Volkswagen XL1 Set For Production

Volkswagen has confirmed that its XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle, the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with fuel consumption estimated at 313 mpg will go into production at the company’s Osnabrueck factory in Germany.

The great efficiency is down to its low kerb weight and aerodynamic design. The XL1 weighs just 795kg, it has a body made mostly of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic and an ultra-thin glass windscreen. The body alone weighs just 230kgs.

The XL1 power plant is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder diesel engine developing 47 bhp. It’s linked to an electric motor producing 27 bhp. The TDI engine is linked to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between each unit. The top speed is around 100mph, while the 0-62mph can be achieved in 12.7 seconds.

No pricing details have been released as yet but expect to find out more after its display at the Geneva Show in early March.