The Jetta Hybrid made its debut, in full production form, at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, ahead of its launch on the North American market. POWERED BY the combination of a 150 PS 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine and a 20 kw electric motor, together with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, the Jetta Hybrid is capable of averaging around 54 mpg, while still able to provide good performance, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds. A parallel hybrid, it uses a decoupling clutch to disengage the petrol engine for pure electric drive (or when coasting or braking), or disengage the electric motor (for high speeds or when the battery charge is low), or to combine the two units for a maximum power output of 170 PS and torque of 250 Nm (184 lb.ft.) Running purely on electric power, the Jetta Hybrid can achieve speeds of up to 70 kph (44 mph) and cover a distance of 2 km (1.3 miles), depending on conditions. So long as the battery has sufficient charge, the Jetta Hybrid switches to electric drive mode either automatically (at speeds of up to 60 kph/37 mph) or at the press of a button next to the gearlever (up to 70 kph/44 mph).
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