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Volkswagen to launch Jetta Hybrid - not here

Volkswagen's new Jetta Hybrid will only be sold in pro-petrol countries.

Buoyed by the success of its eco-friendly BlueMotion range, today (January 9) Volkswagen has unveiled its most efficient Jetta ever, the wraps being taken off the Hybrid at the 2012 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show.

The compact saloon uses a 1.4-litre TSI engine with 150hp and a 20kW electric motor to ensure it is 20 per cent more efficient than the petrol-only car. This equates to 54mpg (5.2 litres/100km), and with the boost in power from the electric motor a 0-100km/h time of less than nine seconds is claimed.

The parallel hybrid (as in the Touareg Hybrid already on sale) can disengage the engine or motor at various points to boost efficiency, and travel on the electric motor alone at speeds up to 70km/h for 2.0 kilometres.

Externally the Jetta features a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and rear spoiler to reduce the drag figure by ten per cent. The Hybrid also features new headlights, LED running lights, LED tail lamps, unique 15-inch alloy wheels and low rolling resistance rubber. And along with the Hybrid badging, the VW logo is placed on a blue background within the modified front grille for the first time.

Inside, the only real difference is with the instruments, which see the rev counter replaced by a power meter and the multi-function display shows what drive mode is selected and how much battery charge remains.

Arriving in the US in November 2012, the only bad news is this model will not make it to Irish shores.

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Published on January 9, 2012