Verdict: Sci-fi looks and fun to drive at 313mpg
What’s hot?
- Sci-fi looks, exceptionally sleek and aerodynamic
- Exceptional fuel economy, tested at 313 mpg on the official cycle
- Real-world economy easily tops 200 mpg if you use its eco features
- Exceptionally low CO2 output of 21 g/km
- Braking regeneration recoups energy that would otherwise be lost
- Rarity value, only 200 will be made, with 32 allocated to the UK
- Powered by a 27 hp electric motor and 48 hp, 0.8 litre two-cylinder diesel engine
- Peak power in 5,700 to 6,700 rpm rev range, peak torque at 1,750 to 5,500 rpm
- Seven-speed twin clutch DSG auto gearbox
- Rear-wheel-drive, slick handling, enjoyable to drive
- Top speed 100 mph, 0-62 acceleration time 12.7 seconds
- Weighs just 795 kg
- Lightweight carbon fibre body, magnesium wheels, ceramic brakes
- Equipped with LED lights, climate control and Bluetooth
- Dinky little door cameras send side/rearview images to colour monitors on the door interiors
- Cosy two-seater, snug and comfortable
- Passenger seat set further back to improve driver’s view
- Volkswagen is taking orders now, deliveries next March
- Chosen as prime example of Transport design by the Design Museum
What’s not?
- The price, at £98,515
- Not a car to choose if you hate being looked at, everyone turns and stares
- Very low-slung, so feels dwarfed by other traffic
- No interior rear-view mirror and no door mirrors either, door cameras instead
- Using inside-door monitors to see rearwards takes some getting used to
- Promise of 313 mpg hard to achieve, although 200+ mpg easily possible
- Not much boot space, will take weekend bags if you leave charging kit behind
- Limited adjustment on driving seat, can’t vary backrest, can only tilt whole seat
- Carbon fibre body acts like a drum in magnifying engine sound when the diesel is running
- Gravelly note to the tiny diesel engine when it cuts in
- Escaping a car park takes time, everybody wants to stop and talk about the car
