The XL1's engine will go into the next generation of the Volkswagen Golf in 2019

Not long ago we had the chance to see the Volkswagen XL1, a prototype equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine capable of consuming just 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres and with very low emissions of polluting gases. It is powered by a 0.8-litre petrol engine producing 48 CV, plus an electric motor that adds 27 CV more.

Despite those figures, this is an engine that can propel the car to a top speed of 160 km/h with genuinely low consumption, as well as low CO2 emissions. Only 250 units of this model have been built, but all the technology developed for it is going to pass on to future production models of the brand. Among them is the next generation of the Volkswagen Golf, which will arrive in 2019.

Volkswagen has announced that all versions of the eighth-generation range will keep CO2 emissions below 90 g/km, thanks to the application of the technology that powers the XL1. Achieving these figures requires changes beyond the engine, such as adjusting factors like the vehicle’s total weight, which should not exceed 1,100 kg.

In addition to adjustments to adapt it to the MQB platform used by the current generation of the Golf, further changes will be needed to help improve the performance of this popular model. For example, we know the two-cylinder combustion engine will have to be replaced by a four-cylinder unit, along with the inclusion of a more robust clutch to handle the increase in power.

The use of electric turbochargers, variable compression engines and other technologies that are still very recent could be ready for everyday use within a few years.

Obviously, this technology will not be limited to the Volkswagen Golf, since the rest of the brand’s models will also benefit from it. Furthermore, there is talk of applying what has been achieved with the XL1 to improve cars from other brands such as Audi.

Source | Volkswagen
Via | Car Scoops

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €