Volkswagen is making quite the scene on the toney streets of London with its XL1, the car that it calls the most fuel-efficient production hybrid car on the planet. And, if it truly does get the 313 miles to the gallon that VW says it does, I think there is no reason to doubt that it is indeed the world’s most fuel-efficient production hybrid model.
Regardless of how it performs in the green-friendly column, the car does tend turn heads. First off, it is small, seating just two, looks lightweight, being made of a white carbon fiber body shell, and is shaped like a tadpole. Now, before you run off and buy one, you have got to understand what “production” means when it comes to the XL1. Only 250 of the car that is propelled by drivetrain comprised of a two-cylinder 800 cc diesel engine and an electric motor will initially be made.
Prices and target markets have not yet been announced.