We usually associate Volkswagen with performance, but never with its fuel efficiency. In fact, the efficiency figures have been VW’s and Skoda’s weakest points. But what if we told you there’s a Volkswagen that can deliver a mileage of a whopping 100 kmpl! Surprised, right? Here’s the most fuel-efficient Volkswagen – Attention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates.
100 KMPL Volkswagen – Most Fuel-Efficient In The World?
Back in 2012, Volkswagen decided to try something out of the box by making the XL1. The XL1 was developed with one thing in mind – mileage. The German automaker went to great lengths to ensure this car achieved the prestigious 100 kmpl mark. And these efforts paid off. But how?
When maximising mileage, aerodynamic efficiency is key. This is quite evident with the XL1. It looks like a supercar from the future thanks to its low stance, concealed rear wheels, scissor doors and the coupe silhouette. These elements made the XL1 quite aerodynamic. In scientific terms, it had an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.189. Lower the number, lower the fuel consumption and better performance. To put it into perspective, it is twice as aerodynamic as the Bugatti Chiron. Many automakers have tried to lower the drag coefficient to the maximum, but ended up with an ugly car. This was not the case with Volkswagen, as it created a beautiful car without compromising on efficiency.
It wasn’t only aerodynamic but also incredibly lightweight. The XL1’s body is just 230kg, and its overall weight is a mere 795kg.
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What Powers It?
The XL1 is a plug-in hybrid. It is powered by an 800cc 2-cylinder TDI engine mated to a 5.5kWh battery pack and an electric motor. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a 7-speed DSG. With this configuration, you could go 50km on electric power alone. The claimed range for the powertrain is just 500 km due to its small 10-litre fuel tank.
The power figures aren’t that bad either. The hybrid produces 68 bhp and 140 Nm. Being such a light car, it could reach 0-100 km/h in 12.7 seconds and top out at 160 km/h.
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100 KMPL Volkswagen – What Happened to the XL1?
It was produced in limited numbers. Only 250 units were ever produced, and unfortunately, none were sold in India. So if the 100 kmpl figure got you excited, we are sorry to burst your bubble. When new, it was priced at 111,000 euros, which is around Rs 1.2 Crore. So if it were sold today, would you pay a Crore for a Volkswagen with such splendid mileage figures?
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