Packaged in a body with a coefficient of drag measuring just 0.237, the Up! Lite is capable of seating four adults in comfort.
Yet thanks to its hybrid drivetrain it can travel 115.7 miles on a single gallon of fuel while emitting just 65 g/km of CO2.
A mix of lightweight materials including aluminium and carbonfibre keep the total kerb weight to just 695 kg.
That's almost 30 per cent lighter than Volkswagen's Fox city car.
Even the diesel engine has been optimised and weighs just 55 kg.
Powering the Up! Lite is an 800 cc two cylinder common rail unit closely linked to that seen in the L1 Concept, developing 51 PS at 4,000 rpm.
The diesel engine is combined with an electric motor developing 14 PS to give the car a useful boost when overtaking.
Alternatively it can be disengaged from the diesel engine entirely and used during low speed manoeuvres.
Gear changes are carried out via a seven-speed twin clutch DSG automatic gearbox.
Measuring 3,840 mm in length the concept is slightly shorter than the Polo and is styled to maximise aerodynamic efficiency.
Using components from the New Small Family of Volkswagen vehicles set to be launched from 2011 onwards, the Up! Lite could morph into the next Lupo.
Posted on 03.12.2009
