November 12, 2013. Copyright 2013, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Volkswagen XL1 lightweight hybrid the "world's most fuel efficient" car
By Neil Winton

LONDON, November 12, Graphic News:  Volkswagen of Germany says its diesel electric XL1 plug-in hybrid car, which will soon go on sale in limited numbers across Europe, is the most fuel efficient and aerodynamic production car in the world, capable of up to 261 miles per U.S. gallon.

The XL1 also marks a big turnaround for VW, which until recently had soft-pedalled on electrification. At the Frankfurt Car Show in September, VW said it would have 14 vehicles through next year with alternative engines after introducing electric versions of the Golf family car and Up city car. VW, Europe's biggest car maker, also says it plans to offer up to 40 electric or hybrid cars over an unspecified time scale.

The tear-drop shaped two-seater XL1, which looks remarkably like a tidied up version of the ill-fated General Motors EV1 electric car from the 1980s, can cover up to 50km (30 miles) on its battery alone. The overall range is 500km (310 miles). The lithium ion battery, which sits at the front of the car, can be charged by the engine while driving, by regenerative braking as the car free-wheels, and by plugging in to your house. To achieve maximum aerodynamics, the wing-mirrors have been replaced by cameras which display on a screen in front of the driver. VW will have produced only about 200 by the end of 2013 at its plant in Osnabruck, Germany, so don't expect to spy many on the road.

The XL1's high-tech lightweight design means it weighs only 795kg (1,752-lbs). Top speed is limited to 160km/h (100mph), which takes about 12.7 seconds from rest. The rear-wheel drive XL1 is powered by a combination of an 800cc, two-cylinder 47hp diesel and 27hp electric motor located behind the driver, and has a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The XL1 is a development of previous lightweight vehicles proposed by VW which had the occupants sitting in line, like motorcycle riders. The passengers now sit side-by-side, with the passenger slightly offset, although VW didn't say why. The doors open upwards, gull-wing style. The XL1 is slightly shorter than VW's Polo city car, and lower than a Porsche Boxster.

Volkswagen says it is producing large parts of the XL1 in lightweight and strong carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). All exterior body parts and features like anti-roll bars are also made of CFRP. Only 23.2 percent of the XL1 is constructed from steel. VW says that in a crash, CFRP is strong enough to provide the necessary survival space for both driver and passenger. To save weight, VW used no sound-muffling materials. That might not please buyers. Nor will the crunching sound of the ceramic brakes.

VW now sounds positive, even bullish, about the future of hybrids and has signalled serious investment and a push for these vehicles, says Stefano Aversa, auto analyst at Alix Partners.

"VW has been the most contrarian to the electric trend, saying there's still much to get from diesel. It's now been converted".
/ENDS
Volkswagen XL1
Engine Ð 800cc 2-cylinder diesel
Power Ð 47hp
Torque Ð 120Nm
Electric motor  - 20 kilowatts
Power Ð 27hp
Torque Ð 140Nm 
Battery Ð lithium ion Ð energy capacity 5.5kWh
Drive Ð rear wheels 
Gearbox Ð 7-speed automatic
Acceleration Ð 0-62mph-100km/h 12.7 seconds
Top Speed Ð 100mph-160km/h
Fuel consumption Ð claimed combined 261 miles per U.S. gallon/314 UK gallons/0.9 litres per 100km
C02 Ð 21g/km
Emissions class Ð Euro VI
Length Ð 3,888mm
Width Ð 1,665mm
Height Ð 1,153mm
Wheel-base Ð 2,244mm
Weight Ð 795kg
Boot capacity Ð 120 litres    
Price Û111,000-£94,000