Jetta SportWagen makes debut in New York Auto Show

All automotive eyes are now in New York as the New York Auto Show goes into full swing. As predicted, the wagon version of the Jetta did make its debut in the Big Apple and is now officially called the Jetta SportWagen. Aside from the name, nothing has changed, in design at least, from its European coutnerpart. Heck, even the rear license plate holder is sized for European plates. Not even the Touareg is like that.

I won't go into much detail about the virtues of the Jetta SportWagen as it has been written about ad nauseam. I will, however, talk about the engines that it will come in. Volkswagen says that there will be three engines available for the Jetta SportWagen: 2 gasolines and 1 diesel. The engine on launch, which will be in August, is an upgraded version of the current 5 cylinder 2.5L engine that now makes 170 hp (a much needed upgrade). The second gasoline engine will be the 2.0L 200hp engine found in the GTI. The thrid and only diesel engine, a 2.0L, is promised to come in early 2008 in time for when Volkswagen introduces their new Bluetec diesels.

Other interesting details are an optional panoramic sunroof and V-Tex leatherette seating (whatever that means).

So, as mentioned, the first Jetta SportWagens will be available in August with the 170 hp engine. Prices have not been announced but, according to the VW Vortex, expect a $1000 premium over the sedan.

Press release and more photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America.



JETTA SPORTWAGEN MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Jetta SportWagen, a sporty and dynamic wagon version of Volkswagen’s top-selling model, made its U.S. debut today at the New York Auto Show. The Jetta SportWagen mixes practicality with European style and balances both elegance and sportiness. Its exceptional ride and handling and segment-leading safety features, along with its design are perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

Delivering performance and value, the Jetta SportWagen will be offered with three engine variations. The Jetta SportWagen will launch with an upgraded 2.5-liter, five cylinder engine that now produces 170 horsepower. The 2.5L Jetta SportWagen arrives in dealers this August, and will be followed with the 2.0T, four cylinder engine that produces 200 hp. In early 2008 the Jetta SportWagen will be available with a 2.0L clean diesel engine.

Aside from offering the sporty feel and fun to drive performance of a Jetta, the SportWagen opens up a new world of possibilities in the way of usable cargo room— 32.8 cubic feet to be exact, or an even more impressive 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. For those whose active lifestyle requires even more room, there is an optional fold-flat front passenger seat that provides additional cargo space. Fold-flat front passenger seat is available with “V-Tex” leatherette seating.

Like the Jetta, the SportWagen continues the Volkswagen tradition of offering a long list of standard equipment. Some of the many standard features include: air conditioning, anti-theft vehicle alarm, cruise control, CD player, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, eight-way adjustable front seats with height, angle and lumbar support adjustments, and a height-and-telescoping steering wheel. Available as an option on the Jetta SportWagen is a panoramic sunroof. The panoramic sunroof offers its passengers an impressive 12.7 square feet of either daylight or starlight, providing them an open air connection with the outdoors.

The Jetta SportWagen also enjoys a long list of standard safety features such as, driver and front passenger front airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection®, and rear-impact optimized head restraints on driver and front passenger seat.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

“Side Curtain Protection’ is a registered trademark of Volkswagen of America. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.