By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos VW Media
The Jetta has held the crown as Volkswagen’s best-selling car for many years that has continued to this day with the 2015 VW Jetta Hybrid model.
Exterior
At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windshield and the consistent use of horizontal lines define the modern Jetta Hybrid design. To this, the 2015 model brings a new bumper, and available Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System. These Bi-Xenon units have a distinctive design and unmistakable signature, with each daytime running light being formed by 15 LEDs arranged in an L-shaped string alongside and beneath the xenon modules. This new look is further accentuated by a chrome element between the LED daytime running lights and the xenon lights. The larger lower air intake, give a wider and more substantial appearance. This new look is finished off with optional foglights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper.
The 2015 Jetta Hybrid features an updated rear design, including a new trunk lid, taillights, and bumper. The new trunk lid features an aerodynamic trailing edge an integrated spoiler that lines up with the car’s silhouette near the character line, extending elegantly into the rear fenders. Along with the trunk lid’s prominent side lines and new bumper design, these elements define the new rear look.
Aside from the blue-highlighted Volkswagen logo and badging, the Jetta Hybrid features a unique air intake, air dam; side skirts, underbody and diffuser that help the Hybrid achieve a lower coefficient of drag than the gasoline and diesel-powered Jettas.
Interior
For 2015, updates to the cabin are subtle but significant. The instrument cluster gauges are now framed in chrome and have a new tunnel design. Standard equipment and options packages have been updated and reconfigured throughout the model line-up and now include a selection of new driver assistance systems not available on 2014 models.
Premium features that are offered on various trims include: a six-way power driver’s seat; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control; a sunroof; a soft-touch dashboard; two-tone V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; RNS 315 navigation system; Fender Premium Audio System; Keyless access with push-button start; Volkswagen Car-Net connected services; and a rearview camera.
The Jetta Hybrid is given its own color instrument cluster and an assortment of driver assistance systems that are new for 2015, including Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Park Distance Control.
Engine
Under the hood the Jetta Hybrid powertrain is unique in the compact hybrid segment. Combining a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve a perfect balance of power and efficiency.
The 1.4-liter TSI engine features a 10.5:1 compression ratio, direct injection, and turbocharging to produce 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. This engine’s turbocharging system offers incredible boost response thanks to its cleverly designed intake manifold, which enables the use of a surprisingly small, single-scroll compressor. The intercooler is integrated directly into the injection-molded induction pipe. This design generates maximum torque of 184 lb-ft at just 1,600 rpm.
A hybrid also needs electric power. Volkswagen engineers employed an innovative hybrid module a single, integrated unit that incorporates both the electric motor and the clutch that connects it to the engine. This water-cooled motor can add 27 horsepower to the mix, as well as a constant 114 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the system puts out 170 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at an impressively low 1,000 rpm, giving the car incredibly smooth acceleration.
Summary
The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Jetta not only brings a sleek new design but also offers customers state-of-the-art technology, creating the ideal combination of Volkswagen design, performance, and world-class engineering.
The well-equipped Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium has a starting MSRP of $31,120 and offers a seven-speed DSG transmission. In addition, this trim features: automatic Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and Adaptive Front-Lighting System; aerodynamic body kit; rain-sensing wipers with heated windshield washer nozzles; rear spoiler; power heated side mirrors; auto-dimming rearview mirror; Bluetooth connectivity; VW Car-Net connected car features; Keyless access with push-button start; a power tilt and slide sunroof; heatable front seats; rearview camera; RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Media-Device Interface with iPhone adapter; color display in instrument cluster; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; Homelink; automatic dual-zone air conditioning; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Park Distance Control; foglights with static cornering light; and 17-inch Buenos Aires aluminum-alloy wheels. The Fender Premium Audio System is optional.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
