One would think that the VW XL1’s £98,515 ($156,400) starting price in the UK would keep buyers at bay, but it’s exactly the opposite.
All 30 units allocated to the United Kingdom have already been sold, according to a source cited by Auto Express. VW will only build 200 examples of the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid vehicle as a technological showcase of its fuel-efficient car technology.
Among the customers there are some of the UK’s leading and most forward-thinking businesses, as well as individuals. One company has even ordered three XL1s to display them in its offices around the world.
The VW XL1 combines a 0.8-liter two-cylinder diesel engine producing 47 hp with a 27hp electric motor for a combined output of 74 hp to the rear wheels. The vehicle has an official combined fuel economy rating of 313.9 mpg UK (0.9 l/100 km or 261.3 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 21 g/km. In full electric mode, the vehicle offers a driving range of 31 miles (50 km).
The only chance for British customers to get their hands on a VW XL1 would be if the German carmaker decides to build the XL1 Sport concept, revealed at the Paris Auto Show last month. However, VW said it currently has to plans to build the car, which is powered by a 197hp Ducati 1.2-liter V2 engine.
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