You've read about Volkswagen's MQB chassis architecture which will underpin the company's next generation of front-wheel drive vehicles. MQB's highly modular, Lego-like philosophy will allow for the multitude of VW Group vehicle variations to be produced with a minimum of fuss, which ought to reduce cost from every angle.
Volkswagen gave a preview of the MQB strategy at their Wolfsburg headquarters, where the economies of scale afforded by the new platform were painstakingly detailed. A 2013 Jetta Hybrid prototype showed up for a very brief drive, too, not because it is MQB-based but because it gives us Americans our first glimpse of MQB-ness.
Confused? Hit the jump.
The Jetta Hybrid is not built on the MQB platform, but it does carry the MQB's engine. Called EA211, this all-new engine family comprises 1.2- and 1.4-liter variants that will be the bread-and-butter engines of non-hybrid MQB variants elsewhere on the planet. A version of the 1.4-liter EA211 that forgoes the new cylinder deactivation hardware (more on that later) finds its way into Jetta Hybrid alongside a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
I drove a prototype version of the Jetta Hybrid during the frigid cold snap that hit the region recently. And I'm pleased to report that it's punchy. Not omigawd-my-face-is-stretching, but there's no shortage of thrust despite the extra 220 pounds or so of battery and related hybrid-y bits. Like most hybrids, you can feel the extra poundage when it encounter bumps, as if there's, well, a couple hundred extra pounds being toted around. It's not bad, but it's there. At least the blending of electrical and gas engine propulsion is largely seamless.
The instrument cluster's large gauge on the left resembles a tachometer. It isn't. It's a "percent power" gauge for the entire powetrain. Below zero denotes regen activity, and beyond 100 is an "overboost" that is activated by the kickdown switch at the bottom of the throttle travel. Here, the Jetta Hybrid momentarily runs the electric propulsion a bit harder than usual, upping the combined output to 168 horsepower.
See the slider bar with "0" and "Max," between the power gauge and the speedo? That is a simple yet handy meter that depicts your current usage of electrical power compared to the maximum possible for that driving condition.
It's like a game, trying to squeeze out as much acceleration as you can without triggering the gas engine. I predict a rise in distraction-related traffic collisions.
In perfect conditions, the lithium-ion battery (1.1 kW-hr max capacity; 0.66 kW-hr usable capacity) can propel the plain-jane sedan for about 1.3 miles and to a maximum speed of 44 mph without aid from the gasoline engine.
VW engineers incorporated a distinct "coasting" action by declutching the DSG gearbox upon throttle lift. Sure enough, the Jetta Hybrid coasts readily. Almost too readily. This approach is totally opposite that of the Mini E, which used every throttle lift as an opportunity for mega-aggressive regen. Something between the Jetta Hybrid's coast-forever-ness and the Mini's brace-for-impact would probably be a happy medium. The Jetta's Hybrid's "Sport" transmission mode provides a somewhat more aggressive regenerative braking, but the effect is mild.
While the Jetta Hybrid's electric power steering worked quite well, the brakes could be better, exhibiting a more synthetic action than expected. Again, this was a prototype, so refinements are undoubtedly ongoing.
VW brass suggest that the Jetta Hybrid will be priced competitively with the Prius and estimate that it will net 45 mpg combined. We'll have more specifics in the coming weeks. In the meantime, expect many eco-weenie quarrels between TDI lovers and fans of hybrids.
--Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
moparbad says:
04:54 AM, 02/ 8/12
Why quarrel, buy what you like. At least VW gives you a choice between hybrid, diesel and conventional gasoline unlike Toyota and Honda.
throwback says:
05:23 AM, 02/ 8/12
It will be interesting to see how this sells compared to the TDi.
blueguydotcom says:
06:01 AM, 02/ 8/12
The coasting sounds nice. I let off the throttle in my Mazda3 and it feels like an anchor was dropped in the pavement (also explains my horrid gas mileage).
Sad the Jetta Hybrid will probably be even less reliable than the Prius because I'm sure in terms of driving it'll be lightyears ahead.
ctpaul says:
06:37 AM, 02/ 8/12
The Jetta pictured looks especially bland, maybe different trim than ours? In any event, this presents an interesting alternative, especially because it can accelerate on electric only which not all hybrids can (Honda I think for instance). So for stop and go urban/city use, this should b especially economical. Will be interesting to see it compared to the Fusion Hybrid once both go on sale. From what I have seen, Fusion looks a hell of a lot better than the Jetta but would look forward to reading a full comparison eventually. Nowhere does this article state the HP of the gas engine, or the combined of the gas and electric, just the combined amount on "overboost."
duck87 says:
07:46 AM, 02/ 8/12
The weight increase isn't actually that bad... it's about 100 lbs heavier than the TDI. And I don't think there will be any quarrels: everyone knows that diesels are the worst offenders in NoX and particulate emissions.
firstwagon says:
08:08 AM, 02/ 8/12
No need for quarrels.
The TDi is likely the best choice for the hwy and the hybrid will have a clear advantage in the city. Those in the suburbs will be happy with either.
Prius will probably beat it be 10 mpg so it will continue as the car of choice for those who value mileage (and reliability) above all.
bodyshopboy says:
08:40 AM, 02/ 8/12
+1 Mopar bad
Yes, consumers will buy what they like and put their money where their values are. Minimize emissions and petrol use - Hybrid, balance fuel efficiency with overall driving experience - Diesel.
BTW - Jetta TDI scores among the top 20% cleanest cars on the market according to fueleconomy.gov . Sadly the BMW 335 d does not probably because of the NOX and particle emissions.
ed124c says:
08:41 AM, 02/ 8/12
1. How much trunk space is lost?
2. How many gallons of gas were omitted to lower the weight?
3. No tach? Sacrilegious.
4. I'm with firstwagon. I like the hatch, which has a lot more cargo area than if it were a sedan.
transpower says:
09:26 AM, 02/ 8/12
I like the power train, but why is the styling so boring?
blackdynamite1 says:
12:50 PM, 02/ 8/12
Answers that diesel vs hybrid question pretty easily.......
BD
autoboy1 says:
02:45 PM, 02/ 8/12
I like the styling. It has a clean European look to it. It's not flashy, just well proportioned. I think it will age much more gracefully than the garish designs Hyundai is putting out. With the right bright work, wheels, and options like foglamps, the Jetta can look very nice.
Base model cars never look good. Check out just how bad a base model Kia Optima looks. They look ridiculous because the aggressive styling is totally betrayed by the homely 16 inch wheels and the high stance.