VW bucks hybrid convention with 2013 Jetta HEV

Rather than use a mild-mannered Atkinson-cycle ICE, VW engineers opted for a turbocharger. Their unique P2 hybrid powertrain stands alone in terms of sheer driving fun balanced with efficiency.

When you arrive late to a party, it can be wise to bring something that separates you from the crowd. Volkswagen has done that with its first entry into the hybrid passenger car market. Rather than use an Atkinson cycle (late intake-valve closing) internal-combustion engine (ICE) as is industry practice with a hybrid-electric powertrain, the VW engineers opted for a 150-hp (112-kW) intercooled turbocharged version of its EA211-series gasoline engine.

They paired the boosted 1.4-L engine with the slick-shifting DQ200 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT, which VW calls DSG), a 20-kW electric motor, and VW's first production use of a lithium-ion battery pack. The P2-type hybrid powertrain-so named by the position of its e-motor between the engine and gearbox-is installed in a chassis that is based on the sporty Jetta GLI. The resulting 2013 Jetta Hybrid is, in the author's opinion, the most engaging, fun-to-drive hybrid currently in production.