Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid unveiled

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Volkswagen has revealed the VW Jetta Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show, with a 1.4 litre turbo and electric motor promising 54mpg and 168bhp.

VW has revealed the Jetta Hybrid at the Detroit Motor Show which will, if nothing else, show the Americans that a small capacity – in thyis case a 1.4 litre TSI engine – can offer not just decent economy but also some reasonable performance.

With the aid of a 20kW electric motor the Jetta Hybrid can muster 168bhp and scoot ro 60mph in around 9 seconds, but still offer 54mpg. Even better, VW hasn’t employed a silly CVT ‘box to transmit the power – petrol, electric or a combination – to the front wheels, but has fitted the Jetta Hybrid with a proper seven-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox.

As you’d expect – and assuming the Jetta has charge in its batteries – this hybrid can pull off the EV trick for short distances – up to 2 miles – but it can also flick over to using EV power automatically at up to 37mph or up to 44mph if you do it manually. The Jetta Hybrid can also ‘Sail’ at cruising speeds of up to 84mph.

In the US, the SE spec Jetta Hybrid comes reasonably well specced with 2 Zone Climate (which will work without the engine on), Premium 8 Sound System, Bluetooth and iPod connection. The higher spec SEL 1 also gets 16″ alloys, sunroof, SatNav, electric heated drivers seat and keyless. Top of the tree SEL 2 also comes with 17″ alloys, bi-xenons, reversing camera and 400 watt Fender Sound.

VW say they have no plans to bring the Jetta Hybrid to the UK, although we hear it’s heading for mainland Europe.