Volkswagen has unveiled a hybrid version of its up! city car at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The twin up! concept car uses a 0.8-litre two-cylinder turbodiesel engine in series with a 27kW electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox – a version of the drivetrain found in the pioneering XL1 – and offers combined fuel consumption of 256.8mpg.
The twin up!’s diesel engine and electric motor each produce up to 35kW, while the maximum system power output of the twin up!’s front-mounted drivetrain is 55kW. The 8.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 12V battery and 33-litre fuel tank are all located between the rear seats and the boot.
On electric power alone the twin up! can operate at speeds of 77mph, and accelerate from zero to 37mph in 8.8 seconds. The range on batteries alone is up to 31 miles. Using diesel and electric motors together, the car can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 15.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 87mph. Combined torque peaks at 159lb/ft.
Externally, the twin up! follows design cues familiar from the all-electric e-up! model, and also includes flowing blue double stripes above the sills.
The main colour is ‘Sparkling White’, which includes blue flakes that create a changing pattern.
The interior is dominated by an off-white ‘Ceramic’ colour, with a fabric and leather combination upholstery featuring blue piping and reflective strips on the seats’ centre panels.