Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid coming to 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Even though the 2012 North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Hall is almost 4 months away, news about the big show is already trickling out as Car and Driver has revealed that the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid will make its North American debut at the 2012 Detroit show.

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid debuting at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.4L gasoline engine mated to an electric support motor and a lithium ion battery pack. This new Jetta Hybrid is expected to yield fuel economy measures of 44 miles per gallon the highway and in the city – accounting for an overall average of 44mpg. These numbers are slightly lower than those offered by competition like the Toyota Prius but they are identical to the fuel economy numbers of the Honda Civic Hybrid. There has been no idea of price offered but with the Toyota Prius starting at $23,520 and the Honda Civic Hybrid starting at $24,050, the Jetta should be priced somewhere in that range to give it a fighting chance in the budding hybrid sedan segment. The 42mpg Jetta TDI starts at $22,525 so the hybrid could be priced above the diesel model a bit without being much more expensive than the Honda and Toyota entries in the segment.

The addition of a hybrid option to the popular Volkswagen Jetta lineup alongside the relatively fuel friendly Jetta TDI (turbo diesel) option should help to make the Jetta one of the most diverse and fuel efficient models in the US market. As hybrids become more popular it makes good sense to see VW roll out a hybrid version of their bestselling vehicle in the US market.

Unfortunately, Car and Driver is also reporting that the 2-door coupe version of the Jetta is not destined for production. After the Jetta-looking Volkswagen New Concept Coupe met the world at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show to a fairly positive reception, many believed that there would be a Jetta Coupe coming but reports from VW indicate that the 2-door model is not on the way.

Other VW News:
Volkswagen recalls 2011-2012 Jetta sedans for excessively long tailpipes
NHTSA investigates 2011 VW Jetta TDI for fuel leaks
VW announces special 2012 Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition

Source: Car and Driver via Autoblog