2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTSWAGON S Test Drive - ‘A GREAT SPORT UTILITY ALTERNATIVE’
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagon S is one of the best small, sporty wagons with an emphasis on flexibility and versatility. It is also an easy car to drive and returns a good MPG rating of 21mpg/city and 29mpg/highway. It is also the lowest priced, $18,999.00, European-made sport wagon, and is perfect for active singles and young, growing families.
The car sits wide and low enhancing its handling and gives it a more contemporary look. The exterior styling is what you expect from today’s Volkswagen designers-a large, signature chrome grille up front with intakes on the side and headlamp clusters nicely cut behind clear lens. The sleek silhouette features a low front end, swept-back windshield pillar, aero-styled, power-remote, side mirrors, pull-out door handles, large side windows for better visibility all-around for safer driving and for passengers to watch the scenery pass by. The black-matte roof rails blend into the sleek look and add even more cargo capacity for long journeys. The unique rear fascia features dark-tined glass, a roof-mounted spoiler, large lift gate for easy loading and unloading, rear wiper/washer, large wrap-around taillight clusters, and two, 2in. round, exhaust tips peering out from under the left side of the rear bumper.
Inside is roomy and comfortable with a flexible cargo hold that can be further expanded when you option for the front-passenger folding seatback. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive for long rides. The T-shaped dashboard is well laid out with easy-to-use dials, buttons and switches. The instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with a large speedometer and tachometer. The steering wheel feature standard tilt and telescopic ability for the perfect angle and reach for more comfort.
The second-row features two-air inlets to bring cool or heated air to the rear.seats that are split 60/40 so you can arrange easily arrange both seating and cargo-carrying flexibility. The rear cargo hold features thick carpeting, four-chrome tie-downs, pull-out security cover and cargo net. With the second-row seats up you have 32.8cu.ft. of space and 66.9cu.ft. of cargo space with the seats folded. Grab handles at each door help with entry and exit.
Standard comfort and convenience features include Climatic AC/heating with CFC-free with pollen filter, power/heated outside mirrors, adjustable, intermittent front wipers/washers, AM-FM-MP3 audio system with 10-speakers and single-CD disc player, auxiliary input jack, cruise-control, front/rear/side defrosters, rear wiper/washer, 12-volt power outlet, anti-theft alarm with immobilizer theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, power windows all express up/down, central locking system, thick pile carpeting, dual, illuminated vanity mirrors, interior ambient footwell lighting, front/rear reading lamps, front dual cup holders, padded armrest console with storage, seatback with map pockets, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.
Power comes from three available engines and two transmissions. The standard engine is the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generates 170hp and 177lb.ft. of torque that can take care of any hauling needs. The optional engine is the high-output, 2.0 liter, turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine that makes 200hp and 207lb.ft. of torque.
New this year is the TDI 2.0 liter diesel engine that is turbo-charged and generates 140hp but 236lb.ft. of torque. These excellent engines are mated to a standard smooth-shifting, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
Underpinning the steel unitized body is a unique, all independent suspension that features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The independent suspension gives a more comfortable and precise riding experience.
The electro-mechanical, rack & pinion steering is weighted nicely and reacts quickly to your inputs.
Large steel disc brakes at all four corners quickly and safely brings the VW Jetta Sportwagon S to a stop. Up front are 12.2in. vented discs clamped by dual-piston calipers and in the rear are 11.6in. solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers.
Braking control and power are enhanced with standard ABS and brake assist.
My Jetta Sporwagon S rides on standard 205/55R16in. Continental Contact tires wrapped around 16X7in. alloy wheels which was the only option on my test vehicle. The standard package is 16X7in. steel wheels with covers.
VW puts safety to the extreme with a host of standard features including electronic stability control, traction control, driver/front passenger front airbag, driver/front passenger side airbags, side curtain protection for front and rear, emergency locking retractors for all seating positions, lower anchors for LATCH child seat, daytime running lamps, directional signal lights on side-mirrors, side protection door beams, front/rear crush zones, and a tire pressure monitor system.
The 2009 Jetta Sportswagon S is a fine German made wagon that is fun to drive, comfortable for 5-passengers, and flexible enough for all active lifestyle and growing family needs. It tested the base S trim level and was very satisfied with my test drive.
COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
Type: Compact Wagon
Where Built: Not Available
EPA Class: Small Station Wagons
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 179.4 in. Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 59.2 in. Wheel Base: 101.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.4 in. Curb Weight: 3285 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.4 in. Front Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.1 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 53.1 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.1 in. Rear Leg Room: 35.5 in.
Luggage Capacity: 32.8 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 67 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 5 Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 5 Horsepower: 170 hp
Max Horsepower: 5700 rpm Torque: 177 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4250 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 35.8 ft.
0-60mph: 8.5 seconds
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 21 mpg / 29 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 304.5 mi. / 420.5 mi.
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