Station wagons took a back seat when the modern day minivan appeared on our nation's roads in 1983.

Wagons dominated passenger and cargo versatility from 1950-1980 and became a large part of America's choice for family transportation with up to 10-passenger capacity in some Detroit-built models.

Today, few station wagons roll out of the Detroit 3 assembly plants n a concept replaced by crossover vehicles that blend passenger car attributes with sport utility grip.

European automakers however, haven't lost sight of the value of the station wagon. There, 65-percent of the vehicles on the road are wagons.

German automaker Volkswagen is one manufacturer building a wagon that is fun to drive, functional and fuel-efficient.

For 2009, Volkswagen (VW) rolls out the Jetta SportWagen just as the sport utility market bows to passenger cars during a time when American consumers take a second look at their pocket books and transportation needs.

The front-wheel drive VW Jetta SportWagen is offered in a base S model priced at a budget-pleasing $18,999 followed by the mid-range SE for $21,400. Add $650 for freight.

Both are beneficiaries of Volkswagen's 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed automatic transmission that raises 170-hp and fuel economy to 21-mpg around town and 29-mpg on open pavement.

A third model stamps the "Sport" in the Jetta SportWagen with an up-level SEL version that harnesses 200-hp from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine at a price that starts from $26,400. Mileage of 22/city and 29/highway is achieved.

This fall, the automaker plans to bring a TDI model to market that employs VW's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel engine with 140-hp for expected highway mileage of over 35-mpg.

VW's Jetta SportWagen is fun to drive, with dynamics that lean closer to a sports car than a sport utility for agile handling and maneuverability that comfortably takes four adult occupants (five for short jaunts) and their gear cross-country or across town.

All occupants can rest easy along the way with a full compliment of air-bag protection as well as traction and stability control as standard equipment.

Cargo space ranges from 33-cubic-feet to 76-cu-ft when passengers yield to the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Storage compartments under the load deck help stow small items. A retractable security shade covers the rear cargo bay.

Popular options include a navigation system that features a rear-view camera and a panoramic sunroof that affords all passengers a view of the sky.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen combines practicality and European flair that balances both style and sportiness with a blend of exceptional ride quality and functional interior roominess that rekindles the direction of travel for those with an active lifestyle.