Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI shows diesel economy, wagon utility (pictures)
Putting a diesel engine in a wagon gives a car excellent practicality, letting it carry a lot of cargo and get high fuel economy. The Jetta Sportwagen TDI takes these attributes and adds a premium cabin feel.
Wayne Cunningham
Volkswagen has met emissions requirements from the EPA for its passenger car diesels over many years, and the 2013 Jetta Sportwagen is the latest in a long line of TDI-designated vehicles. The Sportwagen builds on the Jetta sedan update released in 2011.
The Jetta Sportwagen TDI comes in at 15 feet long, and side windows offer good visibility all around.
The suspension gives the Jetta Sportwagen TDI a firm and competent ride, soaking up bumps in businesslike fashion.
The car rates as a compact, but the cargo area encompasses 32.8 cubic feet. With the rear seats down, that volume increases to 66.9 cubic feet.
Where the base Jetta sedan comes with cloth seats, Volkswagen gives the Sportwagen TDI nicer cabin appointments, even at its base trim level.
The rear seats are about what you would expect in a compact car, with no forward-back adjustment.
Every Jetta Sportwagen TDI gets the center LCD, but you have to opt for the highest trim level to get navigation.
Electric power steering boost is evident from how the steering wheel feels when you turn it. The response is direct and even.
The center instrument cluster display shows trip, phone, and stereo information.
This car came equipped with the six-speed manual, but a DSG automated manual is also available.
The head unit has a touch-screen interface, along with hard buttons along the sides for access to specific functions.
Bluetooth streaming audio shows track data on the LCD.
When plugging an iOS device into the car, the LCD shows a music library interface.
HD radio comes standard in the Jetta Sportwagen TDI.
The Bluetooth phone interface includes built-in speed dial presets.
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