Motor Trend has tested the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, and has praise for the little wagon.  “My day behind the wheel of two 2.5-liter SportWagens, one with five-speed manual, one with six-speed Tiptronic, was pleasant indeed,” writes test driver Arthur Antoine.  “The engine revs with a typical five-cylinder thrum -- not the sexiest exhaust note on the planet -- but it pulls smartly. …  Chassis poise is excellent, and steering feel would embarrass a few far pricier sports sedans.”

The Car Connection adds, “the Sportwagen offers either a 2.5-liter in-line five with a five-speed manual or automatic, or a turbo four with 200 hp and either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. The diesel engine TDI will arrive at the end of the summer with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, minus the paddle shifters found in other cars with the transmission.”

TechnoRide notes that the TDI  “will put out 140 hp, 236 lb ft. of torque,” and “will be 50-state certified? So far only Mercedes has made a similar announcement.”

Several sources report that the sportwagen is expected to cost between $19,000 and $26,000.

Research the Jetta Sportwagen’s competition with U.S. News’ rankings and reviews of affordable compact wagons.

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