I have driven most versions of the new Jetta over the past year, and was really curious about this new Hybrid.
It is one of these "invisible" Hybrids. It has a slightly different front end . And a few badges here and there. Most people will never know the difference between this and a regular Jetta.
A car you basically buy for yourself, and not so much to make a statement.
Inside, few differences also. The dashboard is the same. It has the soft plastic used in the GLI.
The shifter is the same as other DSG models. Nothing futuristic here.
The trunk is, as expected, quite a bit smaller.
The 1st thing I noticed is how quiet and smooth the small 1.4 Liter is. Much more so than the rough 2.0 Liter turbo in the GTI/GLI.
The new 7 speed DSG is also wonderful.
Everything works like it should. Again, unlike the 2.0 Turbo/6 speed DSG combo which always surprises me by how rough it is. And the painful "Turbo/DSG" delay experienced in the GLI is not there either.
Here, the DSG is quick to downshift, and invisible when upshifting.
The switch from all electric to gas is also super smooth. You mostly can't hear of feel anything.
It can go pure electric until about 20MPH, if you don't push it. And while coasting/cruising, you can get to almost 50MPH before the gas engine turns on.
The most surprising part is how quick, and fun it is to drive. Power comes almost instantly when you push it.
And again, always in a smooth, quiet and refined manner.
The steering and suspension are both great and have that satisfying German feel.
None of these can be said a bout the numb and slow Prius.
But as we know, people don't seem to buy hybrids for driving fun, so does it deliver in the MPG department?
The Jetta Hybrid is rated at 42 in the city and 48HWY.
I did get 42 in the city, and got 50 on the highway. I averaged 46. So yes, it does deliver.
My test car was the SE model, which costs about $27 000, without GPS or Sunroof.
I would consider the Hybrid a sport version of the Jetta.
Much more fun to drive than the GLI and about as quick.
Think of it as a GLI that gets 46 MPG. With a smoother engine and a much better transmission.
You get numbers that are very close to the Diesel model, but are using much cheaper regular gas.
The Jetta Hybrid is really a blast to drive and I was sorry to see it go.
Something quite amazing to say about a hybrid.