For 2010 the Jetta Sportwagen TDI in the US (Golf Wagon in Canada) gets a number of changes and improvements over the 2009 model. With over 60% of all Sportwagens sold in the US being TDI models, it is safe to say the combination has been successful.
The 2.0-liter “clean diesel” TDI engine is available in all 50 states and achieves 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. And as of this writing the SportWagen TDI is eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit.
The diesel has 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque available between 1,750 and 2,500 Rpm. Available transmissions include either a standard six-speed manual transmission, or optional DSG six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s makes one of the best DSG dual clutch transmissions out there too.
Immediately noticeable to anyone who has been watching, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen shares the same all-new front end design with the 2010 Golf. The Jetta sedan retains its unique headlights, grill and fascia. Why they chose to align the styling of the SportWagen with the Golf is anyone’s guess, but perhaps to cash in on the sportier theme?
It does look handsome however with a narrow double-bar grille just above the bumper, giving a wider appearance. The lower portion of the front fascia has also been narrowed and widened. At the rear are smoked taillight lenses for 2010. You can also order the Jetta SportWagen TDI with a Sport Styling Kit which includes a combination of spoilers and body kits for a lower profile and better aerodynamics.
Big upgrades have been made inside for 2010 as well. You get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle, a ten-speaker AM/FM/CD premium stereo system standard. The latter has six-disc CD changer, MP3 CD readability, six months of introductory Sirius Satellite Radio service, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free pairing with a mobile phone too. There is a standard power sunroof which is also available in a panoramic version with the SportWagen.
You can option for Volkswagen’s new navigation system that features a 6.5” high resolution touch-screen display, an integrated 30GB hard drive (10GB for navigation, 20GB for audio), WMA / MP3 audio CD playback, DVD playback, an SD memory card slot, an auxiliary input connection, an optional Media Device Interface (MDI) that works with most any USB flash drive and portable media player, and complimentary Sirius Traffic and Sirius Satellite Radio programming for three and six months respectively.
The SportWagen TDI comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with covers. There are optional 17” allow wheels of course. All in all, the Jetta SportWagen TDI represents a pretty good value when you consider its terminally unique blend of efficiency and utility. Starting at $24,615 base pricing you get a host of standard equipment and features in line with many cars costing twice as much. Fully loaded will get you up to about $33,000 with NAV, panoramic roof, sport package and wheels.
