CarSeekBlog

As hybrids become more and more integrated with mainstream vehicle lineups, affordability is becoming a key factor, which is why we’re excited about this news from Volkswagen: the German automaker has demonstrated once more its commitment to going green and is producing a gas-electric hybrid version of the ever-popular Jetta, with a debut scheduled for 2012.

The gas powered 2011 Jetta, which made its own global debut earlier today in New York, is priced at $16,000 – roughly $1,700 under the current model. In the words of VW product strategist Toscan Bennett, “With the new Jetta, we’ve kept everything people liked, but also made the car more accessible to the entry-level buyer in the compact segment. We want people who had considered Jettas too expensive to put us on their shopping lists.”

As the year goes on, VW is set to launch the Touareg Hybrid SUV, its first hybrid, but it won’t be at all affordable. Instead, if the pricing announced in Europe is Later this year, Volkswagen will introduce the Touareg Hybrid SUV, its first hybrid, but it will hardly be affordable. Based on pricing announced in Europe, the cost of the Touareg Hybrid could exceed $90,000 in the U.S. As well, it will be joining a field of expensive luxury SUVs already overloaded with options.

The Hybrid Jetta, on the other hand, will most likely be priced in the low $20,000s, and is probably going to offer fuel economy stats in the mid-40 mpg range. It will also represent the first time an auto company offers both a hybrid and a clean diesel version of a car in a cost-competitive model.

Filed under: Going Green, VW by Mel