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The 2009 Jetta Wagon could be a perfect car for our times.
It's big enough to be useful — bigger, in fact, than the outgoing version, and as big as a late 1990s VW Passat wagon, which was a mid-size at the time.
This revamped wagon's gasoline engine also has enough power (170 horsepower) to get out of its own way and fuel efficiency (10.8 litres/100 km city and 6.9 highway on regular gas) is good for a car with legitimate seating for four adults and a cargo hold measuring 1,897 litres with the back seats folded almost flat.
The cargo space is about the equal of a Ford Edge crossover wagon (1,954 litres with the rear seats down). The VW is nice and roomy because the compact independent rear suspension doesn't intrude into cargo space.
With a firm ride and sharp handling, nothing is marshmallowy about the Jetta’s road manners. (VOLKSWAGEN)
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As for pricing, it's manageable. The basic Trendline starter wagon lists for $23,475 and the far more fuel-efficient TDI diesel model (6.8 litres/100 km city and 4.8 highway) starts at $25,775. A loaded gasoline Highline goes for $29,375 and the diesel Highline TDI tops out at $31,675.
The point is that the diesel comes at about a 10-per-cent price premium for about a 35-per-cent improvement in fuel economy. Many buyers will think that's more than a fair deal and will go diesel.
In fact, Volkswagen thinks 50-to-70 per cent or more buyers will want the diesel. The old diesel version was that popular, so why wouldn't the new one be even more so? Fuel economy is one appealing factor, but diesel engines tend to last longer, too.
On top of that, no one else sells an affordable diesel wagon in Canada. Only the luxury German brands have diesels in their product plans and the least expensive among them will cost you more than twice that of a VW Jetta 2.0 TDI.
Fuel economy and longevity are two reasons to like the diesel, and power is a third. But forget the horsepower number, which at 140 in the diesel is pretty modest. Instead, look at the torque, which says volumes about pulling and low-end power: 236 lb-ft at a low 1,700 rpm, versus 177 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm for the gas version. That's plenty of grunt for a wagon weighing 1,465 kilograms.
The numbers are only part of the story here, though; it's the driving that is equally telling.
My tester was a mid-level Comfortline model with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission ($28,875) and the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. It accelerated well enough from a standing start, but it was the firm ride and sharp handling that I applauded most.
There is nothing marshmallowy about the road manners here, though the overall ride could be quieter, especially for tire noise. The firm suspension delivers a decent level of ride comfort, as well as good grip in cornering and predictable responses when you're pushing a little harder.
The electric power steering is another matter — and I don't like it. At times, particularly on the highway, it feels almost dead. There is no real feedback, no road feel, at all. I would like the steering to be more alive and require fewer minor corrections at speed.
Steering aside, the independent suspension at all corners includes a rear multilink setup that was apparently done by the same designers who did the work on Ford's C1 platform. This is a good thing.
The C1 is the basis for a boatload of very good cars, including the European Ford Focus and C-Max, Mazda3, Volvo S40/V50, Mazda5, Volvo C30 and the European Ford Kuga crossover. The 2010 Ford Focus in Canada and the United States will use it, too.
No question, the Jetta wagon is a well-built and good-looking station wagon with quick handling and a real German heritage. Kudos all around if you like a technical feel to your car.
This holds true for the interior, too. The instruments and controls, the fit and finish of the interior pieces, the firmly padded seats — they all scream "German." The knobs and buttons for the audio and climate controls have an expensive feel to them. Podsters can plug in using a centre console jack (and do not underestimate the importance of this).
The seats offer lots of support and on the driver's side, the seat slides back to accommodate taller drivers. In the rear, head and leg room is acceptable for grownups. My tester had the super-size sunroof ($1,780) that brings light to everyone inside. You may like it.
As for cargo, the one-piece rear hatch opens wide and the rear seats fold down — flat, if you flip up the split rear seat cushions, remove the headrests and drop down the rear seat back. The front passenger seat can also be folded down to accommodate longer items. Several tie-down points are standard equipment.
Materials throughout have a rich feel; patterned metallic inserts and chrome details dress up the cabin's appearance and the premium cloth seats look and feel like they'll last a decade. Only the hard plastic centre console looks like it was designed and chosen by the bean counters.
Speaking of counting beans, here is something I simply do not understand: VW Canada charges an extra $450 for anti-skid control and $450 for rear-seat side airbags. An engine block heater is an extra $230, too. This holds true for even the priciest Jetta wagon. Plenty of research suggests that side airbags and stability control are excellent safety features, and they should be standard in any car at this price.
Air conditioning, a good stereo with eight speakers, and cruise control are all standard, as are power windows, door locks and mirrors. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel is also standard and so is a cargo cover — all on even the least-expensive Jetta wagon. But not the really basic safety features and an engine block heater. We're in Canada, right?
Despite that craziness, VW should sell a bunch of these wagons.
The most obvious competition is the Volvo V50, which starts at $32,995. Others in the mix include Hyundai's hatchbacks such as the Toyota Matrix ($17,200 base), Pontiac Vibe ($15,995), the Mazda3 and Mazda5 ($21,095 base and $20,795 respectively) and Subaru's all-wheel-drive Impreza hatchback ($21,595).
All very capable cars, but not a diesel in sight.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5L COMFORTLINE
Type: Compact station wagon
Base Price: $23,475; as tested, $28,875
Engine: 2.5-litre, inline-five, DOHC
Horsepower/torque: 170 hp/177 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic ($1,400)
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 10.8 litres city/6.9 highway; regular gas
Alternatives: Volvo V50, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Mazda3 and Mazda5, Subaru Impreza hatchback
Like
- Big inside; very useful space
- Upscale materials
- Firm, comfortable ride
- Optional diesel is great for fuel economy
Don't like
- Steering offers little feedback
- Big B-pillar can interfere with outward visibility
- Basic safety gear is extra
- Highway ride could be quieter
