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New Jetta Hybrid is tops in fuel economy (pictures)

Volkswagen's first hybrid sedan turns in mid-40s fuel economy, topping even its own diesel siblings while providing very comfortable drivability.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Volkswagen expands its Jetta line, which already boasts gasoline and diesel versions, with a hybrid. The electrified drivetrain results in top fuel economy for the line, and makes the Jetta Hybrid very competitive with other automakers' offerings.
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These hybrid badges on the fenders and blue-tinted VW badges mark the car as the Jetta Hybrid.
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Another feature that distinguishes the Jetta Hybrid from other cars in the line is an aero kit, combining a rear spoiler and modified front air dam to significantly lower the car's coefficient of drag.
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The Jetta Hybrid fits in the compact sedan segment, so only has to contend with the Honda Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid as direct competition.
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For the hybrid version of the Jetta, Volkswagen upgraded the rear suspension and brakes.
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One of the few compromises is a little lost trunk space, as the lithium ion battery pack sits over the rear axle.
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This high-trim Jetta Hybrid features comfortable front seats, covered in leather, heated, and power-adjustable.
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Rear legroom is not bad for a compact sedan.
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Volkswagen allots cabin tech by trim rather than letting buyers add it piecemeal. This SEL Premium model includes navigation, upgraded audio, and a rearview camera.
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The electrically boosted power-steering system is very easy to turn, giving the car a bit of a luxury feel.
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Volkswagen swaps out the tachometer for a power meter in the Jetta Hybrid's instrument cluster.
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The instrument cluster display can show the hybrid drivetrain power flow.
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The instrument cluster display also shows audio, navigation, and phone information at the touch of a button.
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The seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission delivers smooth, efficient gear changes, but the Sport and manual shift modes are not really useful.
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The navigation system includes basic features, such as maps in 2D and perspective views, but lacks traffic reporting, a key feature in congested areas.
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This rotary menu makes it easy to select options, but the POI database lacks a search feature.
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The hands-free phone system includes contact list integration, and voice command lets drivers place calls by name.
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For Bluetooth streaming audio, the LCD shows full track information, although the skip-track buttons don't work.
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The Fender audio system in the Jetta Hybrid is one of the better values in automotive sound, delivering crisp, clear music reproduction.

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