Another engine, please!
The suspension is designed for smooth, uneventful trips with your family. It's flexible yet relatively firm, meaning Quebec's bumpy roads do not pose a challenge to the Jetta Wagon. The solid feel delivered by the ride and chassis proves highly reassuring when driving more "aggressively".
Fun behind the wheel melts like snow under the sun as soon as you dip the throttle -- even with an empty trunk. I can't imagine what it's like with an entire family on board, not to mention all the luggage necessary for a trip to grandma's house. If you insist on bringing a lot of people and gear, you'll need to make a number of sacrifices: forget about driving excitement and expect to pay hefty gas bills.
With only 170 horsepower on tap, the automaker's 2.5-liter, DOHC, inline 5-cylinder engine is unable to move this heavy box with any kind of authority. The 6-speed automatic transmission is worth commending, though. Gear changes are quick, precise and pleasantly smooth. It's a shame drivers can't exploit the full potential of this car because of an underachieving powerplant. The latter's only real benefit is the low fuel consumption average of 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
On the plus side, the steering is precise and responsive, which adds some spice to the driving experience. A direct result of the firm suspension settings is the confidence-inspiring handling. After a while, you almost forget that you're driving a wagon given how grippy this pure German car is in corners.
Rivals?
The Jetta Wagon is certainly not a pioneer, but you have to admit that direct competition is virtually inexistent. The closest rival might be the Chevy HHR LT ($24,940) and, to some extent, the Mazda5 GT ($24,815). Other wagons on the market are either too small, too big or too expensive to pose a threat to the Jetta.
Wrap-up
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Comfortline certainly has a lot going for it due to its versatile configuration. Overall, driving dynamics are decent and cargo room is impressive. The two biggest improvements that need to be made concern noise levels and engine output.
photo:Bertrand Godin
The suspension is designed for smooth, uneventful trips with your family. It's flexible yet relatively firm, meaning Quebec's bumpy roads do not pose a challenge to the Jetta Wagon. The solid feel delivered by the ride and chassis proves highly reassuring when driving more "aggressively".
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| The suspension is designed for smooth, uneventful trips with your family. |
Fun behind the wheel melts like snow under the sun as soon as you dip the throttle -- even with an empty trunk. I can't imagine what it's like with an entire family on board, not to mention all the luggage necessary for a trip to grandma's house. If you insist on bringing a lot of people and gear, you'll need to make a number of sacrifices: forget about driving excitement and expect to pay hefty gas bills.
With only 170 horsepower on tap, the automaker's 2.5-liter, DOHC, inline 5-cylinder engine is unable to move this heavy box with any kind of authority. The 6-speed automatic transmission is worth commending, though. Gear changes are quick, precise and pleasantly smooth. It's a shame drivers can't exploit the full potential of this car because of an underachieving powerplant. The latter's only real benefit is the low fuel consumption average of 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
On the plus side, the steering is precise and responsive, which adds some spice to the driving experience. A direct result of the firm suspension settings is the confidence-inspiring handling. After a while, you almost forget that you're driving a wagon given how grippy this pure German car is in corners.
Rivals?
The Jetta Wagon is certainly not a pioneer, but you have to admit that direct competition is virtually inexistent. The closest rival might be the Chevy HHR LT ($24,940) and, to some extent, the Mazda5 GT ($24,815). Other wagons on the market are either too small, too big or too expensive to pose a threat to the Jetta.
Wrap-up
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Comfortline certainly has a lot going for it due to its versatile configuration. Overall, driving dynamics are decent and cargo room is impressive. The two biggest improvements that need to be made concern noise levels and engine output.
photo:Bertrand Godin
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
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