100mpg hybrid debuts

Stylish new hybrid for Geneva

Lightweight concept boasts hybrid powertrain and 100mpg.

Auto Express Car Reviews

21st February 2008

One of the most spectacular concepts that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March is home-grown in Switzerland. It’s based on a lightweight aluminium chassis, features an efficient petrol-electric drivetrain and could be on sale next year.

Swiss firm Mindset is developing the newcomer. It has been designed by Murat Guenak, best known for his work on Volkswagen’s Golf MkV and the Peugeot 206 CC.

Although details are still scarce, the company has confirmed that the lightweight chassis means the new hybrid tips the scales at only 800kg. And thanks to its small 24bhp petrol powerplant, it will return more than 100mpg. The engine can also be switched off completely, to allow the vehicle to run purely on electric energy. Driven this way, the lithium-ion battery pack is expected to give a range of 60 miles before the petrol engine is needed again.

Prices are likely to start from around £40,000, and Mindset has admitted that it hopes to sell up to 10,000 examples annually.