Volkswagen Twin-Up Brings the XL1 to the Masses

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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is bringing a diesel hybrid version of the UpVolkswagen Up! Gen.1Germany, 2011 > present107 versions
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to the Tokyo Motor Show on November 20 called the Twin-Up, and in some ways it is even more impressive than VW’s XL1 efficiency super car.

The Twin-Up uses a modified version of the 800cc two-cylinder diesel hybrid from the XL1 with 74hp and 158lb-ft, and while it lacks all of the aerodynamic aids that let the XL1 slip through the air, it still only uses 1.1l/100km. That is only 0.2l/100km more than the XL1.

The Twin-Up has a more powerful, 47hp electric motor, larger, 8.6kWh battery and larger, 33-liter fuel tank, which boosts its weight to 1205kg, compared to 795kg for the XL1.

The Twin-Up gives up some performance to the XL1. It takes 15.7 seconds to reach 100km/h, while the XL1 takes 12.7 seconds. It has a 50km EV range at speeds up to 126km/h.

In terms of style, the Twin-Up is 3cm wider at the front and has its electric charger on the driver side, but otherwise it is identical to the Up and still seats four passengers.

While the XL1 is rumored to cost around €100,000 when it goes on sale in 2014, pricing for the Twin-Up start at less than €30,000. VW will reveal more details in Japan later in the month.

Source: Autocar