Pros: Volkswagen's compact hero, the Jetta, is more American than ever. Larger and roomier, it also offers more comfortable seats and superb ergonomics. Yet driving dynamics have been preserved in the process. There's also a fantastic model and engine lineup -- including a very fuel-efficient turbo hybrid system -- to suit various tastes and budgets.
Cons: Styling is clean, yes, but also rather bland. The recent price cut is the result of an anaemic base engine and sub-par noise insulation. Finally, the turbo hybrid system is all-new and has yet to make a name for itself, especially in the reliability department.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Price: The 3 trim levels include Trendline ($28,490), Comfortline ($31,100), and Highline ($35,300).
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Fuel Economy: Look for the Jetta Turbo Hybrid to achieve 4.2L/100km on the highway and 4.5L/100km in the city.
Improvements and Changes: Gone is the torsion beam rear suspension; say hello to a multilink setup. New colours have been added.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Powertrain: A 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine teams up with an electric motor to generate a combined 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo Capacity: Due to the rear-mounted battery, the Jetta Turbo Hybrid's trunk can hold only 320 litres of gear (440 litres in the regular Jetta).
Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Jetta Turbo Hybrid occupants.
Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid: This is the only compact hybrid on the market. Gas-electric variants of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Toyota Camry are all larger and slightly more expensive. That said, check out the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius, as well.
Cons: Styling is clean, yes, but also rather bland. The recent price cut is the result of an anaemic base engine and sub-par noise insulation. Finally, the turbo hybrid system is all-new and has yet to make a name for itself, especially in the reliability department.
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2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Price: The 3 trim levels include Trendline ($28,490), Comfortline ($31,100), and Highline ($35,300).
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Fuel Economy: Look for the Jetta Turbo Hybrid to achieve 4.2L/100km on the highway and 4.5L/100km in the city.
Improvements and Changes: Gone is the torsion beam rear suspension; say hello to a multilink setup. New colours have been added.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Powertrain: A 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine teams up with an electric motor to generate a combined 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |
Cargo Capacity: Due to the rear-mounted battery, the Jetta Turbo Hybrid's trunk can hold only 320 litres of gear (440 litres in the regular Jetta).
Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Jetta Turbo Hybrid occupants.
Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid: This is the only compact hybrid on the market. Gas-electric variants of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Toyota Camry are all larger and slightly more expensive. That said, check out the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius, as well.