2011 Volkswagen Jetta. A hybrid version is due in 2012.
After years of arguing that clean diesel is a better efficiency strategy compared to hybrids, Volkswagen is switching gears. In a statement issued more than a year ago—on the eve of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show—Martin Winterkorn, VW chairman of the board, said, 'We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity.'
A hybrid version of the Jetta will be offered in the U.S. in 2012—followed by Passat and Golf Hybrids in 2013. The Volkswagen press release states with no lack of confidence: “Starting in 2013, the high-volume Golf and Jetta models of the Volkswagen brand are expected to dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market.” In fact, the company says that hybrid and electric vehicles will account for three percent of the German carmaker's global sales by 2018.
What Do We Know About Jetta Hybrid?
Wrapped in the sheet metal of the newly introduced 2011 Jetta, the gas-electric model will be a full hybrid, using VW's twincharger TSI in-line four-cylinder engine. It's not confirmed if the 2012 Jetta Hybrid will use a 1.4-liter twincharger engine, or larger versions that Volkswagen is developing.
Volkswagen describes the Jetta Hybrid as having “best in class” fuel economy—most likely stacking up against (but probably not reaching) the Honda Civic Hybrid’s 41 mpg—while besting the Civic and other competition for horsepower.
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