Volkswagen NCC Hybrid Coupe Concept

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

New Compact Coupe (What an Original Name)
Volkswagen had a pretty nice-looking hybrid coupe to unveil in Detroit. It's just a concept for now, though unlike many other concept cars, this one actually looks like it could be turned into a production model with only small modifications. VW's approach to squeeze the most miles from every gallon of fuel is to combine its already-existing fuel-saving technologies. Read on for the technical details.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

VW NCC Technical Specs
The NCC gets a 1.4-liter TSI gas engine combined with a 20-kilowatt electric motor powered by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 7-speed DSG (dual clutch) transmission.

The gas engine alone produces 150 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, but when combined with the electric motor, the combined total climbs to 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.

0 to 60 mph time is 8.1 seconds, and top speed is 141 mph.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

What About Fuel Economy?
In VW's words: "Combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km* (45 mpg)! CO2 emissions: 98 g/km!" (the exclamation points are VW's)

Not to beat a dead horse, but this is a bigger and more powerful car than the just unveiled Honda CR-Z hybrid, yet it gets (on paper, anyway) significantly better fuel economy.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Coasting Trick
One interesting feature that should probably be used on more cars:

Frequently coasting: As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This so-called "coast-down" is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. Since drag losses are eliminated here too, the NCC coasts for a very long time. And this promotes an anticipatory style of driving that leads directly to reduced fuel consumption.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

No word yet on availability, but I wouldn't be surprised if the next generation VW Jetta kind of looked like this (and maybe they'll bring back the Jetta Coupe).

Volkswagen Unveils New Concept Coupe (NCC) Hybrid

Volkswagen kick-started 2010 on a positive note with the world premiere of the snappy New Concept Coupe (NCC) at the 2010 Detroit auto show. Not withstanding the expected mint-fresh and pleasant look pre-production, this four-seater car has much to offer in terms of futuristic imagery that we see with most concept cars. As expected the car achieves a decent fuel economy at around 45 mpg (combined).

This parallel-hybrid vehicle runs on either a combination of gas-engine and electric or electric power only. It employs a 147 horsepower 1.4 L TSI engine and a 20-kilowatt (equivalent of 27 horsepower) electric motor, a 7 speed DSG gearbox and 177 lb-feet of torque besides CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. With a top speed of 141 mph and a performance figure of 60 mph in 8.6 secs in a combination engine state, it employs regenerative braking to charge the 1.1 kWh lithium battery.

The NCC comes in Tungsten Silver Metallic with sharp edges and clean lines, large wheels and a wide but aerodynamically efficient grille which gives it a more aggressive look with exceptional features of sculpted bucket seats in Berry White and Grigio Quartz leather, bi-xenon headlights and 19-inches Lugano allow wheels. There is an 8-inch touch screen on the dash that is angled towards the driver to give him access to the new navigation system. It comes with a multi-purpose steering wheel that is brand new in terms of design and other state-of-the-art features like analog speed and taco displays with additional navigation information.

There has been no official confirmation of production by the personnel at Volkswagen, however we’re guessing we wont have to wait long, and could see it as early as 2012.

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2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

(All photos: Bill Griffith/Boston.com)

Over the winter last year I was interested in test driving - and likely purchasing - a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. The TDI is the clean diesel engine that now has become legal to sell in all 50 states.

However, the dealer I contacted said there would be a wait because he had a waiting list and no demos.

Thus I abandoned plans to try and find that black SportWagen TDI with a saddle interior.

So what is today's test car? It's a black 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI with a saddle interior. It even has the manual transmission I would have preferred. Sometimes it's strange how the fates treat us mortals. In this case, in addition to writing a review, I get a chance to write about "what might have been."

Let's jump to the bottom line: Would I have wound up buying this car? Most likely yes.

This is an upscale, sporty wagon with German styling, good handling, the diesel's mother lode of inherent torque, and nicely proportioned ergonomics. The interior space is nicely apportioned among the front-seat passengers, rear-seat riders, and cargo area. It's a minor example, but Mrs. G and I both noted that there was plenty of elbow space for each of us in sharing the center armrest.

Need more space? Fold the rear seats and cargo space jumps from 32.8 cubic feet to 66.9 cubic feet.

Since my winter search, the price of diesel has dropped to roughly the same as unleaded regular, making the TDI's EPA mileage range of 30 city to 41 highway even more attractive. We averaged 38.6 mpg in a mix of driving. Frankly, that was a bit disappointing because I remember early diesel Rabbits, despite their clatter and smoke, averaging in the 50 mpg range - or so their owners claimed.

The reasons I was originally attracted to the SportWagen remain. It's pretty much in a niche of its own as a reasonably priced European wagon with a decent list of upscale standard features including air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, leatherette interior, and stability control, plus EDL (electronic differential locking) and EBA (engine braking assist).

Base price of the SportWagen is $23,870. Add a $700 destination charge and you're at $24,570. Our version didn't have the touch-screen navigation ($1,990) or large, panoramic sunroof ($1,300). Also available are some alloy wheel and tire packages in the $1,300 to $1,800 range, Bluetooth ($325) and several iPod adaptors ($199 and $250).

It's easy to tell you're driving a diesel. For starters, there's a minimal but noticeable bit of clatter and vibration. There's also a ton of torque (236 lb.-ft) off the line at the lower and most used rpm range (1,750 to 2,500 rpm).