In case you missed the 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid blog post from the Detroit auto show floor, it's definitely worth a quick read.
Impressive specs? Yes. But I have no problem sticking with the TDI.
Kelly Toepke, News Editor @ 16,093 miles
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tjpark01 says:
01:57 PM, 01/12/12
Considering VW's reliability history on vehicles they have been making for generations, I'd rather not be the first one in the pool. I'd stick with the TDI until the Hybrid version 2 comes out. Let others beta test this V'Dub.
Even Honda with all their manufacturing capability has shown in terms of Hybrid drivetrains, it's not as easy as it looks. For now, if it's not made by Toyota, it's a bit of a gamble. The Ford Fusion however, could really be a game changer.
moar_revs says:
02:48 PM, 01/12/12
@tj
I know Honda had issues w/its first gen Civic batteries...what other manufacturing/reliability issues have their hybrids had?
tjpark01 says:
03:59 PM, 01/12/12
The first gen Civics battery's just went completely kaput costing 3-4k to replace. The second generation also had problems that were supposed to be "fixed" with a software patch that saved the battery by relying more on the engine to do the work. However, fuel mileage was similar to gas powered Civics which totally defeats the purpose of the Hybrid. There is a class action lawsuit against the company. You can read more about the problems here if you care:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/01/autos/honda_civic_hybrid_battery_problems/index.htm
brn says:
04:01 PM, 01/12/12
moar_revs, I wouldn't say Honda has manufacturing issues with hybrids. They have engineering issues. Honda has a lot of trouble getting the transition between gas and electric to work correctly. The result can be a very 'lurchy' vehicle. I wouldn't want to try and parallel park a Honda hybrid.
bodyblue says:
04:40 PM, 01/12/12
Why more TDI VS Hybrid? TDI lost in a TKO in the other thread.
bodyshopboy says:
09:32 AM, 01/13/12
"Why more TDI VS Hybrid? TDI lost in a TKO in the other thread."
I'd call it a draw BB, you said it yourself that it depended on priorities - low cost and environmental versus seat of the pant driving experience....
Plus it draws lots of comments :)
bodyblue says:
07:19 AM, 01/14/12
"Plus it draws lots of comments :) "
LOL I will surrender that point!
bodyblue says:
09:14 AM, 01/15/12
I really think the final answer on the TDI is that it get better MPGs than the pretty terrible 2.5 and is more fun to drive than a Prius type hybrid...but a VW hybrid may make the dirtier TDI obsolete....I trash VWs for being un reliable but they are generally fun to drive and I bet they will make their hybrid the same. Diesel is a dead end for cars in the long run I think.