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"Volkswagen has finally decided to enter the hybrid game, with its sights squarely set on the Toyota Prius. Its entry is a hybrid version of the popular Jetta, which the company introduced at this past North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We were able to sneak a test drive of the much-anticipated vehicle near VW headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.        2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid    The Jetta Hyrbid&amp;#039;s powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 that produces 150 bhp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks from 1400 to 3500 rpm. The electrical part of the hybrid equation consists of a 20-kW (27 hp) electric motor. At low speeds (up to 37 mph), the Jetta Hybrid can run on full electric power for about a mile, with the gasoline engine coming to life when the throttle is mashed. At freeway speeds, the Jetta Hybrid runs almost exclusively on the gasoline engine, with regenerative braking helping to recharge the lithium-ion battery.        2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid    On the road, it&amp;#039;s evident that the new 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hyrbid is a different breed from the rest of the hybrid pack. The car leaves the line in a sporty manner and gets to highway speed quickly. VW claims it hits 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, but from the driver&amp;#039;s seat it feels more like a 7-sec machine. Credit here goes to the gearbox. Instead of equipping the car with a CVT (as is found in most hybrids), VW fits the Jetta Hybrid with a far sportier 7-speed DSG transmission. Upshifts and downshifts are quick, and they can be performed manually using the shift lever.        2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid    The Jetta Hybrid&amp;#039;s handling manners are also impressive. While the car will understeer at the limit through most corners, body roll is minimal. The steering is quick and linear, with excellent feedback. And the ride quality is even, with the body structure displaying excellent rigidity through corners and over bumps.   While the Jetta Hybrid&amp;#039;s combined economy of 45 mpg is a bit shy of the Prius&amp;#039; 50 mpg, it&amp;#039;s much more fun to drive. And for those who value having fun behind the wheel as much as fuel efficiency, the sporty road manners of the Jetta Hybrid are a worthwhile tradeoff for that 5 mpg difference. Look for the Jetta Hybrid in the fall of 2012, priced at about $25,000. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a17951/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-1/>