September 14, 2015 – The Volkswagen XL1 – the world’s most fuel efficient and technologically advanced car – was presented to the CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles, Mr K Rajaram, by Thomas Milz, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East, at the Al Nabooda Volkswagen showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road today.
The XL1 handed over to Mr Rajaram joins a small number of vehicles that can be seen throughout the region since the first vehicle arrived at the beginning of 2015.
“The XL1 vehicles’ hybrid technology and carbon-fibre build, combine to make it a feat of modern-day German engineering,” said Mr K. Rajaram, Chief Executive Officer of Al Nabooda Automobiles.
“I have taken the delivery of an XL1, on behalf of Al Nabooda Automobiles, so that every customer can experience the future of Volkswagen German engineering. I welcome customers to visit our showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, to visit and see the XL1, which represents the pinnacle of our time in fuel-efficient technology and innovative design.”
The revolutionary XL1 model, originally a visionary concept from Volkswagen in 2002, has become a reality with just 250 models manufactured. The XL1 is a statement in a commitment to deliver vehicles that offer a combination of fuel efficiency and driving pleasure; and the XL1 succeeds on every count. A high-tech lightweight design, perfect aerodynamics and a plug-in hybrid system – consisting of a two-cylinder TDI engine, e-motor, 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery – all make it possible for the new XL1 to defy the laws of physics.
Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East, said: “Volkswagen has proactively sought fuel efficiency as a global platform for many years – from concept and research through to design and development. The XL1 is a true testament to this – it is the most efficient car in the world with a fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100km. It is a vision of the future of automotive technology.
“The XL1 is our first hybrid vehicle to arrive in the United Arab Emirates and we look forward to supporting the country’s drive for alternate transport ahead of Expo 2020.”
Thanks to its plug-in hybrid system, the two-seater XL1 can also be driven for up to 50 kilometres locally in pure electric mode, meaning zero emissions at the point of use. The XL1 is an automotive hero that follows pure sports car design principles: low weight (795 kg), perfect aerodynamics (Cd 0.189) and a low centre of gravity (1,153 mm high). This gives the efficient Volkswagen model the ability to cruise on the road at a constant speed of 100 km/h using just 6.2 kW / 8.4 PS. The XL1 holds 10 litres of fuel and a battery capacity of 5.5 kWh enabling 500 km of total range.
The Volkswagen XL1 is currently on display at the Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.