Volkswagen Up! diesel hybrid might borrow the 2 cylinder, 800cc diesel engine from the XL1 concept!

A the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, the Volkswagen Up! small car was conspicious by its absence. However Volkswagen did showcase another interesting car concept in the form of the XL1 diesel hybrid, a car whose sole purpose is to stretch the sticky fuel fr the maximum possible extent, so much so that the XL1 diesel hybrid is touted to deliver a whopping 60 Kmpl. Now, the key bit here is that the Volkswagen Up! could go hybrid with the diesel motor borrowed from the XL1 concept.

2012 Volkswagen Up! 5 Door Hatchback used as an illustration

While an all electric variant of the Volkswagen Up! already exists, a diesel hybrid variant might be in the offing very soon, even as soon as the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The diesel hybrid variant of the Volkswagen Up! is said to feature the same 800cc, twin cylinder diesel engine from the XL1 concept. This engine is essentially a downsized variant of the 1.2 Liter TDI engine that cars like the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia use.

The 800cc, twin cylinder TDI engine will output a maximum power of 48 Bhp while maximum torque comes in at 112 Nm. The engine uses a balancer shaft to even out the vibes that a twin cylinder diesel motor will generate due to its inherent design. The engine will be mated to a 7 speed manual DSG dual clutch gearbox. The Volkswagen Up! will get its hybrid credentials by means of a 26 Bhp electric engine, which will combine with the diesel engine for propelling the Up!.

2012 Volkswagen Up! 5 Door Hatchback used as an illustration

The Volkswagen Up! diesel hybrid is expected to deliver superb fuel economy of 40 Kmpl, which will make it one of the most fuel efficient cars in the world. With Volkswagen now looking at diesel power for the Up! hatchback, it remains to be seen whether the automaker will use this engine for an all diesel variant of the Up!, a possibility that is quite likely given Europe’s big demand for diesel powered engines.

Via AutoGuide

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