Fuel efficiency is considered by many as the number one factor that determines the particular car one wants to own. Days are gone when fuel used to be cheap. With fuel prices skyrocketing each month, there is need to upgrade to eco-friendly cars that mind your pocket. With this in mind, VW has debut an all-new car that promises offer the most efficient driving experience. The new VW XL1 not only echoes efficiency but also comes with a futuristic design. It length of 3888 mm and width of 1,665 mm is at par with the current VW Polo. However the XL1 is 309mm shorter than the Polo giving it a remarkable look. Large sections of the new XL1’s body consist of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). It only weighs 795kgs. The XL1’s striking body design also makes it one of the most aerodynamic VW’s to date.
|
| Volkswagen XL1 |
The XL1 front still features VW “design DNA”. However compared to other VW, which use a prominent front grille to achieve this, the XL1 uses a continuous stripe. The black cross-stripe, consisting of energy-efficient dual LED headlights, forms a continuous band at the front. The actual air intake for cooling the TDI engine, battery and interior is located in the lower front end section and has electrically controlled openings. Narrow turn indicators are also use LED technology. These form an “L” shape. The lights are housed underneath the front headlamps. The front has a wide look which narrows towards the rear.
 |
| Large winged doors |
The rear wheels are covered to boost the XL1 aerodynamics even further. Tiny cameras send information to two screens located inside. They function just like normal side mirrors. It comes equipped with wing doors that are hinged at two points, the A-pillars and just above the windscreen in the roof frame. The result of this is that the door does not just swivel upwards, but slightly forwards as well. The doors also extend far into the roof. When they are opened, they free up an exceptionally large amount of entry and exit space. Its coupe roofline, which incorporates the boot lid as well, conceals the XL1 drive unit and luggage space. A strip of LED’s frame the rear section at the top and on the sides. Integrated in this LED strip are the reversing lights, rear lights, rear fog lights and brake lights. A black diffuser completely covers the underbody of the XL1.
 |
| Simple cockpit layout |
Its light weight and aerodynamic design is merged to an efficient plug-in hybrid system. The XL1’s hybrid powertrain combines a two-cylinder TDI engine, with an output of 35kW (46hp), and an E-motor with an output of 20kW (26hp). The XL1 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 12.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 160km/h. That might be regarded as slow. However the XL1 rewards the driver with an impressive consumption figure of 0.9litres per 100 kilometres.
 |
| Slightly offset seats |
This makes it the world’s most fuel efficient production car. It can cover 50km in all-electric mode to boost its efficiency even further. Married to the hybrid system is a speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. To boost equal weight distribution the lithium battery is stored at the front while the engine, motor and transmission are located at the back. The XL1 rides on 15-inch front wheels and large 16-inch rear tires. Open the XL1’s large wing doors and a futuristic interior welcomes you in. Slightly offset seats for driver and passenger are made of CFRP as well. It has a simple dashboard layout with air vents, satnav and an informative dial with a digital speedometer.
 |
| Prominent rear design |
Verdict
The new XL1 proves that impressive fuel efficiency can be achieved. Never has any production car achieve such achievement. Although no prices have released yet, expect to cough an exception amount of money to earn this impressive machine.