VW XL1 concept headed for Expo ‘12

Unlike the homogenous VW India line-up, the cars displayed by the Wolfsburg carmaker at the Expo are a mixed bag. The Beetle in its latest avatar is sure to grab some eyeballs. The car is easily recognisable from some distance, retains its predecessor’s charm and has a more powerful 1.4-litre 158bhp petrol engine. There’s a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel on the cards as well.

The now more elegant new Touareg will be launched at the Expo too. The German carmaker hasn’t had an SUV in its portfolio since it discontinued the earlier model so VW will be hoping it gets a good response to the new Touareg. Powering the SUV is a 3-litre V6 diesel developing 205bhp and VW could also bring a 3-litre petrol-electric hybrid.

Driving you into the future will be the XL1 concept. Low-drag, teardrop-shaped body aside, what will definitely grab your attention is a claimed fuel consumption figure of an insane 111kpl! A two-cylinder 1.0-litre TDI motor developing 48bhp coupled with a 27bhp electric motor and a drag coefficient of 0.186 helps attain this feat. We say build it, Indians will love it.