Volkswagen XL1 - Through the years

Car makers around the world have been doing their bit to introduce efficient and environment-friendly cars. While hybrid and electric cars and concepts have captured the attention of the industry and customers, Volkswagen has introduced two of the most realistic efficient vehicles, namely the affordable Polo Blue Motion and the XL1 hybrid that returns an astonishing 100 kmpl!

The Volkswagen XL1 began its journey over a decade ago and over the years it has seen many marked improvements in its powertrain and construction that have contributed to the production ready hybrid car. Here is a glance at its predecessors that have resulted in the 2013 Volkswagen XL1.

First generation: 2002 Volkswagen L1

Also referred to as the Volkswagen 1-litre car, the first generation of two-seater hybrid car, showcased to the public in 2002, was referred to as the L1. Designed as a research vehicle, the first generation L1 focused primarily on two aspects: low consumption and low weight. Due to aerodynamic design constraints, the passenger had to sit behind the driver.

It was powered by a one-cylinder diesel internal combustion engine that produced 8.5PS of power and gave the car a top speed of 120km/h. The first generation L1 was a mild hybrid whose engine was cut out during deceleration and stops. The car only weighed 290kgs due to the use of lightweight materials in its construction, the result was an astonishing 0.99 litres of diesel consumption for every 100km travelled.

Second generation: 2009 Volkswagen L1

The second generation Volkswagen L1 was first showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Like its predecessor, the seating layout of the second generation car required the passenger to be seated behind the driver. The car weighed 381kg and was powered by an 800cc 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine that was mated to an electric motor. 

The engine could operate in two modes, namely, eco and sport. In eco mode, the powertrain developed 27PS of power and in sport mode it developed 39.5PS of power. It had a top speed of 160km/h and could go from 0-100 km/h in 14.3 seconds. However, the added weight and performance mean consumption had gone up to 1.38 litres of diesel per 100 kms travelled. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Third generation: 2013 Volkswagen XL1

Unveiled at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show the Volkswagen XL1 is claimed to consume a mere 0.9 litre per 100 kms. It is powered by an 800cc twin cylinder turbo diesel engine that generates 48PS of power, the electric motor generates another 27PS of power resulting in a total output of 75PS of power. 

The XL1 weighs 795kgs and can go from 0-100km/h in 11.9 seconds and onwards to a top speed of160 km/h. And if that isn’t astonishing enough, the VW XL1 can travel 50 kms on electricity alone. 

Thanks to clever engineering the two occupants of the XL1 now sit side by side. 

Expected to go on sale by end of 2013, the Volkswagen XL1 is a practical solution to environment-friendly automobiles and indeed a technology that can be accepted by other internal combustion powered applications.  

Also read: Volkswagen: Driving efficient & sustainable mobility