The super-frugal XL1 plug-in hybrid has stepped out of Volkswagen's science fiction-fuelled fantasies and into the world of the real, this week.

Revealed as a concept in 2011, the XL1 was seen as a technology showcase, previewing a production-bound powertrain and offering a stylised glimpse at new design features.

Few would have expected the concept to make the leap into showrooms without a single change to its futuristic styling - but that is precisely what Volkswagen has delivered here.

Bound for next month's Geneva Motor Show, the final XL1 will enter production in Germany later this year, although a run of just 50 models is planned for now.

The XL1 is powered by a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid system, and according to Volkswagen, it is capable of returning fuel consumption figures of just 0.9 l/100km.

The engine in that equation is a 0.8 litre two-cylinder diesel, mated to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

On its own, the diesel offers just 35kW of power, but the electric motor adds a further 20kW. Together, the system propels the XL1 to 100km/h in around 12.7 seconds.

Those futuristic lines also play a part in the XL1's incredible economy, contributing to a slippery 0.186 coefficient of drag. The car's weight is another factor, coming in at just 795kg thanks to a liberal use of carbon fibre.

The XL1 measures a compact 3.88 metres long and 1665mm wide, and offers seating for just two occupants, side-by-side but in a slightly offset position.

The ultra-green city car also features gullwing doors for ease of access, and a camera-based rearview mirror system instead of side mirrors - another contributor to the XL1's slippery aerodynamics.

Will we see this one in Australia? Don't hold your breath, but the XL1 is surely a sign of things to come.

• Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼

• Plug-in Hybrids | Green Cars | Volkswagen
• Geneva Motor Show

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• reply ” like !

  

  Off-roader says,
  3 months ago

  If i lived somewhere flat like Holland this would be a great car to own, but i live somewhere with lots of hills and this car is too underpowered to be efficient in that scenario, although regenerative braking might help if the car had/has it.
• reply ” like !

  

  Off-roader says,
  3 months ago

  I would love to see one do an endurance race and rarely pit for fuel though!
• reply ” like !

  

  CAZZO says,
  3 months ago

  1 like

  Interesting vehicle, but @ $60k...
  
  "Tell them they are dreaming"
• reply ” like !

  

  5 valve per cylinder says,
  3 months ago

  If the car would be built using Volkswagen's subsidiary Audi/Lamborghini's new CFRP cabon-nano technology along with it's limited run of only 50 vehicles I guess the price is justified.
• reply ” like !

  

  Michael L says,
  3 months ago

  Haha looks like something out of a 1960's sci fi movie!