2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: Photo Gallery

Volkswagen is expanding Jetta's powertrain lineup for 2013. Previously available as diesel and gasoline models, a gas/electric hybrid will join the compact's squad for 2013. It's the first Volkswagen sedan to get a hybrid powertrain; the Touareg SUV got one for model-year 2011.

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Volkswagen estimates the Jetta Hybrid will get a combined gas-mileage rating of 45 mpg from its 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 27-hp electric motor.

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.

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.

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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.

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Volkswagen

So, Santa isn't bringing you a new car for the holidays, and the wife's Christmas present probably has nothing to do with a giant bow in your garage. Maybe it's time to be your own Santa. The end of the year really is one of the best times to buy or lease a new car. We'll be highlighting some of the best deals before the clock hits midnight Dec. 31.

Volkswagen's incentives program revolves around the number zero.

Its 0/0/0/0 deal means qualified lessees can drive home select 2012 Volkswagens for no money down, no money due at signing, no security deposit and the first month's payment is also waived. The deal excludes applicable title, tax, options and dealer fees, however.

All gas-powered 2012 models qualify including the new Passat and Beetle; TDI clean-diesel vehicles are excluded from the offer. One lease example is a 2012 Jetta S with a manual transmission for $219 a month for 36 months.

While the nationwide offer ends Jan. 3, expect dealers to make their best deals before the new year.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Headed to 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The 2012 Detroit auto show is shaping up to be one exciting event! Volkswagen is adding to the anticipation with news that it will debut the Jetta Hybrid, along with an all-new concept vehicle, at the show.

The Jetta Hybrid will be the first Volkswagen sedan to get a gas/electric powertrain. Right now, only the relatively expensive Touareg SUV has one.

It will be interesting to see whether Volkswagen goes for enhanced performance or pure fuel efficiency with Jetta’s hybrid powertrain; we’ll have to wait and see. VW will unveil the car and the concept Jan. 9.

Best Cars for Black Friday Shopping

A successful Black Friday shopping trip is all in the planning. Bargain hunters study store ads and websites as though they're cramming for a test, and now they have less time to do so as several major chains — Target, Best Buy, Macy's and Kohl's — will open their doors at midnight instead of 4 or 5 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving.

There's one thing that Black Friday shoppers can plan for before the deal-laden store circulars arrive: which car to take.

Black Friday shoppers might think bigger is better — big SUVs, minivans — when it comes to picking a car for hauling all their bargains. They're not wrong, especially if they're hoping to bag a gigantic flat-screen TV at a low price. But nimble small cars in busy parking lots shouldn't be left out of the Black Friday fun. Here are our top picks for Black Friday haulers:

Reader Review of the Week: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

"Ben" recently bought a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. His initial impressions of the car are that it looks luxurious but the interior needs improving. The Jetta’s strongest attribute thus far has been its powerful five-cylinder, Ben says. Check out the full review below. Once you’re done, write a review about your own car here.

Recall Alert: 2009-12 Volkswagen Jetta, 2010-12 Volkswagen Golf, 2010-12 Audi A3

Volkswagen is recalling 168,275 cars because they could leak fuel, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The recall affects 2.0-liter diesel models of the 2009-12 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010-12 Volkswagen Golf and 2010-12 Audi A3. In certain vehicles, resonance from the fuel injection pulses could cause the fuel line to crack and leak, possibly causing a fire if an ignition source is present.

Owners will be notified next month, and Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line and put in vibration dampers on all the injector lines. The repairs will be free. Owners can call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987 or NTHSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Recall Alert: 2011-12 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen is recalling 30,294 Jetta sedans from the 2011-12 model years because the exhaust tip could inadvertently burn a person’s leg, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the affected vehicles, which were built between March 18, 2010, and Aug. 22, 2011, a stainless-steel exhaust tip was installed during importation. The tips may extend beyond the original length of the factory-installed exhaust pipes. A hot tailpipe could cause a burn if someone accidentally touches it.

The recall is expected to begin in November. Dealers will inspect the exhaust tips and if necessary replace them at no charge. Owners can call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Cars.com Podcast: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 2012 Volkswagen GLI, 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

We have a lot of Volkswagens on the menu this week for the Cars.com podcast. After partaking in a recent VW event, Cars.com senior editor David Thomas talks about testing the upcoming redesigned Beetle and sporty variants of the Jetta and Golf (GLI and R, respectively) with editors Joe Wiesenfelder and Joe Bruzek. They also discuss the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox in its top-of-the-line LTZ trim, which is an old favorite with our editorial team.

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