2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Starting MSRP $24,995–$31,180
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National February 1, 2012Vehicle Overview
A longtime proponent of diesel engines as a way to save fuel, Volkswagen has also begun appealing to consumers' green sensibilities with hybrids, first with the Touareg Hybrid SUV and now the five-seat Jetta Hybrid compact sedan. Available at dealerships toward the end of 2012, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid will get estimated combined gas mileage of 45 mpg, Volkswagen says. That's 1 mpg greater than the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid achieves. With the base 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder and an automatic transmission, the regular Jetta gets combined gas mileage of 25 mpg.
Exterior
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.
Interior
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, there's a "zero emissions" menu in the stereo that uses bars to show what percentage of the last minute was spent without engine emissions. It can track this for up to 30 minutes.
Available features include a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a navigation system, a backup camera and Fender premium audio.
Under the Hood
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.
The Jetta Hybrid can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than nine 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.
The Jetta Hybrid's transmission is different from most hybrids', too. It's a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which is a transmission design Volkswagen uses in some of its other cars including the GTI, as opposed to the more common continuously variable automatic transmission. Moving the Jetta Hybrid's gear selector to the S position yields greater drivetrain responsiveness.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | January 25, 2013 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | February 1, 2012 |
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