Volkswagen are unveiling an array of interesting and exciting new models at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
First up is the world premiere of the production version XL1 which until last year was just a concept. However, the production version that we have here is even more interesting. The XL1 gets a two cylinder TDI engine that is capable of producing 48PS of power however, the best part of this tiny engine is that it can propel the XL1 to 100 km/h in just 12.7 seconds from standstill and a top speed of 160 km/h (electronically restricted). This is possible because of the design and construction of the car which draws inspiration from sportscars. Be it the low centre of gravity, near-perfect aerodynamics or the lightweight construction, the XL1’s design and construction is simply an engineering marvel. But a commendable feature of the XL1 that will surely be the most talked about thing once the car is launched is going to be its ultra fuel efficient two cylinder engine. VW is claiming that the XL1 can go for 100 km in just 0.99 litres of fuel which is currently unheard of in cars. Plus it can go for around 50 kilometres purely on electric power. VW will soon be commercially launching the car.
Second big news from VW at Geneva was the launch of six new Golf Models that include an estate version of the famous hatch. There are multiple engine options whose power output ranges from 85PS to 150PS, available for the Golf Estate and the company is also offering it with a front wheel drive or a four wheel drive option. The Golf Estate is 103 kilos lighter than its predecessor and the company claims that the two wheel drive version with 110PS is the most fuel efficient in the lineup.
Along with the Estate version, VW also launched the Golf with a GTI and also a GTD badge. Both the petrol (GTI) and the diesel (GTD) models are meant for performance and have been an integral part of the Golf line up for many years. Apart from this VW also launched the Golf TDI Bluemotion and the natural gas powered Golf TGI Bluemotion.
Other products that made their world premier at Geneva included cars like the Jetta Hybrid and the Cross Up! The hybrid Jetta features a drivetrain that consists of a high tech TSI engine producing 150PS of power and a 20kW electric motor that is similar to the unit on the XL1. This combo has resulted in a Jetta that consumes 20 percent less fuel in comparison to the all petrol version.
The Cross Up is extension of the Up! family of cars from VW and it features similar design as the rest of the line-up however, it looks slightly different and unique. It comes equipped with a 75PS motor that approximately delivers 21 kilometres to a litre of fuel.
This wraps up the company’s extensive model display at Geneva however, there are more models that will be launched in the coming months of 2013.
