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2009 Volkswagen Jetta Review
New wagon and diesel models join sedans.
2009 Jetta Review Summary & Specifications
The Volkswagen Jetta blends German-bred engineering and technology, good materials and build quality, and solid performance in a value-priced package. The Jetta S model comes well equipped, with a decent CD player and a host of safety features. Its 2.5-liter five-cylinder was bred for American tastes, with lots of low-rev torque, and makes for both a snappy runabout and a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The turbocharged GLI attains Audi-like sports sedan status without the cost and the 2.0T is indeed the SportWagen. Diesel models deliver the driving precision of the Jetta with fuel economy near that of hybrids, and only one hybrid SUV comes close to the price, mileage and practicality of a TDI SportWagen. At the high end, a loaded Jetta can push through $30,000.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale reported from Los Angeles, with Greg Brown reporting from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Volkswagen Jetta S ($17,340); SportWagen S ($18,999); SE ($19,920); SportWagen SE ($21,349); SEL ($22,790); Wolfsburg Edition 2.0T ($21,345); 2.0 TDI ($21,990); SportWagen 2.0 TDI ($23,590); GLI 2.0T ($24,590); SportWagen SEL 2.0T ($25,990) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.5-liter DOHC 20-valve inline-5 |
| Engines (optional) | 170-hp 2.5-liter dohc 20v inline-5; 200-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4; 140-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged diesel inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual; 6-speed DSG automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage front airbags; front passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags; safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seats; emergency locking retractors for every belt; electronic stability control; four-channel ABS, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; traction control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Puebla, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-374-8389 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.vw.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 17340 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE ($21,349) |
| Standard Equipment | leatherette upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power locks with remote, power heated mirrors, cruise control, electronic stability and traction control, 6CD/MP3/Sirius satellite radio sound system, eight-way manually adjustable heated front seats with lumbar support and power recliners, split folding rear seat, manual tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, 205/55HR16 tires on alloy wheels, and intermittent rear wipe/wash |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Panoramic sunroof ($1,300) 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/45HR17 tires ($450); navigation ($1990); metallic paint (no charge) |
| Destination Charge | 700 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 25789 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 170 @ 5700 |
| Torque | 177 @ 4250 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/29 |
| Wheelbase | 101.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 179.4/70.1/59.2 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/NA/41.1 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.1/NA/35.5 |
| Trunk Volume | 66.9 |
| Payload | 981 |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut with lower A-arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, four-link with separate coil springs and shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.4 |
| Curb Weight | 3228 |
| Stock Tires | 225/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |
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