Indian Autos blog

While most Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are already neck deep into different types of hybrid technologies, VW was a bit late to the party. The progress of rival companies has definitely not discouraged their efforts.

Come 2012 Detroit Motor Show, Volkswagen is going to present Jetta Hybrid which will directly compete against Toyota Prius.

The new Jetta Hybrid will reportedly be powered by 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. The car is scheduled to hit the US market in November 2012. VW wishes to take the shin away from the Toyota Prius which has been the darling of tree huggers.

Of course, the Jetta Hybrid makes little sense for India where Prius sells in single digits. However we would love to see VW bring their BlueMotion Jetta to India.

While Indians are enthusiastically awaiting the Honda Jazz, Honda is busy developing the hybrid version of this sought-after hatchback for international markets, where it will be introduced by 2010.

The Jazz hybrid will be constructed utilizing the same mechanicals as the Honda Insight, which is tagged as the most affordable hybrid car by few. The Honda Insight will be announced next month, at the Detroit Motor Show and soon afterwards bookings will commence.