Volkswagen says it is waiting to assess reaction to its 'Jetta coupe' show star before giving it the go-ahead for production, although judging by comments about the new model here in Detroit it's looking like a pretty safe bet.
The new Jetta saloon - which reportedly shares many of this coupe concept's styling cues - goes on sale in Europe in November, with UK sales starting early next year. According to our source at the show, a coupe version could be with us a year after the saloon if the concept is well received.
Although shown here in Detroit as a hybrid, if it does get the nod expect to see the car arrive first with the 210ps EA888 engine from the Scirocco and Golf GTi models.
The hybrid powertrain is even further off, we expect, although it is undoubtedly a taste of VWs to come. (The first VW hybrid will be the all new Touareg, which arrives later this year.)
The hybrid system in this show concept (or 'Compact Coupe as it is officially known) features a turbocharged 1.4 TSI engine developing 150ps boosted by a 27ps electric motor - with sufficient lithium-ion battery power to allow electric-only operation.
VW claims the concept is both sporty and efficient, with an 8.6sec 0-62mph time and 141mph maximum speed quoted - as well as the potential for 67mpg on the combined cycle.
Talking to PistonHeads at Detroit, VW's head of design Klaus Bischoff said the new coupe would fit above the current Scirocco, which he describes a 'playful' design, while the Compact Coupe is 'more mature and grown-up'.
"This car will still be beautiful in 10 years," he maintained, and I don't think he meant to imply the Scirocco may not...
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