Volkswagen XL1 Review by Expert

Volkswagen has successfully developed the most fuel efficient car in the world dubbed Volkswagen XL1. The vehicle was showcased last year at the 11th Auto Expo held in New Delhi and the production version will soon be showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. In the second half of the year Volkswagen will start the production of this frugal vehicle. With the fuel efficiency of 110 kmpl Volkswagen XL1 is going to take bring a revolution in the automotive industry across the globe.

The first of its kind, Volkswagen XL1 has a fuel consumption value of 0.9 l/100 km. The plug-in hybrid system enables the vehicle to cover a distance of up to 50 km when switched to electric mode. It is a two seater vehicle that promises to deliver the best in class fuel economy. It has a low weight of 795 kg, an impeccable aerodynamics of Cd 0.189 and the vehicle is only 1,153 mm high which implies that it has a low centre of gravity. When driven in electric mode, the vehicle requires a meagre 0.1 kWh to cover a distance of above 1 km.

Volkswagen XL1 flaunts a high-tech light weight design, flawless aerodynamics and a plug in hybrid system that comprise  of a two cylinder TDI engine (35 kW / 48 PS),E-motor (20 kW / 27 PS) a seven speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the above mentioned features, XL1 emits very low CO2 viz 21 g/km. VW XL1 propels from 0 to 100 within 12.7 seconds and attains a top speed of 160 km per hour. The low fuel consumption figure of 0.9 l/100 km is a never seen before figure in any of the vehicles running on road.

The dimensions of Volkswagen XL1 are extreme when compared to the usual automotive standards. XL1 has a length of 3,888 mm, it is 1,655 mm in width and 1,153 mm in height. Volkswagen will soon make its debut in various auto markets across the globe and knowing that India too is a potential market it could make its way into the Indian car market too. However, India is likely to get the 800cc twin cylinder diesel engine that is also extremely frugal. But the fact is that Volkswagen will not induct the VW XL1 diesel hybrid car in the Indian car market.