News: VW XL1 ultra-economical car to cost a less than economical £98,515

WHAT IT saves at the pumps, VW’s new XL1, which can do 313mpg, will more than cost its owners in the wallet.

The car maker has confirmed that the futuristic-looking and ultra-efficient two-seater will cost UK buyers £98,515. VW is applying to have the XL1 included in the government’s plug-in grant scheme under which the car’s price would be reduced by £5,000 to £93,515. A spokesman said VW was optimistic that, given the car’s plug-in technology and ultra-low emissions, it would be successful.

The XL1 is powered by a two-cylinder 800cc diesel engine producing 47bhp, and an electric motor developing 27bhp. Together they can propel the XL1 from 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds and on to 99mph.

But low emissions and ultra-low fuel consumption are the XL1’s main attraction. Thanks to its aerodynamic teardrop shape, which features scissor-opening doors, and light weight body (795kg), the car can return 313mpg and emissions of 24g/km.

Those not discouraged by the XL1’s price should get their order in now.  VW says it will build only 200 cars and that a maximum of just 30 will be shipped to the UK between now and autumn. Even this number is in doubt since the company says there is a possibility that cars will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

VW says it has no plans to develop the XL1 further, preferring instead to feed some of its technology into more real-world models such as the prototype Twin Up! which uses the XL1’s powertrain to deliver 256mpg and which could cost around £17,500.

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