diesel engine produces 140-horsepower at 4,000 rpm and unbelievable 236 lb-ft of torque between very low rmp (1,750 to 2,500). Standard and also available is a 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine delivering 170-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque but with an increased 21-mpg city/29-mpg highway driving. And for those who just want shear power but no diesel, there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 200-horsepower and 207 lbs-ft of torque for the SEL trim only (no TDI). The vehicle is mated with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) with Tiptronics. The DSG uses direct shifting through the use of a computer that engages or releases each gear as needed. If you want to get more involved in the process, the Tiptronics aspect allows drivers to actually shift gears up and down with the automatic transmission by the tap of the gearshift or finger-operated shift paddle mounted to the steering wheel. Makes for some good, clean, rallying fun.