The wagon takes another step forward in its comeback with the introduction of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen.

With more consumers turning away from SUVs because of high gas prices, wagons are poised to capitalize by offering functionality with a far less thirsty engine.

Volkswagen (ENLARGE)

The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen gives drivers the space they need to haul their stuff, but without a thirsty SUV engine.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN Drivetrain: 2.5-liter, 170-hp, 177 pounds-feet of torque inline 5 cylinder; front-wheel-drive, six-speed automatic Curb weight: 3,228 pounds Fuel economy (EPA): 21 mpg city, 29 highway Related: Toyota Scion slips with young buyers  Dodge Challenger updates the muscule car  Chevy Camaro fix-up a father-son project  Some Ford cars will let parents set limits for teens  Mazda 6 stays sporty, adds room and comfort  Photos: AJC Cars Showroom Galleries Find the car of your dreams More Cars stories

The Sportwagen provides 32.8 cubic feet of trunk space, which is twice what the Jetta sedan gives in its trunk.

If you put the rear seats down, you open up 66.9 cubic feet.

But this car isn't just for hauling people and stuff — you can have a little fun, too.

There is a peppy 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine offered, as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 200 ponies. The former is mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and the latter has a six-speed manual or the automatic.

Later, VW will introduce a diesel version of the Sportwagen.

This wagon, or wagen, has just enough power to make you confident that you won't get pancaked when you're trying to merge onto a crowded highway. Steering is quite responsive and the overall ride quality is surprisingly smooth.

Fuel economy numbers are attractive: 21 mpg city and 29 highway.

Pricing starts at $19,649 for the base S model and ranges as high as $27,740 for the uplevel SEL model, with the mid-level SE model somewhere in between.