The XL1 is acclaimed as the world’s most fuel-efficient hybrid.
CO2 output is 21g/km, fuel efficiency a claimed 313mpg
The futuristic two-seater has a 0.8-litre, two-cylinder, 48hp diesel engine and a 27hp electric motor and was designed to meet an economy target of one litre of fuel per 100 km, equivalent to 282 mpg.
Volkswagen’s engineers bust the target with a car that consumes 0.9 litres/100 km, and so boasts a combined fuel figure of 313 mpg, with a CO2 output of 21 g/km – that’s a company car tax band of 8% for the 2015/16 tax year.
The car is rear-wheel-drive and has a seven-speed DSG gearbox, magnesium wheels and ceramic brakes. It is capable of 100 mph – the top speed is electronically limited – and 0-62 acceleration is 12.7 seconds, so it is no slouch.
The futuristic style of the XL1 features a carbon fibre body with butterfly-wing doors. The side windows are polycarbonate. There is no rear-view mirror and no doors mirrors. Instead, there are rearward cameras sited on the doors that send live video images to monitors on the door interiors.
The super-frugal VW has been named as winner of the Transport category in the annual Design of the Year Awards. It is on display in London’s Design Museum until 25 August.
More on the Volkswagen XL1
Read our review on this futuristic Volkswagen.
