[IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/f2/f2709dcce843434981ff351baf08aa04.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/70/70c1c63d860b45618eac2305425475cf.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/30/300df4cfa5504cb4a818abd3ac00eb08.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]The New Compact Coupe is capable of up to 45 mpg, thanks to an efficient 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor. How powerful? [URL="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1124504#"]Volkswagen[IMG]http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_bing_11pxw.gif[/IMG][/URL] says the combined output should be close to 177 horsepower. That means that unlike the [URL="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Toyota&model=Prius"][COLOR=#07519a]Toyota Prius[/COLOR][/URL] and [URL="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Honda&model=Insight"][COLOR=#07519a]Honda Insight[/COLOR][/URL], this gas-electric hybrid might turn out to be a machine people may actually enjoy driving.
Volkswagen has nestled that robust electric motor between the gasoline engine and a 7-speed [URL="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1124504#"]dual-clutch gearbox[IMG]http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_bing_11pxw.gif[/IMG][/URL] to maximize efficiency and allow the two powerplants to complement each other when a little extra grunt is needed. Even better, the New Compact Coupe can be operated in full electric mode. Volkswagen has also incorporated a number of innovative fuel-saving technologies, including completely disengaging the gasoline motor from the transmission during coasting and using brake energy to restore battery power while on the go. Start/stop technology also finds its way into the gasoline engine.
Providing electricity is a lithium-ion battery positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The rearward location helps maintain the coupe's handling characteristics.[/QUOTE]
[URL]http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1124504[/URL]
Probably one of the sharpest looking hybrids that I've seen.