Volkswagen claims best highway fuel efficiency

With EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg on the highway, 42 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 45 mpg, the Jetta Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup and the seventh model capable of more than 40 mpg on the highway. With sales of the Jetta Hybrid beginning later this month, Volkswagen will offer more products that achieve this benchmark fuel economy figure than any other automotive manufacturer in the United States.

The other models to achieve more than 40 mpg are in the TDI Clean Diesel family: Beetle TDI (manual); Beetle Convertible TDI (manual); Golf TDI (manual and automatic); Jetta TDI (manual and automatic); Jetta SportWagen TDI (manual); and Passat TDI (manual and automatic).

The Jetta Hybrid is Volkswagen’s second hybrid vehicle to go on sale in the U.S. and its first in the compact hybrid sedan segment. It uses a four-cylinder,1.4-liter, turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine that is mated to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, a unique powertrain in the class. The combined rating of the powertrain is 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Jetta Hybrid goes on sale at the end of 2012, priced from $24,995. The entry-level Hybrid S has standard 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bluetooth technology, Climatronic temperature control, a six-speaker sound system, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The SE model, starting at $26,990, adds LED taillights, MDI interface with iPod cable, the Premium VIII touchscreen radio with SD memory card reader, and keyless access with push-button start.

The Hybrid SEL costs $29,325 and adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a power tilt-and-slide sunroof; the RNS 315 touchscreen radio and navigation system; heatable seats; and a six-way power driver’s seat. The topline Hybrid SEL Premium costs $31,180. This comes standard with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), front foglights with cornering lights, the Fender Premium Audio System, and a rearview camera.