Volkswagen has launched a hybrid version of its Jetta compact family car in North America.
The Jetta Hybrid has just gone on show at the Los Angeles Auto Show, however chances of it appearing in a showroom near you soon are tiny; the German manufacturer has no plans to sell outside North America.
Fuel economy has been upped by 20 per cent on its closest petrol equivalent, boosting combined mpg to 45 (54mpg Imperial) with a 1.4-litre 150PS turbocharged petrol engine 
and seven-speed DSG gearbox enabling a 0-60mph time of under nine seconds and a 125mph max speed.
Combining the power of the 150PS petrol unit and the 20kW electric motor delivers a peak power of 170PS.
A 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the rear passenger seats, can deliver up to 1.3miles of electric motoring. The introduction of a hybrid system has only added 100kg to the overall weight (around 1,500 kg in total).
The regular tachometer is replaced by a multifunction display on the left of the instrument cluster which indicates what the hybrid system is up to: ‘Ready’, ‘Charge’, ‘Eco’, ‘Boost’ or ‘TSI’.
The VW Jetta Hybrid is priced from $25k USD, and if VW ever considers bringing the Jetta Hybrid to European markets, we’ll be sure to let you know.
John has been writing about cars since the start of 2011, with a particular fondness for models with USB connectivity and a serious distaste for steering wheels with too many buttons. Can often be found trying to seduce 1.0-litre engines. When away from things that go brum, apostrophe snob John can often be found making noise with varying degrees of musicality.
John Simpson
November 29, 2012
Filed under: Volkswagen
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