It already offers four- and five-cylinder petrol engines as well as a 2.0-litre diesel. Now the US market’s Volkswagen Jetta is going after leadership of the compact segment by adding a petrol-electric powertrain to the mix.

VW had confirmed at the Detroit show in January 2009 that there would be a hybrid version of the then-unseen new generation Jetta sedan. The car has now made its global debut at the 2012 edition of the show.

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The new Jetta Hybrid is powered by the combination of a 150hp 1.4-litre I4 direct injection gasoline (‘TSI’) engine and one 27hp electric motor, just as was a previous two-door Jetta concept.

Unlike many other hybrid vehicles, this front-wheel drive car will have a standard seven-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox, not the more common CVT. As in the Touareg Hybrid SUV, the Jetta Hybrid features a clutch that decouples the gasoline engine from the drivetrain when in electric drive or coasting modes. The car is said to be able to run in EV mode for up to two kilometres and at speeds of up to 44mph or 70km/h before the petrol engine kicks in.

The Hybrid is claimed to weigh ‘less than 3310 lb’, which VW of America says means that its weight has increased by 221 lb. The division does not note what it is comparing that measurement to – most likely the 1.4-litre Jetta that is available in other markets.

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This new variant gains aerodynamic modifications including a special front spoiler, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler. There are also unique headlights with LED running lights, LED rear lights and special 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. ‘Hybrid’ badges feature on the front wings, bootlid and also on the grille, where the Volkswagen logo sits on a blue background.

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The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is expected to be in US market VW dealerships in November.