2009 Volkswagen Jetta S PZEV SportWagen

Essentially the same vehicle as the standard Jetta S SportWagen, the S PZEV SportWagen comes equipped with a low-emissions 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder (I5) engine designed to meet PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating requirements set by "clean car" states such as California, Oregon, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. Like the standard Jetta powerplant, it produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and links to either a five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with the Tiptronic manual-shift feature. Fuel economy checks in at 21/29 mpg. Traction control, an electronic stability program, speed-sensitive steering, and four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution all come standard. The Jetta S PZEV rides on 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires.

Inside, the roomy interior includes such standard features as cruise control, power windows and door locks, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and an eight-speaker AM/FM audio system with an in-dash CD player and an MP3 input jack. The driver's seat features eight-way adjustment with power recline, while the rear seats split 60/40 and fold down, so owners can expand the cargo area. The Jetta S PZEV comes with a full range of airbags, including dual front, front side, and side-curtain airbags.

By R. Feeman