Sometimes I don’t know what I enjoy more about my job, getting to drive wonderful cars or having that privilege in new, exotic travel destinations.  I was fortunate to have ample seat time in the new, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid, whilst experiencing Santa Fe New Mexico for the first time.  As enjoyable the scenery and vibe of our location was, the highlight was cruising across the high desert with speed and grace.

2013 VW Jetta Hybrid

On approach, only those with a keen eye will be able to distinguish the Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid from the non-hybrid version.  Updated alloy wheels in 15, 16, and 17 inch sizes are probably your best clue.  The subtle blue drop shadow, trimming out the front and rear badges will also indicate to you that something is different about this Jetta.  Overall, it continues a refined evolution of design of both the Jetta model, and the complete Volkswagen brand.

Once settled inside, you begin to see and feel the quality that separates the 2013 VW Jetta Turbo Hybrid from its competitors.  The standard leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is a  joy to grasp, alluding to the overall premium nature of the entire vehicle.  The no nonsense gauge cluster includes two easy to read dials, trimmed in chrome, that are nestled to either side of the car’s standard Multi-Function Instrument.  The left dial is important to highlight, as it is the new “Power Meter”, taking place of the traditional tachometer.  Although the needle of the Power Meter sits at zero when the Jetta is at a standstill, it will climb as you accelerate and gain speed, and it indicates to you your level of consumption, both gasoline through the engine and electricity through the motor.  Keeping the needing in the 0-6, or blue range, is what is termed the Eco Mode, or most efficient driving style.

The Power Meter maxes out at 10, which is Boost Mode, where the Jetta Turbo Hybrid is achieving full system output, by having the electric motor and gasoline engine work together.  Once the accelerator is released, the Power Meter’s needle will drop to 0, and then into negative territory.  That is the green range, used to show that the car is now making electricity, to store in the ever so svelte battery pack.  On the SE model and above, a more thorough view of the current status of the car’s energy thriftiness is seen on the radio/navigation touch screen, that is mounted in the center console.  I particularly enjoyed the diagram of the car and it’s underlying drive train, showing in orange and blue (gasoline and electricity, respectively) where the power is coming from at any given moment, based on my driving style.  This became the default screen I chose to have showing while underway.

The way the Jetta Turbo Hybrid feels as you drive it is like a non-hybrid version of the Jetta.  Great handling, firmly planted to the road, confidently steering you through the curves and over uneasy terrain.  Exactly how a car should be, except this one also gives you the added benefit of being a hybrid.  The switch from gasoline to electric is hard to notices, when you are or aren’t trying pay attention.  It’s that stealth.  The way the electric motor takes up the energy upon breaking is my only gripe, as it is grabby and can seem heavy footed when an otherwise experienced driver would finesse the pedal better.  Being a turbocharged car, the requirement of premium fuel should not come as a surprise, and it worth  paying as it gets you class best acceleration, while delivering a manufacturer estimated highway mileage of 45 mpg.

With all the option available to the consumer, it is time to buy a car that is a hybrid, rather than a hybrid that is a car.  The 2013 Jetta Turbo Hybrid is that car that happens to be a hybrid, giving the best of both worlds.  Starting at under $25k, it is the “Car Guy’s Hybrid” that you can be proud to own and drive, and will really set the standard moving forward.

World’s Fastest Hybrid – The 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid 185 mph.

The World’s fastest car is… make that the World’s fastest hybrid car is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid which reached 185 MPH on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada.

The 2013 Jetta Hybrid recorded a record speed of 185.394 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada, during the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) annual Speed Week. This is the fastest speed ever achieved by a production-based hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

VW Jetta Hybrid Specs:

Vehicle: 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® gasoline engine
Horsepower: 150 horsepower with an electric motor which provides an additional 27 hp.
Transmission: seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission
Fuel Consumption: Combined 45 MPG

VW Jetta Hybrid Speed Record

Yesterday Roadfly announced the Best Green Cars for 2012.

#10 – 2012 Hyundai Accent
#9 – 2012 Subaru Impreza
#8 – 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
#7 – 2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv
#6 – 2012 Chrysler 300
#5 – 2012 Audi A6
#4 – 2012 BMW 328i Sedan
#3 – 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas
#2 – 2012 Toyota Prius c
#1 – 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI

You can read the full press release here:

2012 Roadfly Green Car of the Year and Best Green Cars

Host Ross Rapoport spent a week in the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg VR6 Sport, a brand new redesigned premium SUV that is as fun to drive as it is comfortable and elegant.

Sharing some design cues with the far-more expensive Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg has flowing lines and a pronounced back-end, making its silhouette look eerily similar to its European cousin. Also for 2011, the Touareg has managed to drop over 400 pounds while increasing its cargo capacity and overall size, a fairly noteworthy improvement over the course of one year.

Watch the 2011 VW Touareg VR6 Sport Review Video at YouTube.

The Touareg for 2011 comes in several different engine options, including a brand new hybrid option which unfortunately we didn’t get to test drive. However, our 3.6L VR6 engine, with 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, was more than capable of getting us around town with its ample power and acceleration. Gas mileage is decent considering the engine and the weight, you’ll be mustering roughly 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. With the hybrid engine, you’ll be getting slightly better numbers: a supercharged V6 with 333 horses and 324 pound feet, with gas mileage coming in at 20/27. Do the math and that extra power and mileage might not be enough to justify the additional $9,000 or so it takes to upgrade to the hybrid engine. And all of the Touaregs come with VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system to manage all the twists and turns your commute can throw at you.

Inside, the Touareg is functional and efficient, if a little plain. The execution is user-friendly, with a highly intuitive climate control and navigation system. All in all, the cabin is practical, but doesn’t contain any particular cutting-edge technology that you might expect in a SUV at this price. In fact, the Touareg doesn’t contain real leather seats, a sunroof, or a third row of seats.

The 2011 Touareg has undergone some very desirable upgrades and changes for this year, and remains a very powerful front-runner in the midsize and luxury SUV segment, giving many of its more expensive competitors in its class a run for their money. Our VR6 Sport Touareg starts off at $45,600 with an as tested price of $46,420.

Host: Ross Rapoport

Vehicle: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg VR6 Sport
Base Price: $45,600
Price as tested: $46,420
Engine: 3.6L VR6 engine
Horsepower: 280 hp / 265 lb-ft torque
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

EPA: 21 city / 27 highway MPG

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VW introduced the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle at the New York Auto Show. This is the sportiest and most fuel efficient Beetle ever offered. The 2012 VW Beetle will offer three engines a 2.5L gasoline five cylinder, a 2.0L TDI clean diesel and a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine. Transmission choices include a 5-speed or 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed automatic, depending on the engine.

The 2012 VW Beetle diesel gets a very impressive 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city.

VW even took the opportunity with the new Beetle to poke fun at themselves with the tag line “More power less flower” which is a reference to the original “new Beetle” which came with a flower vase mounted on the dash. Rather than referring to the 2012 Beetle as the new, new Beetle they’re terming it “the 21st Century Beetle.”

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in two trim lines “Design” and “Sport.” Each with it’s own unique character.

Watch the video on YouTube: 2012 VW Beetle

For more information, pictures, and specs on the 2012 VW Beetle visit RoadflyTV