#VwXl1Prototpe

The production variant of the Volkswagen XL1 has been spied cold-weather testing in -22 Fahrenheit temperatures as the German automaker put its 235-mpg diesel-hybrid car to the test.

It’s no surprise that the Volkswagen XL1 is out and about testing, as the diesel-hybrid XL1 is expected to be sold in limited quantities starting next year.

Last month, we caught glimpses of the Volkswagen XL1 being tested, and now reports are coming out of the 2012 Paris Motor Show that confirm the XL1 will head to dealerships in limited quantities next year.

Volkswagen is looking to introduce a new standard for fuel economy with the XL1, a fuel  sipper expected to get up to 235 mpg, and our spy photographers managed to grab some photos of an XL1 prototype testing today. 

The Up mini-car concept has been around for a few years already and it seems that a production version is about to get launched. According to reports, the Up e-motion will get the same powertrain as the XL1 Prototype, but since it is a bigger vehicle, will manage a much more modest 95-mpg. The powertrain in question is a 0.8-liter, two-cylinder diesel motor which produces just 47-hp. However, a 26-hp electric motor will also kick in to give the car extra performance while also allowing it to give better mileage. While most hybrids make use of a CVT gearbox, the Up will get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Ahead of its debut at the Qatar Motor Show, Volkswagen has unveiled a a new version of its 1L (1 Liter) car, bringing the company’s goal of delivering a production vehicle that can travel 100 km (62 miles) on a single liter of diesel fuel. The XL1 Prototype, achieves 0.9 l/100 km, or 261-mpg.