CAR TALK
VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS WORLD’S MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT CAR
This is Volkswagen’s XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) and the world’s most economical car, just unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show. Capable of a massive 313mpg, the hybrid XL1 is powered by an 800cc 48PS TDI diesel engine linked to a 27PS electric motor, which is enough power thanks to its super low weight of just 795kg. Acceleration to 62mph is achieved in 11.9 seconds with top speed of 99mph, all while emitting a miniscule 24g/km of CO2. Sadly it’s just a concept, although its technology will make its way into VW cars.
AUDI TOYS WITH ONE-OFF ELECTRIC CAR FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Audi has created an electric-powered, 1:2 scale prototype model of the Auto Union Type C race car (a 1930s grand prix racer) which is to be displayed at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg in February. Powered by a 1.5PS electric motor the Type C e-tron can travel at over 18 mph and has a maximum range of 15 miles on just two hours‘ battery charge from a standard household socket. The vehicle is suitable for children and fun-loving adults under 5’11”, but unfortunately there are no plans to produce it as yet.
SAFEST CARS OF 2010 REVEALED (AND THE MOST DANGEROUS…)
Which cars are the safest? Well, according to crash testing body Euro NCAP, the five best-performing cars of 2010 were the BMW 5 Series (Executive category), Alfa Romeo Giulietta (Small Family category), Honda CR-Z (Supermini category), Kia Sportage (Small off-road 4×4 category) and the Toyota Verso (Small MPV category). Runner’s up include the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1 and Citroen C4 which all scored above 80 per cent. Steer clear of the Landwind CV9 however: this compact MPV was awarded a mere two stars.