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Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup. Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers. But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid was overshadowed by the Prius. We actually reviewed the Jetta Hybrid back in 2013 and really couldn't make the case as to why anyone should consider it Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article
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Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup. Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers. But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid was overshadowed by the Prius. We actually reviewed the Jetta Hybrid back in 2013 and really couldn't make the case as to why anyone should consider it Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 28, 2013 "Why is Volkswagen doing a hybrid version of the Jetta?!" That was my response when the news first came that Volkswagen would be introducing the Jetta Hybrid. On one hand this doesn't make sense. Volkswagen is known as the diesel automaker with five vehicles that offer amazing fuel economy and performance. Plus, diesel vehicles in the U.S. are making huge inroads. According to R.L. Polk, registration of diesel vehicles have increased 24.3 percent from 2010 to 2012. However there are still a fair number of the public who believe that diesel is EVIL! Instead they are turning to hybrids which also offers amazing fuel economy numbers. Volkswagen not wanting to miss out on this has created the Jetta Hybrid. But this being Volkswagen, they did it their way. In this case, you'll find a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch gearbox, and promises of fun to driveness. Does it fully work? The Jetta Hybrid's design is very much a Jetta. That's to say the current incarnation is very conservative. You'll find crisp lines and a tailored rear end as its distinctive design cues. Some believe the design will age well in the coming years. I agree with that, but is that something you should be proud of in a design? There are little giveaways that help differentiate the Jetta Hybrid from a normal Jetta, but you're going to have to get close to notice them. There is a new grille and small spoiler in a effort to improve aerodynamics. Other changes include LED taillights, new wheels, and a number of 'hybrid' badges on the vehicle. Moving inside, it's hard to tell the difference between a normal Jetta and Jetta Hybrid. The only real giveaway that you're in the Hybrid is a new gauge cluster that replaces the tachometer with an Eco/Power/Charge gauge that makes no sense. Sure it will tell you how aggressive you are on the throttle, but it's not tied to something quantifiable. Stick with the trip computer in the gauge cluster that provides a screen that shows which powertrain is working if you want to maximize your MPGs. Much like the exterior, the Jetta Hybrid's interior design is plain. Material quality is pretty poor as the door panels and lower trim pieces are hard plastics that look like they came from milk crates. This is a huge no-no on a vehicle with a $30k+ pricetag. The only real bright spots inside were a soft touch dash and aluminum-like trim pieces. Another downside to the Jetta Hybrid is the infotainment system. Volkswagen uses a small five-inch touch screen that provides radio, navigation, and information about the hybrid system. While I liked the simple navigation interface and the screens showing the important hybrid information, the rest of the system is not great. The touch points on the screen are too small and I found myself repeatedly hitting them to get something to happen. You also can't pan from one part of the map to another which I found somewhat annoying. Finally, I don't like that Volkswagen uses this small screen in a number of their high-end compact vehicles (Jetta Hybrid, GLI, GTI, and Beetle Turbo). I would be willing to shell out a few more dollars just so I can have a larger screen. Not all is bad with the Jetta Hybrid's interior. To start, the Jetta Hybrid has one of the largest interiors in the compact class. That means you and your passengers will be able to find a comfortable position in the vehicle. There is also the excellent Fender audio system which pumped out some great sound. I originally thought this would be just a stick-on name to a mediocre sound system, but I was wrong. The heart of the Jetta Hybrid is 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a 20kW electric motor. Total output stands at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 220-volt, 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack helps power the electric motor. Volkswagen uses their seven-speed DSG transmission to send the power to front wheels. The hybrid powertrain provides a surprising punch of power. The 1.4L turbo engine shows little lag and paired with the electric motor, provides smooth acceleration no matter the occasion. The smooth shifting DSG is lightning quick with its gear changes. At low speeds or if you are gentle on the throttle, the Jetta Hybrid will run on the electric motor alone for a time up to 37 MPH. You can also engage E-Mode which turns the engine off and lets you use the electric motor only. I found myself turning on E-Mode when entering my neighborhood to save more gas. The one complaint I'll level at the powertrain is when I'm leaving a stop. The powertrain goes through a shuddering stage as the computer works out which mode it should go into. Volkswagen still has some bugs to work out. Fuel economy is rated at 42 City/48 Highway/45 Combined. During my week, I got an average 40.1 MPG in mixed driving. This is a vehicle where you have to learn how to drive it correctly if you want to attain high MPG numbers. Fun to drive isn't something you would expect of a hybrid, but the Jetta Hybrid is that. Borrowing the suspension from the Jetta GLI, the Hybrid is engaging on a nice curvy road. It's a shame I can't say the same about the Hybrid's steering which is light and not very good at communicating the road to the driver. On the flip side, the suspension is very competent on providing a comfortable and smooth ride. The steering makes it a breeze of navigating tight parking spots and the city. The big question when talking about hybrids is 'how are the brakes?' The Jetta Hybrid is much like any other hybrid; the brakes are very grabby. Weirdly, I found the pedal would offer some brake feel sometimes and there would be none other times. This is something I believe Volkswagen should go back to the drawing board on. The Jetta Hybrid leaves me in a bit of a quandary. On one hand the Jetta Hybrid is packs a nice punch of power from the hybrid powertrain and is very competent when you want to have some fun. But the fuel economy, interior material quality, and as-tested pricetag give me hesitation. Factor in the similar fuel economy and lower pricetag of the Jetta TDI and the Jetta Hybrid becomes a bit tougher to argue. In summary: If you want the best hybrid, go with the Prius. If you want the most fuel economy in the Volkswagen family and something fun, go with the Jetta TDI. The Jetta Hybrid just cannot make a very compelling argument. Disclaimer: Volkswagen provided the Jetta Hybrid, insurance, and one tank of gas. Year: 2013 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Hybrid Trim: SEL Premium Engine: 1.4L Turbocharged and Intercooled Inline Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Seven-Speed DSG Transmission Horsepower @ RPM: (Gas) 150 @ 5,000; (Electric) 27 @ 0; (Combined) 170 @ 5,000 Torque @ RPM: (Gas) 184 @ 1,600; (Electric) 114 @ 0; (Combined) 184 @ 1,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 42/48/45 Curb Weight: 3,312 lbs Location of Manufacture: Puebla, Mexico Base Price: $31,180.00 As Tested Price: $32,010.00* (Includes $795.00 destination charge) Options: First Aid Kit - $35.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 28, 2013 "Why is Volkswagen doing a hybrid version of the Jetta?!" That was my response when the news first came that Volkswagen would be introducing the Jetta Hybrid. On one hand this doesn't make sense. Volkswagen is known as the diesel automaker with five vehicles that offer amazing fuel economy and performance. Plus, diesel vehicles in the U.S. are making huge inroads. According to R.L. Polk, registration of diesel vehicles have increased 24.3 percent from 2010 to 2012. However there are still a fair number of the public who believe that diesel is EVIL! Instead they are turning to hybrids which also offers amazing fuel economy numbers. Volkswagen not wanting to miss out on this has created the Jetta Hybrid. But this being Volkswagen, they did it their way. In this case, you'll find a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch gearbox, and promises of fun to driveness. Does it fully work? The Jetta Hybrid's design is very much a Jetta. That's to say the current incarnation is very conservative. You'll find crisp lines and a tailored rear end as its distinctive design cues. Some believe the design will age well in the coming years. I agree with that, but is that something you should be proud of in a design? There are little giveaways that help differentiate the Jetta Hybrid from a normal Jetta, but you're going to have to get close to notice them. There is a new grille and small spoiler in a effort to improve aerodynamics. Other changes include LED taillights, new wheels, and a number of 'hybrid' badges on the vehicle. Moving inside, it's hard to tell the difference between a normal Jetta and Jetta Hybrid. The only real giveaway that you're in the Hybrid is a new gauge cluster that replaces the tachometer with an Eco/Power/Charge gauge that makes no sense. Sure it will tell you how aggressive you are on the throttle, but it's not tied to something quantifiable. Stick with the trip computer in the gauge cluster that provides a screen that shows which powertrain is working if you want to maximize your MPGs. Much like the exterior, the Jetta Hybrid's interior design is plain. Material quality is pretty poor as the door panels and lower trim pieces are hard plastics that look like they came from milk crates. This is a huge no-no on a vehicle with a $30k+ pricetag. The only real bright spots inside were a soft touch dash and aluminum-like trim pieces. Another downside to the Jetta Hybrid is the infotainment system. Volkswagen uses a small five-inch touch screen that provides radio, navigation, and information about the hybrid system. While I liked the simple navigation interface and the screens showing the important hybrid information, the rest of the system is not great. The touch points on the screen are too small and I found myself repeatedly hitting them to get something to happen. You also can't pan from one part of the map to another which I found somewhat annoying. Finally, I don't like that Volkswagen uses this small screen in a number of their high-end compact vehicles (Jetta Hybrid, GLI, GTI, and Beetle Turbo). I would be willing to shell out a few more dollars just so I can have a larger screen. Not all is bad with the Jetta Hybrid's interior. To start, the Jetta Hybrid has one of the largest interiors in the compact class. That means you and your passengers will be able to find a comfortable position in the vehicle. There is also the excellent Fender audio system which pumped out some great sound. I originally thought this would be just a stick-on name to a mediocre sound system, but I was wrong. The heart of the Jetta Hybrid is 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a 20kW electric motor. Total output stands at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 220-volt, 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack helps power the electric motor. Volkswagen uses their seven-speed DSG transmission to send the power to front wheels. The hybrid powertrain provides a surprising punch of power. The 1.4L turbo engine shows little lag and paired with the electric motor, provides smooth acceleration no matter the occasion. The smooth shifting DSG is lightning quick with its gear changes. At low speeds or if you are gentle on the throttle, the Jetta Hybrid will run on the electric motor alone for a time up to 37 MPH. You can also engage E-Mode which turns the engine off and lets you use the electric motor only. I found myself turning on E-Mode when entering my neighborhood to save more gas. The one complaint I'll level at the powertrain is when I'm leaving a stop. The powertrain goes through a shuddering stage as the computer works out which mode it should go into. Volkswagen still has some bugs to work out. Fuel economy is rated at 42 City/48 Highway/45 Combined. During my week, I got an average 40.1 MPG in mixed driving. This is a vehicle where you have to learn how to drive it correctly if you want to attain high MPG numbers. Fun to drive isn't something you would expect of a hybrid, but the Jetta Hybrid is that. Borrowing the suspension from the Jetta GLI, the Hybrid is engaging on a nice curvy road. It's a shame I can't say the same about the Hybrid's steering which is light and not very good at communicating the road to the driver. On the flip side, the suspension is very competent on providing a comfortable and smooth ride. The steering makes it a breeze of navigating tight parking spots and the city. The big question when talking about hybrids is 'how are the brakes?' The Jetta Hybrid is much like any other hybrid; the brakes are very grabby. Weirdly, I found the pedal would offer some brake feel sometimes and there would be none other times. This is something I believe Volkswagen should go back to the drawing board on. The Jetta Hybrid leaves me in a bit of a quandary. On one hand the Jetta Hybrid is packs a nice punch of power from the hybrid powertrain and is very competent when you want to have some fun. But the fuel economy, interior material quality, and as-tested pricetag give me hesitation. Factor in the similar fuel economy and lower pricetag of the Jetta TDI and the Jetta Hybrid becomes a bit tougher to argue. In summary: If you want the best hybrid, go with the Prius. If you want the most fuel economy in the Volkswagen family and something fun, go with the Jetta TDI. The Jetta Hybrid just cannot make a very compelling argument. Disclaimer: Volkswagen provided the Jetta Hybrid, insurance, and one tank of gas. Year: 2013 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Hybrid Trim: SEL Premium Engine: 1.4L Turbocharged and Intercooled Inline Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Seven-Speed DSG Transmission Horsepower @ RPM: (Gas) 150 @ 5,000; (Electric) 27 @ 0; (Combined) 170 @ 5,000 Torque @ RPM: (Gas) 184 @ 1,600; (Electric) 114 @ 0; (Combined) 184 @ 1,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 42/48/45 Curb Weight: 3,312 lbs Location of Manufacture: Puebla, Mexico Base Price: $31,180.00 As Tested Price: $32,010.00* (Includes $795.00 destination charge) Options: First Aid Kit - $35.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 3, 2012 Volkswagen made some big announcements today concerning a new model that will be premiering at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show and pricing for another model. We'll start with the new model first. Volkswagen revealed the new Beetle convertible a month ahead of its official unveiling at the L.A. Auto Show. The soft-top has a similar roofline to the normal Beetle when its up. Want to put the top down, it will only take about ten seconds. Also, Volkswagen engineered a system that will pop two computer-actuated bars behind the rear seat within four milliseconds in the event of a rollover. The engine lineup will be the same as the Beetle, which includes, 2.5L five-cylinder (170 HP, 177 lb-ft of torque) 2.0L turbo-four (200 HP, 207 lb-ft of torque) 2.0L turbodiesel (140 HP, 235 lb-ft of torque) The 2.5L can be equipped with a six-speed automatic, while the 2.0L Turbo and diesel can be equipped with a six-speed manual and a dual-clutch transmission. Next: Jetta Hybrid Pricing Also today, Volkswagen announced pricing for the new Jetta Hybrid. The hybrid comes equipped with a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.4L four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. Total output is 170 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque going through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Stats for the hybrid are 0-60 in nine seconds and estimated fuel economy of 45 MPG. A base Jetta Hybrid will run you $25,790 (includes a $795 destination charge) and it will include 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows, automatic climate control, power windows, a CD player with Bluetooth and an auxiliary port, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. One caveat with the base Jetta Hybrid, its a special order model only. The rest of the lineup follows, Jetta Hybrid SE ($27,785): LED taillights, power recline front seats, Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod® cable; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with color energy flow display in center console, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and keyless access with push-button start Jetta Hybrid SEL ($30,120): 16-inch alloy wheels, power tilt and slide sunroof, RNS 315 radio and navigation, heated front washer nozzles, heated front seats, and a six-way power driver’s seat. Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium ($31,975): Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS), foglights with cornering light, 17-inch alloy wheels, the Fender® Premium Audio System with subwoofer, and a rearview camera. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Releases are on Page 3 and 4 VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE Volkswagen reveals images of the latest version of its iconic convertible ahead of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show Herndon, VA, Oct 3, 2012 - Today, Volkswagen unveils the latest Beetle Convertible, the third-generation of the iconic VW ragtop. Like its predecessors—the type 15 from 1949 and the 2003 New Beetle Convertible—the curvaceous convertible offers the perfect combination of practicality and fun for four. In creating the latest version of the Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the latest Beetle coupe. The combination of a flatter roofline and a more upright windshield gives the car a shape that’s more closely aligned with the first generation of Beetle convertibles. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft-top rather than incorporate a folding hardtop on the car. When the top is down, it lies flat, giving good rear visibility. Although the top looks compact when furled, it’s actually wide and long when in place, an action that takes a little over 10 seconds at the touch of a button. Inside, the Beetle Convertible retains the design cues that have made the latest Beetle such a hit with consumers, such as the body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The spacious cabin has space for four full-size adults and is able to carry plenty of luggage: a fold-down split rear bench seat increases the practicality even further. In any Volkswagen, safety is paramount and to that end, the company has developed an Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the back of the rear bench seat, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Driver and front passenger combined head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment. The new Beetle Convertible will be available in the United States with three engine options. The entry-level powerplant is the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, but just as importantly delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 41 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. (A six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.) Finally, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft, can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic. Beetle Convertible pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012. VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES 2013 JETTA HYBRID PRICING The latest member of the Jetta family offers competitive pricing, excellent fuel economy, and the fun-to-drive nature expected of a Volkswagen • Jetta Hybrid starts at $24,995*, with SE priced from $26,990 • Most fuel-efficient Jetta in the lineup with manufacturer estimated combined fuel economy of 45 mpg** • World’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission • Fastest compact hybrid in its class with an estimated 0-60 mph of less than 9.0 seconds • Drives as a full EV at speeds of up to 44 mph • Premium features include LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights, plus Bi-Xenon headlights • Jetta range now extended to five different powertrains, providing a German-engineered compact sedan for everyone Herndon, VA, Oct 3, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, expected to be the most fuel-efficient Jetta in the lineup. Powered by an all-new, high-tech, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI® engine mated to a zero-emissions electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid has a combined output of 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The innovative powertrain also features a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Jetta Hybrid can be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for a distance of up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. With a manufacturer estimated combined fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon** and a 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds, this newest addition to the Jetta family demonstrates that being fuel-efficient doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance or fun. The Jetta Hybrid will be available starting at $24,995* and will go on sale in the last quarter of 2012. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid model range: Hybrid (available by order only) The Hybrid trim has an MSRP of $24,995. Standard equipment includes a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine; 27-hp electric motor; seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission; front and rear disc brakes; Daytime Running Lights; power and heated exterior mirrors;15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; rear spoiler and rear diffuser; unique grille; hybrid badging on front, sides and rear; power windows with one-touch up/down; hybrid interior accents; six-way manually adjustable front seats; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; Bluetooth ® technology; auxiliary input jack; trip computer; RCD 310 radio with CD player and six speakers; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; 60/40 folding rear seat; tilt/telescoping steering wheel column; temperature display; and front, side and Side Curtain Protection® airbags. Hybrid SE The 2013 Jetta Hybrid SE starts at $26,990. In addition to all of the equipment offered on the Hybrid trim, it adds: LED taillights; power recline front seats; Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod® cable; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with color energy flow display in center console; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio; and keyless access with push-button start. Hybrid SEL The Hybrid SEL has an MSRP of $29,325 and features 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; a power tilt and slide sunroof; RNS 315 radio and navigation; heated front washer nozzles; heated front seats; and a six-way power driver’s seat. Hybrid SEL Premium The Hybrid SEL Premium retails for $31,180. Compared to the Hybrid with Navigation, it adds Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS); foglights with cornering light; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; the Fender® Premium Audio System with subwoofer; and a rearview camera. All prices exclude destination charges of $795 per vehicle. *Available by order only **Manufacturer estimate of fuel economy only; EPA results may vary -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 3, 2012 Volkswagen made some big announcements today concerning a new model that will be premiering at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show and pricing for another model. We'll start with the new model first. Volkswagen revealed the new Beetle convertible a month ahead of its official unveiling at the L.A. Auto Show. The soft-top has a similar roofline to the normal Beetle when its up. Want to put the top down, it will only take about ten seconds. Also, Volkswagen engineered a system that will pop two computer-actuated bars behind the rear seat within four milliseconds in the event of a rollover. The engine lineup will be the same as the Beetle, which includes, 2.5L five-cylinder (170 HP, 177 lb-ft of torque) 2.0L turbo-four (200 HP, 207 lb-ft of torque) 2.0L turbodiesel (140 HP, 235 lb-ft of torque) The 2.5L can be equipped with a six-speed automatic, while the 2.0L Turbo and diesel can be equipped with a six-speed manual and a dual-clutch transmission. Next: Jetta Hybrid Pricing Also today, Volkswagen announced pricing for the new Jetta Hybrid. The hybrid comes equipped with a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.4L four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. Total output is 170 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque going through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Stats for the hybrid are 0-60 in nine seconds and estimated fuel economy of 45 MPG. A base Jetta Hybrid will run you $25,790 (includes a $795 destination charge) and it will include 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows, automatic climate control, power windows, a CD player with Bluetooth and an auxiliary port, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. One caveat with the base Jetta Hybrid, its a special order model only. The rest of the lineup follows, Jetta Hybrid SE ($27,785): LED taillights, power recline front seats, Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod® cable; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with color energy flow display in center console, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and keyless access with push-button start Jetta Hybrid SEL ($30,120): 16-inch alloy wheels, power tilt and slide sunroof, RNS 315 radio and navigation, heated front washer nozzles, heated front seats, and a six-way power driver’s seat. Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium ($31,975): Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS), foglights with cornering light, 17-inch alloy wheels, the Fender® Premium Audio System with subwoofer, and a rearview camera. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Releases are on Page 3 and 4 VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE Volkswagen reveals images of the latest version of its iconic convertible ahead of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show Herndon, VA, Oct 3, 2012 - Today, Volkswagen unveils the latest Beetle Convertible, the third-generation of the iconic VW ragtop. Like its predecessors—the type 15 from 1949 and the 2003 New Beetle Convertible—the curvaceous convertible offers the perfect combination of practicality and fun for four. In creating the latest version of the Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the latest Beetle coupe. The combination of a flatter roofline and a more upright windshield gives the car a shape that’s more closely aligned with the first generation of Beetle convertibles. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft-top rather than incorporate a folding hardtop on the car. When the top is down, it lies flat, giving good rear visibility. Although the top looks compact when furled, it’s actually wide and long when in place, an action that takes a little over 10 seconds at the touch of a button. Inside, the Beetle Convertible retains the design cues that have made the latest Beetle such a hit with consumers, such as the body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The spacious cabin has space for four full-size adults and is able to carry plenty of luggage: a fold-down split rear bench seat increases the practicality even further. In any Volkswagen, safety is paramount and to that end, the company has developed an Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the back of the rear bench seat, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Driver and front passenger combined head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment. The new Beetle Convertible will be available in the United States with three engine options. The entry-level powerplant is the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, but just as importantly delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 41 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. (A six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.) Finally, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft, can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic. Beetle Convertible pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012. VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES 2013 JETTA HYBRID PRICING The latest member of the Jetta family offers competitive pricing, excellent fuel economy, and the fun-to-drive nature expected of a Volkswagen • Jetta Hybrid starts at $24,995*, with SE priced from $26,990 • Most fuel-efficient Jetta in the lineup with manufacturer estimated combined fuel economy of 45 mpg** • World’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission • Fastest compact hybrid in its class with an estimated 0-60 mph of less than 9.0 seconds • Drives as a full EV at speeds of up to 44 mph • Premium features include LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights, plus Bi-Xenon headlights • Jetta range now extended to five different powertrains, providing a German-engineered compact sedan for everyone Herndon, VA, Oct 3, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, expected to be the most fuel-efficient Jetta in the lineup. Powered by an all-new, high-tech, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI® engine mated to a zero-emissions electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid has a combined output of 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The innovative powertrain also features a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Jetta Hybrid can be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for a distance of up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. With a manufacturer estimated combined fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon** and a 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds, this newest addition to the Jetta family demonstrates that being fuel-efficient doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance or fun. The Jetta Hybrid will be available starting at $24,995* and will go on sale in the last quarter of 2012. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid model range: Hybrid (available by order only) The Hybrid trim has an MSRP of $24,995. Standard equipment includes a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine; 27-hp electric motor; seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission; front and rear disc brakes; Daytime Running Lights; power and heated exterior mirrors;15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; rear spoiler and rear diffuser; unique grille; hybrid badging on front, sides and rear; power windows with one-touch up/down; hybrid interior accents; six-way manually adjustable front seats; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; Bluetooth ® technology; auxiliary input jack; trip computer; RCD 310 radio with CD player and six speakers; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; 60/40 folding rear seat; tilt/telescoping steering wheel column; temperature display; and front, side and Side Curtain Protection® airbags. Hybrid SE The 2013 Jetta Hybrid SE starts at $26,990. In addition to all of the equipment offered on the Hybrid trim, it adds: LED taillights; power recline front seats; Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod® cable; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with color energy flow display in center console; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio; and keyless access with push-button start. Hybrid SEL The Hybrid SEL has an MSRP of $29,325 and features 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; a power tilt and slide sunroof; RNS 315 radio and navigation; heated front washer nozzles; heated front seats; and a six-way power driver’s seat. Hybrid SEL Premium The Hybrid SEL Premium retails for $31,180. Compared to the Hybrid with Navigation, it adds Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS); foglights with cornering light; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; the Fender® Premium Audio System with subwoofer; and a rearview camera. All prices exclude destination charges of $795 per vehicle. *Available by order only **Manufacturer estimate of fuel economy only; EPA results may vary View full article
