The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI was celebrated as a benchmark in clean diesel technology, earning accolades and our “Best of the Year” award. While the initial praise focused on the Jetta TDI Sedan, the 2009 Vw Jetta Wagon, also known as the SportWagen, deserves equal recognition. This model amplifies the sedan’s virtues with added versatility and family-friendly features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking practicality without compromising fuel efficiency.
The 2009 VW Jetta Wagon immediately impresses with its design. Even with its functional two-box wagon silhouette, it retains the sporty and youthful aesthetics of the Jetta Sedan. Sharing the same front-end design as the sedan up to the windshield, the SportWagen distinguishes itself with stylish details unique to its wagon configuration. These include standard roof rails for added cargo-carrying capability and a hatch-top spoiler that enhances its athletic appeal.
Like its sedan counterpart, the 2009 VW Jetta Wagon rides on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, powered by Volkswagen’s advanced 2.0-liter turbocharged 16-valve clean diesel engine featuring common rail direct injection. This engine delivers 140 horsepower and a robust 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is efficiently transmitted to the front wheels via either a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox or a responsive 6-speed Tiptronic DSG automatic transmission, catering to different driving preferences.
A key advantage of the 2009 VW Jetta Wagon TDI engine is its clean diesel technology, which achieves low emissions without requiring urea injection, a fluid that needs regular replenishment in some larger European V6 diesel engines. Volkswagen’s innovative system employs a NOx trap and a particulate filter to effectively minimize harmful pollutants. Further enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions, the engine incorporates a high-pressure fuel pump feeding Bosch Piezo-controlled injectors for precise fuel delivery. An oxygen catalyst also plays a crucial role by converting hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into water vapor and carbon dioxide.
This sophisticated technology translates to exceptional fuel economy and low environmental impact. The 2009 VW Jetta Wagon achieves impressive Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with the automatic, all while using low-sulfur diesel fuel. In real-world driving conditions, reviewers have noted hybrid-like fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 38.2 miles per gallon. The Jetta TDI’s environmental performance is further highlighted by its low Energy Impact Score of just 11.6 barrels of oil per year and a small carbon footprint of 6.2 annual tons of CO2 emissions.
Having previously tested the sedan version, automotive experts were eager to subject the 2009 VW Jetta Wagon to rigorous track testing. In acceleration tests, the wagon demonstrated brisk performance, going from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 17 seconds at 83 mph. While not the quickest off the line, the engine delivers substantial torque and smooth, consistent power throughout the rev range.
The 2009 VW Jetta Wagon shares its agile handling characteristics with the sedan, thanks to its MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension geometry. Handling exercises revealed a slight understeer, typical for front-wheel-drive vehicles, but overall, the wagon exhibits nimble and responsive driving dynamics. Body roll is present but well-controlled, contributing to the fun-to-drive experience, while the Electronic Stability Program stands ready to intervene if needed. The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort, resulting in a compliant, comfortable, and quiet ride ideal for daily commutes and family trips.
Inside, the 2009 VW Jetta Wagon boasts a well-appointed and refined interior, characterized by soft-touch materials and a clean, functional design. The key differentiator from the sedan lies in its enhanced practicality. While both models offer comfortable seating, the wagon provides an extra inch of rear-seat headroom. More significantly, the SportWagen dramatically expands cargo capacity. Offering 32.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, it doubles the sedan’s 16 cubic feet trunk. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seats expands the cargo area to an impressive 66.9 cubic feet, surpassing even the cargo space of the VW Tiguan SUV by 10 cubic feet.
The seats are designed for comfort and support in all positions, with height adjusters and power recline for the front seats. The 2009 VW Jetta Wagon TDI is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags and a premium 10-speaker stereo system with an in-dash 6-disc changer. Optional features like a navigation system and sunroof further enhance the driving experience.
Priced starting at $24,570 for the manual transmission model and $25,670 for the automatic, the 2009 VW Jetta Wagon TDI offered excellent value, especially considering that many TDI buyers were eligible for a Federal Income Tax credit. Earlier reviews rightly recognized the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI series as an efficient, spirited, and passenger-friendly compact family car. The SportWagen variant reinforces this assessment, proving that green vehicles can also be exceptionally appealing and practical. The 2009 VW Jetta Wagon is not just for diesel enthusiasts; it’s a smart choice for anyone seeking a versatile, fuel-efficient, and family-ready vehicle.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 16-valve
- Horsepower: 140
- Torque: 236 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 8.9 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 17.0 Seconds @ 83 MPH
- EPA: 30 MPG City/ 41 MPG Highway
- Energy Impact: 11.6 Barrels Oil/Yr
- CO2 Emissions: 6.2 Tons/Yr
