Introduced at the New York Auto Show in 2007, the SportWagen signals the return of the wagon to the Jetta for the Mark V platform and represents an attempt at a more aggressive, European look for a variant primarily sold in North America (the wagon is sold as a Golf in most other regions). The larger back of the wagon more than doubles the available cargo volume from the 16 cubic feet of the sedan to 32.8 feet with all seats upright; with the back seats folded down, that space expands to 66.9 cubic feet.

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Volkswagen supplies the car with three engine choices. The most common is the 2.5-liter, 170 horsepower five-cylinder engine sources from the standard Jetta. However, the automaker has also revealed plans to make available the 200 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo engine found in the company's sportier models, including the GLI and the GTI. Just reaching the market in early 2008 is a 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel that should offer much higher fuel economy and stronger low-end torque.

The SportWagen is shifted either through a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic, which includes a Sport Mode for semi-manual control.

Options, not trim levels

Rather than separate the SportWagen's options into the three different trim levels of the sedan, Volkswagen simply leaves them as checklists during the ordering process. Some of its stock features, such as its eight-speaker premium stereo, are features that would otherwise be optional on lower-grade Jetta sedans.

Besides the engine and transmission choices, the most distinctive option is a panoramic sunroof. The glass covers a full 12.7 square feet above the cabin and is large enough that both front and back portions of the cabin get a proper view.

While the back seats already fold flat, drivers can also spec the Jetta SportsWagen with a fold-flat front passenger seat for poles and other very long cargo items.