A New Turbo Four
And so the new Jetta hybrid is on its way, carrying some pretty impressive numbers. It’s powered by a new turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder—so new, in fact, that VW can’t tell us much about it other than to say it’s very different from the naturally aspirated and twincharged (turbo- and supercharged)1.4-liters currently offered in Europe. In this first application, the lightweight engine will produce 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and be coupled to a 27-hp electric motor. The combined output of 170 hp will be sent through a seven-speed DSG transmission, making it the first hybrid to use a dual-clutch automatic. Juice for the electric motor is supplied by a 1.1-kWh battery pack that can be found behind the rear seat; the fan-cooled unit weighs less than 80 pounds.
Like other VW Group hybrids, including the gas-electric Touareg, the Jetta’s system uses a clutch to decouple the gas engine from the drivetrain, which allows the engine to shut off and the car to “coast” on electricity at speeds up to 84 mph. Additionally, the driver can select an electric-only E-mode via a button next to the shift lever; this forced gas-free propulsion is limited to 1.2 miles and a maximum of 44 mph.
The Other Specs
So, what about those all-important fuel-economy numbers? VW has only released an estimate of the Jetta’s EPA combined rating: 45 mpg. That betters the 2012 Honda Civic hybrid’s 44-mpg combined score (it gets 44 mpg city/ 44 highway). The Jetta TDI, for reference, is rated at 34 mpg combined (30/42 mpg).
But VW isn’t prepared to stop at simply creating a very miserly Jetta. No, it aspires to produce the quickest hybrid in its class. Select the transmission’s sport mode or just mash the accelerator past the kickdown point, and the Jetta will apply everything it’s got, good for 60 mph from a stop in less than nine seconds, says VW. With a claimed curb weight of “less than 3310 pounds” this seems feasible, as we’ve clocked a 220-pound-lighter, 170-hp Jetta 2.5 with the conventional six-speed automatic at 8.4 seconds to 60 mph.
Hybrid Touches
Visually, the Jetta hybrid is set apart from its siblings by a few aero modifications—including a new front air dam, a rear diffuser, and a spoiler—which combine for a claimed 10-percent reduction in drag. The car rides on unique 15-inch wheels, and hybrid badges dot the grille, the front fenders, and the trunklid. Inside, the Jetta hybrid will be pretty conventional; a “power meter” replaces the tachometer and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster shows special hybrid-y information. VW says the cabin should be hushed thanks to a new exhaust system (a basic requirement on account of the new engine), plus upgraded acoustic glass for the windshield along with thicker side windows.
When the Jetta hybrid goes on sale toward the end of this year, it will be offered in three trim levels, all of which will carry as standard features like Bluetooth, LED taillights, and satellite radio. A sampling of optional equipment includes xenon headlights, LED running lights, a power driver’s seat, navigation, a rear camera, and VW’s Fender audio system. Pricing has not yet been released, but VW says the Jetta hybrid will have a sticker competitive with those of other compact hybrids; figure somewhere between $25K and $30K.
