Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

VW now has six models with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of more than 40 mpg

Mike Sefton - CleanMPG - July 20, 2012

Volkswagen is on a roll in the United States. Overall sales for the brand were up 35.4 percent year-on-year for the first six months of 2012. And the momentum continues into model year 2013 with the introduction of new derivatives of the Jetta and the Beetle, a significantly changed CC four-door coupe, and some important upgrades to the Jetta and the Eos. All models except the Routan get changes for 2013.

The most important introduction for 2013 will be the Jetta Hybrid, Volkswagen’s first offering in the compact hybrid category and VW’s second-ever hybrid model. This is VW’s first turbocharged hybrid and the first hybrid in the world to use a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Competitively priced with other compact hybrid sedans, the Jetta Hybrid will offer class-leading performance combined with excellent fuel economy.

Notable changes:

Beetle:
VW will also add a second convertible to the lineup when the Beetle Convertible goes on sale. The car will be available with 2.5-liter naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter turbocharged, and 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engines and will feature a fast-acting top that preserves the sleek lines of the coupe. With an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway for the manual transmission model, this means that VW now has no fewer than six models in the lineup with EPA ratings of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

The Beetle coupe went on sale in 2012 in 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter TSI forms. In August, the Beetle coupe range will be rounded out with the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that will achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.


Jetta:
Following record sales in 2011—the sixth-generation Jetta’s first full year on sale in the U.S.—the best-selling model in Volkswagen’s line-up receives a number of technology and interior comfort updates.

Starting with the popular 2.5-liter engine models, standard updates to the SE trim include power-recline driver and front passenger seats, new decorative metallic trim on the dash and door panels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. Exterior enhancements include a chrome radiator grille and chrome window trim.

The SEL trim adds a six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support, sport-comfort driver and front passenger seats, and a soft-touch dash. A two-tone black-and-beige interior complements the changes for 2013.

A new trim, SEL with Navigation, adds the acclaimed Fender Premium Audio System and the RNS-315 touchscreen navigation system.

Similar to the 2.5-liter gasoline trims, all TDI Clean Diesel models receive interior and exterior enhancements. All models now include power-recline driver and front passenger seats in addition to a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. A new iridium trim enhances the dash and door panels. The exterior now features a chrome radiator grille along with chrome window trim.

The top-of-the-line TDI Premium with Navigation trim includes a six-way power driver seat and a new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel.

The performance-driven Jetta GLI model now features Launch Control. All Jetta GLI models equipped with the DSG automatic transmission include a Launch Control program that can be engaged by the driver when the vehicle is at a stop, allowing for a perfect launch with controlled wheelspin. Technology updates to the sporty GLI Autobahn with Navigation trim include a rearview camera and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs.

Volkswagen’s first hybrid compact, the Jetta Hybrid, launches in the late fall. It will offer a manufacturer-estimated combined 45 mpg. Further detail on trims and pricing will be announced at launch.


Touareg:
Touareg TDI Clean Diesel models get a power hike, from 225 horsepower to 240, while hybrid models receive LED taillights and rear license-plate light.

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

Hi Mike:

The only new entry that interests me is the upcoming 45 mpgUS combined rated Jetta hybrid. I made a request for that and once again the Passat TDI with the 6-speed stick for the Chicago Press Fleet. I may have an in with the Jetta Hybrid short lead but I have not heard anything back in over a week :(

The Jetta Hybrid with the 1.4L and its any speed Glide capability could be a real sleeper in the right hands.

Wayne

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

It sounds like it has good mpg potential. I have a feeling it will be priced too high to be competitive though :(

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

"Competitively priced with other compact hybrid sedans"

What other compact hybrid sedans?.. the only compact hybrids are the Honda Civic and Insight in the low $20s, the Volt..

Prius Classic is a midsize, C-Max and the Sonata are large and so on.

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

Hi Herm:

The Prius is a midsize because of its hatch, not because of its passenger volume. Passenger volume is the part we live in and the Jetta has 92.4 cu. ft. while the Prius has 93.7 cu. ft.

Mike, you are probably right. The Touareg Hybrid with the supercharged V6 was something like $15K over the TDI and thus a lousy seller.

We will see what VW does with the Jetta Hybrid. Its sales are beginning to fall off and TDI pricing at $24K with the AT to start (I keep hearing its supply of TDI’s out of Poland but that has been said for years now???) is keeping America from embracing the TDI in ever larger numbers :( It is a far more engaging vehicle to drive than a Prius of course but the Prius still adds a lot of hurt to the Jetta TDI in the city and still beats it out on the super slab? The Hybrid may change the highway numbers around a bit as the Prius breaking 70 at lower highway speeds is tough.

Wayne

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

Speaking of VW's 2.5L gas engine. When in the HECK is VW going do do something about that gas hog of a motor? Sheesh, it's 2012 already. I know VW offers the diesel for those who are really serious about MPG, but you'd think the gas buyers (often those with less money in their wallets) would care too. The 2.5 is getting to be an absolute embarrassment for C-class vehicles like the Jetta and Golf.

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

So probably a single motor hybrid, the question is on what side of the clutch will it be.

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

I would love to see an EOS TDI. They have them in Europe, why not here.

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

Hi Herm:

2013 VW Jetta Hybrid at 45 mpgUS combined = “Nuff Said”

As Tony the Tiger would say, "This is going to be Great" ;)

Wayne

Re: Volkswagen Continues Its Product Offensive For Model Year 2013
 

I believe VW has a 1.4-1.8L turbo coming to replace the 2.5 at some point.