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2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE Review

Nimble Compact

A three-quarter rear view of a silver 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE

In short: A versatile and roomy station wagon.

Although dubbed a compact, Volkswagen’s 2009 Jetta SportWagen SE gives the impression of being a larger, more luxurious automobile with its spacious interior and range of accessories, which include an available power panorama sunroof measuring 54 inches long and 34 inches wide. This sleek, all-purpose missile features standard heatable side-mounted mirrors with integrated blinkers, several traction controls, and an efficient 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission. Our tester had the optional six-speed automatic.

This station wagon is easily maneuverable, making for a good city runabout, and it is also ideal for hauling around kids. Since it offers up to nearly 70 feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, there’s plenty of room for sports equipment and groceries. Inside, quality creature comforts include easy-to-clean vinyl leatherette seats; heatable front seats; and a ten-speaker, MP3 format-readable, satellite radio-compatible premium audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Rear side airbags, an iPod adapter and a DVD satellite navigation system are all optional.

Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 12-year/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty; 3-year/36,000-mile 24/7 roadside assistance; 3-year/36,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $21,349 / As tested: $26,899

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door station wagon

Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC in-line 5-cylinder
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic automatic

Curb weight: 3,285 lbs
Wheelbase: 101.5 in
Length/Width/Height: 179.4/70.1/59.2 in
Turning circle: 35.8 ft

Brakes: power-assisted disc in front and rear; ABS; electronic brakeforce distribution; hydraulic brake assist
Suspension: independent MacPherson struts in front; multi-link independent in rear; coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bars in front and rear
Traction: anti-slip regulation, electronic stabilization program

0-60 mph: 8.7 seconds
Top Speed: 127 mph

EPA City: 21 mpg
EPA Highway: 29 mpg

Safety: driver and front passenger front and side airbag supplemental restraint systems; side curtain protection airbags for front and rear; head restraints for all seats; daytime running lights; side protection door beams; tire pressure monitoring system

Likes: quality materials; side-mounted mirrors with integrated blinkers; ease of driving
Dislikes: n/a

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV071808

(Updated 04/10/09 SV)

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