Diesel and electric: Volkswagen Twin-up!

Volkswagen has revealed a new prototype based on the youngest member of the family, the up!. It is the Twin-up!, a hybrid model that seeks maximum efficiency and economy of use.

Although it is a brand project, Volkswagen does not rule out its production in the medium term, which would mean the arrival of one of the most eco-friendly VWs in history.

The Volkswagen Twin-up! combines the propulsion of a turbodiesel engine (TDI) with a small electric motor, through a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The power figures are not especially high, since both the combustion and the electric engine offer the same power output, 47 CV. Combined, the total output is 74 CV and 250 Nm, transmitted to the front axle.

One of the main drawbacks of this hybrid combination is its weight, which reaches an excessive 1,205 kg, a figure more typical of a VW Golf.
However, thanks to the efficiency of the system, consumption is sensational, as it only needs 1.1 litres every 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. In addition, the Twin-up! can travel up to 50 kilometres at a maximum speed of 125 km/h in fully electric mode.

Performance is not the strong point of this prototype (nor does it seek to be), since the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes 15.7 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/h.
Volkswagen has announced that it will show a version of this model at the Tokyo Motor Show, which will serve the brand to gauge the potential public interest in such a special model.

Source | Volkswagen