2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: Up Close
While the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's styling leaves no question that it's not a regular Sonata, Volkswagen's new Jetta Hybrid could easily be mistaken for the regular Jetta. Or the TDI for that matter.
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Subtle updates include a blue-ringed VW badge on a piano-black grille — a nice look, to be sure — that's bordered by headlights with available LED daytime running lights. There are also some small hybrid badges, but the large hybrid graphic on the doors is strictly an auto-show touch.
Inside, the Jetta Hybrid has some of the premium appointments seen on the gas-only GLI, such as a soft-touch dashboard, and it features some hybrid-specific cues like a charge/assist gauge in the instrument panel and soft simulated leather upholstery with a unique pattern. However, some of the car's downmarket elements remain, such as hard plastic on the upper doors where you might rest your arm.
It's good to see the Jetta Hybrid retains the split-folding backseat and some of its utility despite the addition of a lithium-ion battery in the trunk. The battery creates a substantial ledge in the cargo floor, but there's still an opening that's about 6 inches high, which is better than nothing.
Official pricing hasn't been announced, but Volkswagen expects the Jetta Hybrid to start around $25,000. That's about what a Honda Civic Hybrid costs, but it's more than the $22,775 Jetta TDI diesel, which gets an EPA-estimated 30/42 mpg and 34 mpg combined. The Jetta Hybrid will be considerably more efficient if Volkswagen's 45-mpg-combined estimate holds.
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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!