Mother Proof's view

I can’t decide who liked the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI more: me or my daughter Claudia. The 5-year-old is a burgeoning automotive journalist anxious to share her opinion about test cars, and it was fun to find out what features she liked the most. I loved the Jetta’s updated interior. Several different materials replace the flat, black dashboard and console found in previous iterations. The 2010 model truly is a wonderful environment to be in, with V-Tex leatherette upholstery, a little brushed metal and some polished black accents.

Claudia liked that stuff, too, but what really impressed her was the turbocharged diesel engine. The TDI was fun for everyone, and the persistent cries of “Faster, faster!” from the backseat never waned throughout our test. Add to that speed great gas mileage, great steering and responsive braking, and this wagon wound up knocking our socks off. (FYI, Claudia didn’t actually test those last parts.)

Exterior

The Jetta’s exterior was refreshed for 2010. The grille looks more horizontal now; gone is the “beaver teeth” thing it had going on before. It’s a bit simple, and I think it would look better in a color other than my test car’s Candy White paint job, which made the Jetta look a little less sporty than it is.

The same goes for the rear end. It’s not horribly exciting in the pictures. In real life, it was rounded and nice-looking. It’s clean and simple, but it would look nicer in any color other than white.

The noise coming from the Jetta’s 140-horsepower, four-cylinder diesel engine was noticeable outside the car – not obnoxious, just noticeable. But inside, it wasn’t too bad at all. I also noticed the polite way the Jetta sipped gas. I averaged 36 mpg – higher than the EPA’s combined mileage rating of 34 mpg – and that was mostly city driving. The TDI uses clean diesel technology, meaning it’s not stinking or fouling up the air like the diesels of yesteryear.

If you’re worried about whether a diesel station is near you, you can visit the Diesel Tracker on Volkswagen’s TDI website to search for pumps and prices. One of the four gas stations at my nearest large intersection sold diesel, and 12 more were in a two-mile radius.

Also noticeable are blinkers on the rearview mirrors. I love them so that drivers in my blind spot will know to move out of the way when I’m prepping to change lanes.

The doors were easy for all of us to open. Getting in and out was a cinch, but you may need to watch your head when you put smaller kids in their car seats, though. The trunk hatch is low enough to use without inadvertently untucking your shirt. Yay Jetta!

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove On

Interior

This is where the Jetta really shines. Light-colored V-Tex leatherette interior contrasted nicely with the black dashboard and carpet. The center stack was updated and easy on the eyes. There’s just enough shiny, carbon-looking black plastic to look modern but not obnoxious or cheap, and there’s just enough brushed metal to do the same. Climate controls were simple knobs, but the stereo had a lovely touch-screen and buttons that were easy to use. I felt kind of spoiled as everything was updated and modern, but not scary-techie.

I have a confession to make: I like mute buttons. I love that the Jetta has a mute button on the steering wheel; I used it all the time. There’s a mute button with the hands-free system, too.

Claudia would be interrupting me right now so I could tell you about the panoramic sunroof. It was a huge hit with the kids, as it extends from the front of the car to the back of the rear seats. The glass either tilted or opened, and the kids became disappointed when they realized it didn’t open over the “kids area,” too. The sunroof keeps the car feeling light and bright as opposed to cavernous and cramped. If you choose to cover the glass, a shade slides over it. It’s perforated, though, so some light will shine through even when the shade is used. It’s a terrific balance.

The seats are comfortable and sporty. Add heat to them, and we’re in business. Boosters fit just fine in the backseat, seat-belt buckles were easy to use, and a pass-through to the cargo area was a hit with the kids. There was good rear legroom, and there was a cupholder in the center armrest. The kids marveled at the power outlet behind the center console and had fun thinking of what they could plug into it.

The Jetta fit a load of groceries with grace and enthusiasm, as it has 32.8 cubic feet of interior cargo room (66.9 cubic feet with the seats folded). The cargo space was just the right size. I didn’t feel like I was carrying lots of extra vehicle around.

The interior was quiet. There was more engine noise than your average gasoline engine, but for a diesel it was surprisingly easy to forget that fact. Claudia loved this because it didn’t drown out her new favorite song serenading her through the car’s stereo system.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

Safety

Yes, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta comes with standard antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Yes, it has driver and passenger front airbags and side-impact airbags. Yes, it has side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Yes, it’s got side protection door beams. And yes, it earned the honor of being a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

To get the award, a vehicle must score the agency’s top rating – Good – in front, side, rear and rollover crash tests. Only about 30 vehicles earned the title this year, so to be included among them is a pretty big deal.

Volkswagen also adds 24-hour roadside assistance with its new cars for three years or 36,000 miles.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There’s room for child seats, but if you take a test drive, bring a rear-facing seat to double-check.

In School: They will love this car, and the V-Tex upholstery makes it easy to keep the seats clean.

Teens: They might like the look of a sedan more than a wagon, but after they drive it, they won’t care.