VW Up! Lite revealed

02nd December 2009

It’s the VW show star that’s also the world’s most fuel-efficient four-seater! These are the first images of the forward-thinking Up! Lite – so called because of its amazingly low kerbweight.

The Lite is the latest member of VW’s super-efficient Up! city car family - due to debut in the UK with the original model in 2011.

In this trim, it returns an astonishing 115mpg and emits only 65g/km of CO2. That’s because it weighs a mere 695kg – as the body is made from a combination of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre – and uses a breakthrough diesel-electric powertrain.

But this advanced concept is no mere flight of fantasy. The engine that powers it offers a sneak preview of all that drivers can expect from VW in the coming years.

Speaking to Auto Express at the LA Motor Show VW engineering chief, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg said; “The engine that powers the Up! Lite is relevant to other cars in our line up – hinting that the technology could be used for the Golf Mk VII and next generation Passat.

“The next step is to add plug in capabilility, and more powerful batteries.”

“What is important is that the technology is scalable. That means we can take the basic concept, and change its size to fit any car.”, suggesting the technology could be made to fit the luxury models from Bentley and Lamborghini.

The newly developed 50bhp 800cc TDI is the same unit as used to power the ultra-frugal L1 concept seen at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It works with a 13bhp electric motor to propel the car forward using as little fuel as possible.

During full-throttle inputs, the engine and motor work in unison, while under braking the latter operates in reverse, charging the lithium-ion battery pack. Over short distances and at low speeds, a full-electric zero-emissions mode is possible – earning the Up! Lite its right to be called a full hybrid.

A stop-start system shuts off the engine when the car is at a standstill, but also when it’s coasting, with the seven-speed DSG box in neutral. Despite a total output of only 63bhp, the Up! Lite delivers decent pace: 0-60mph in exactly 12 seconds and a top speed of 100mph.

From the outside, it’s easy to see that some of the design cues from the L1 concept have been carried over – just look at the Up! Lite’s pinched shoulders and extended roofline. At the front, the familiar Up! face has been modified with new lights and tweaked bumpers.

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