In a surprise unveil, VW took the

In a surprise unveil, VW took the

wraps off this two-door concept car, dubbed the New Compact Coupé, at

the Detroit Motor Show.

Previewing an upcoming

replacement for the Jetta saloon ò€“ VW"s biggest selling car in the US ò€“ the new Jetta will reach American showrooms within 18 months time, adding a pair of rear doors to the car you see here. It is also likely to come to the UK, where it will join the latest Golf MKVI line-up.

However, it is also likely that a two-door coupe variant will be available too, based on this concept.

This will primarily be for the US market though, as the Scirocco is currently not on sale in the States and the NCC"s more traditional lines are thought to appeal more to US buyers than the hatchback Scirocco"s.

It"s certainly a good looking machine with sleek lines and smart headlights. The assertive

stance is helped by a sweeping coupé roofline and a low-slung, sporty

profile. Aerodynamic tweaks such as a covered grille and rear spoiler

help to reduce drag.

Under the bonnet lies a big pointer to VW"s future engine engine range in the shape of a 147bhp, 1.4-litre TSI engine

boosted by a 25bhp electric motor. Mated to VWò€™s efficient seven-speed

DSG gearbox, it does 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds, and can hit 141mph.

The

car can be driven in fully electric mode and features a special clutch

that separates the engine from the drivetrain to reduce drag. The same

happens when the driver lifts off at high speed, allowing the car to

ò€˜sailò€™ with no resistance from the engine. As a result itò€™s very

eco-friendly, returning 45mpg and emitting 98g/km of CO2!

Expect this engine to reach the Golf and Jetta ranges in around three years" time. In the meantime, the Jetta will be avaiable with the same range of petrol and diesel units as the latest Golf.

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