Lean and green, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV sports a standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) powerplant that’s been tweaked to conform to strict California-based emissions standards. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating indicates that this 5-passenger, 5-door, front-wheel-drive (FWD) compact wagon will be accepted in all U.S. states with tougher emissions laws. A 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission including driver-selectable sport mode is standard for this compact and delivers 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque while getting an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 highway.
Appearance features for the 2012 Jetta SportWagen SE PZEV include power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, a roof rack and 16-inch alloy wheels. Cabin amenities include a fold-flat front-passenger seatback, a leather steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter knob and heated power-adjustable front seats with a fold-flat passenger seat. Additional standard goodies include remote power door locks, power windows, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, air conditioning and a rear-seat pass-through folding center armrest. Meanwhile, entertainment comes via an MP3-capable 10-speaker sound system with a 6-CD changer, satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection. Then there’s standard Bluetooth hands-free technology bolstering the standard phone pre-wiring. All this is complemented, of course, by the cavernous 66.9 cubic feet of cargo area (with the rear seats folded) and the handy, under-floor rear storage bin. Options, meantime, include a rear spoiler, upgraded 17- or 18-inch wheels, carpeted floor mats and splash guards.
Standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 Jetta Sportwagen SE PZEV includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control. Occupant protection features include standard front side-mounted airbags, front head-restraint whiplash protection and front and rear head airbags. Additionally, this compact wagon is delivered with daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm.
