Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Volkswagen SportWagen TDI. In the pricing scheme of things the VW is the tops in the field listed here. In my opinion the Toyota Matrix doesn’t belong in this group. All the others are very nice products but I just like the Jetta best. It is simply a lovely car and it looks great while not “Badge Showy”.
The 2.0 liter engine feels much more powerful because of the Turbo and it is exhilarating with the 6-speed transmission. The only thing I would prefer to change if I could would be to make it Rear Wheel Drive. It is flat fun to drive and 0-60 mph is about 6.5 seconds.
General Info:
Parts – Germany 35%; Mexico 30%; Engine and Transmission – Germany,
Assembly – Puebla, Mexico
Class: – Small Station Wagons
Cars: – CC, Eos, GLI, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Passat Wagon, R32, Rabbit, Routan, Tiguan and Touareg2.
Pretty impressive and you can’t help but like this car. It has all the performance without all the other badge trappings of over pricing and snob appeal. The car performed outstandingly in all conditions but especially good on the “Crest Test” mountain course “E” Ride travel between the desert and LA (which drops out in La Canada).
Fast and the frosting is that the fuel numbers are exceptional.
Styling:
Great design with very clean lines and it’s a ten (10) in my book.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Outstanding in class. All the others are much more money and no real distinction in all areas.
Consumer Recommendation:
I definitely would drive this as my personal car, and if you want a station wagon this sport model designing is classy. There is not a lot in class so here’s an opportunity to drive all small wagons to find the best of the best. For the money the Jetta Sport Wagen is my top pick. Matrix is way out of class and I wouldn’t bother testing that one.
Recognized Competition:
VW Jetta SportWagen $19-26,000, Saab 9-3 SportCombi $32-45,000, Volvo V50 $30-36,000, Audi A4 Avant $34,850, BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon $35-37,000, Toyota Matrix $17-22,000.
Good News:
Nice styling, fast Turbo, fun to drive, great pricing and with rising gas prices the fuel economy is fantastic.
Bad News:
Nothing I didn’t like… only happy faces.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 140 hp 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, 6-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, power steering, anti slip, stabilization program, differential lock, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front – side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system with child door locks, tire pressure monitoring system, climate air conditioning, leatherette seating, 8-way power driver seat, 60/40 split folding rear seating, rear seat arm rest and pass through, power heated mirrors, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering column, in dash 6-disc CD player w/ MP3 format, Sirius Satellite radio, remote keyless entry, power windows, anti-theft alarm w/ immobilizer theft deterrent, trip computer and compass.
Gas Stats:
$2.69/ Gal avg. June 8, ‘09
for more information.
30 City and 41 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,870.
