2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show
- Competes with: Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius
- Looks like: This Jetta's headlights have been bedazzled
- Drivetrain: 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 27-hp electric motor with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Late 2012
A longtime proponent of diesel engines as a way to save fuel, Volkswagen has also begun appealing to consumers' green sensibilities with hybrids, first the Touareg Hybrid SUV and now the Jetta Hybrid compact sedan. Available at dealerships toward the end of this year, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid will get an estimated combined gas-mileage rating of 45 mpg, Volkswagen says. That’s 1 mpg higher than the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. With the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an automatic transmission, the regular gas Jetta gets combined gas mileage of 25 mpg.
More 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
In a break from other hybrid cars currently available in the U.S., the Jetta Hybrid has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that makes 150 horsepower. Most hybrids have a normally aspirated engine. The four-cylinder works with a 27-hp electric motor. With this powertrain, the Jetta Hybrid can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 9 seconds, according to Volkswagen, and drive at speeds up to 44 mph on electric power alone. The electric motor is powered by a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack behind the rear seat.
Unique exterior styling cues are relatively minimal, with the biggest changes at the front of the car. There's a new grille, and the headlights can be accented with available LED daytime running lights. The sedan also has 15-inch low-rolling-resistance tires and a small rear spoiler for better aerodynamics.
Inside, a multifunction screen in the instrument panel shows hybrid system information. A power gauge takes the place of the tachometer, providing another way to visualize the system's operation. Plus, a "zero emissions" menu in the stereo uses bars to show what percentage of the last minute was spent without engine emissions. It can track this for up to 30 minutes.
Safety features — such as antilock brakes, electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags — are standard. Available features include a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a navigation system, a backup camera and Fender premium audio.
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"With the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an automatic transmission, the regular gas Jetta gets combined gas mileage of 25 mpg."
Not sure where that number comes from -- it doesn't match either the 24 mpg city or 27 mpg overall rating the EPA lists.
http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=31202
Brady,
That's the combined mpg for the 2.0-liter turbo in the GLI trim. The non-turbo 2.0-liter with the AT gets 25 mpg combined.
I'm going to blame the redesigned EPA website for unclear layout and Volkswagen for having such terrible base engines. Whoopsie.
Why is VW so dumb?? Don't use a 1.4 liter OTTO cycle gas engine! I don't think they are even using an Atkinson cycle OTTO. VW is not very good with gas engines, take the whopping 31MPG hwy new Beetle for example.
Come on now! It's real easy. Put a 1.2 liter turbodiesel like you have in the European Polo and mate it to a strong hybrid drivetrain.
Bam. Now you have more MPG than any Prius and decent acceleration due to the power of the electric motor.
55-60MPG HWY is within reach.
I know VW can make that 1.2L Diesel pass emissions in the USA so make it happen and beat the competition! Don't use the oversized 2L diesel engine that you use in the USA Passat, Jetta, Beetle, use the small 1.2L from Europe!
I do like that this hybrid will decouple the drivetrain from the wheels when the gas pedal isn't being pressed. This is in contrast to the Prius, where it has a 'engine drag simulator' by lightly regenerative braking whenever you aren't on the gas pedal. Wastes energy.
does anyone know if the new hybrid will use regular or
premium ??