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Volkswagen has a tradition of selling station wagons that goes back farther than you might think.

For 50 years, Volkswagen has been importing station wagons to the U.S. Yes, 50 years. Remember the original Microbus was actually called a station wagon when it first came to this country. And now vee-dub is continuing the tradition with its all-new 2009 Jetta Sportwagen.

The wagon is pretty much the same as the sedan inside and out. But it offers a power-sliding panoramic sunroof and carries all the other items customers expect on new cars today, like DVD navigation, a rearview camera, six airbags and electronic stability control.

Pricing for the Jetta Sportwagen isn’t official yet, but expect the base model to start around $19,000, while a turbo version will start at just over $26,000. Look for the Sportwagen to hit showroom floors in July.

Click an above image to see larger photos of the Jetta Sportwagen