Volkswagen has announced that it will start production of its new XL1 soon at its Osnabrück plant in Germany. The XL1 is the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with a fuel consumption value of 0.9 l/100 km.
These figures are possible thanks its low weight (795 kg), perfect aerodynamics (Cd 0.189), low centre of gravity (1,153 mm high) and its plug-in hybrid system – consisting of a two-cylinder TDI engine (47 hp), E-motor (26 hp), 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery, which make it possible for the XL1 to emit just 21 g/km of CO2.
The small car is able to to cruise on the road at a constant speed of 100 km/h using just 8 hp. In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1 kWh to cover a driving distance of over one kilometer; it can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 12.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h.
The XL1 is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall, which puts it on par with the Volkswagen Polo in terms of width and length, but is significantly lower than a Polo, even lower than a Porsche Boxster as well.
Only 50 cars are to be built at first, after which customers will be able to get an XL1 exclusively on demand.
