If ever there were a car that could be labeled "long awaited," it's the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen.

VW has a long and illustrious history with sporty wagons -- Fox, Quantum, Dasher and Squareback -- which all shared charm, utility, jaunty looks and strong handling.

The Jetta SportWagen hews closely to the established formula, while adding even more style and class than its many predecessors.

The SportWagen will come in three engine variations, including a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, 170-horsepower version now available and a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four with 200 horsepower that will be available later this year.

Starting price for the 2.5 liter Jetta SportWagen is $18,999.

But the SportWagen also is long-awaited because it will offer a 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower diesel engine later this year. It will have a starting price of $23,590. My advice to those of you wanting one is to stay in touch with your local dealer -- and be prepared to wait. VW has a large following that loves the automaker's diesel-powered products.

As many of you know, even used diesel-powered Volkswagens are scarce -- and they can command a pretty penny, too.

The SportWagen comes in several trim levels, with standard equipment that includes anti-lock brakes, heated seats, electronic stability control and tilt-telescoping steering wheel.

Impeccable fit and finish is at the heart of the SportWagen with no gaps, broken seams or shoddy workmanship.

The SportWagen is powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that is expected to get 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.

Mileage figures for the diesel version are unavailable.

The seats are what one would expect from VW: supportive, with boosters that hold you firmly in place.

All the controls are in the right places, and are intuitive, so you don't have to struggle to operate the car.

You might quibble a bit about the size of some of the buttons, since a number of them are small.

Another problem: Way too much monotone interior color in the SportWagen I tested.

The interior was one big overwhelming mass of color, not too far removed from caramel.

Either the color needs to be more subdued or some different combinations need to be added.

Like other Volkswagens, driving the Jetta is a blast, with sure, firm handling and a sporty ambiance.

Overall, the SportWagen is well worth the long wait it may take to get one.