2009 Volkswagen Jetta S SportWagen

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta S SportWagen offers a roomy interior and plenty of space for carrying all types of cargo. With the rear seats up, the S SportWagen offers 32.8 cubic feet of storage space, which expands to 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping three-spoke steering wheel, velour seats, and power windows and door locks. Other standard features include an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with power recline, three power outlets, and an eight-speaker AM/FM audio system with an in-dash CD player and an MP3 input jack. Dual front, front side, and side-curtain airbags also come standard.

A 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder (I5) engine producing 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque powers the '09 Jetta S SportWagen. The engine links to either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with a Sport mode and Tiptronic, which enables drivers to shift manually. The engine pushes the S SportWagen from 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds (8.7 with the automatic), and to a top speed of 127 mph. Fuel economy numbers check in at 21/29 mpg with either transmission. Performance-related features for the Jetta S SportWagen include a traction control system, independent front and rear suspension, an electronic stability program, and four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

By R. Feeman