The XL1 is making its debut at the Qatar Motor Show this week, and while it might look familiar to previous iterations, this latest version is more production read than its predecessors with a sensational 313mpg.

The new suburban runabout 
is designed to show off the firm’s latest efficiency techniques, and as well as its headline economy, it claims 25g/km CO2 emissions.

Measuring 3.97 metres long and 1.68 metres wide, the XL1 has a similar footprint to the Polo. But its 1.18-meter height is closer to a Lamborghini Gallardo – with the low stance and teardrop body providing slippery aerodynamics.

Enhancing this are small 
cameras instead of wing mirrors, plus a covered rear wheel. That cuts drag to an incredible 0.19Cd; a Toyota Prius registers 0.25Cd.

The XL1's debute follows 
on from the L1 seen at 2009’s Frankfurt expo. That in turn took its name from 2002’s One Litre car, which could travel more than 100km (62 miles) on a single liter of fuel – equivalent to 282mpg.

The newcomer features a 
conventional two-seater layout, instead of one seat behind the other in the L1. Its returns are even better as it uses a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. This comprises a 47bhp 800cc TDI engine, mated to a 27bhp electric motor – so a total of 74bhp is sent to the rear wheels. Plus, a pure electric mode enables the XL1 to travel 22 miles with zero emissions.

The fact the car is 
so feather-light helps efficiency. A host of cutting-edge materials restricts curbweight to 795kg, despite the 
batteries’ bulk.

The monocoque chassis is made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) – the same as used on Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento. This means the XL1 is extremely rigid and safe, as well as light.

VW has patented a new method for producing it, so CFRP is likely to grace showroom models in the near future.

Add magnesium wheels 
and ceramic brake discs, plus aluminium components for the dampers, steering and brake calipers, and only 184kg of the total weight is from steel or iron.

The engine and motor are linked in series with a seven-speed DSG box; an automatic clutch separates each unit. The XL1 sprints from 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds – that’s 2.4 seconds faster than the L1 – and hits a limited top speed of 99mph.

The prototype will be unveiled in a world debut at the Qatar Motor Show January 26.

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