2022 – 2023 Electric Cars Electric and Hybrid Cars, SUVs and Pickup Trucks: News, Reviews, Prices and Releases
The German automotive giant plans to shift their main focus from diesel vehicles to greener solutions – hybrid and electric engines. The Wolfsburg-based automaker will develop a modular platform for battery-powered cars, and their main goal is to make a plug-in hatchback that will finally dethrone Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq. The hero that company need is the upcoming 2020 Volkswagen XL3.
We all remember what happened back in 2016. Yeah, the famous Volkswagen Emission Scandal, also known as Dieselgate Scandal. Back then, the EPA issued a notice of violation of the Clean Air Act to the German company.
The EPA found out that the Volkswagen purposely programmed TDI diesel units to activate their emissions control only during laboratory emissions testing. In 2016, around half of a million Volkswagen owners in the US get a chance to choose between a buyback or a free fix and compensation. Now, the company learned their lessons and they will try to make fully green vehicle, that will be able to compete with their Asian rivals.
2020 Volkswagen XL3 Redesign
New 2020 Volkswagen XL3 continues the tradition of ultra-efficient, futuristic XL1. This model was a two-person diesel-powered hybrid, with a shape and design language of smooth coupe. But, only the customers in Europe had a chance to see this fascinating car, firstly under the L1 name, then in 2011, it becomes XL1.
The production of the Volkswagen XL1 was terminated in 2016. Now, the XL3 will come as a hatchback. The overall body shape is more aerodynamic and more similar to the Prius. Also, XL3 will be able to accommodate up to four passengers.
Surely, the highlight of the front side will be the C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Right here you can see the direct influence of the XL1 model. Also, blue trim elements will definitely attract the viewer’s eye.
Specs
Under the hood of 2020 Volkswagen XL3 will be a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid engine. This unit is a combination of turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder TSI powertrain and electric motor linked to a battery pack. The 1.4-liter unit is capable to produce 140 hp, while the electric motor adds 35 hp to the total output. When both of the power sources are running, the hybrid will return around 80 mpg, in a mixed European cycle.
The XL1 model was the world’s most efficient vehicle, with fuel consumption of 0.9 liters per 62 miles. But, we all know what happened with that 0.8-liter TDI engine. Also, when the turbo-four is switched off, the vehicle will be running on electricity alone. With this configuration, the LX3 will be capable to travel in relatively short range.
2020 Volkswagen XL3 Release Date
The company announced plans to assemble the whole fleet of environment-friendly vehicles. But, they didn’t tell if these vehicles going after the Prius or in some other direction. According to the German magazine Auto Bild, 2020 Volkswagen XL3 will make a public debut at one of the major auto shows next year.
So, after almost twenty years after the Prius launching in Japan, we may get something equally interesting from Europe. The price is still unknown. The hatchback will probably cost around $36,000, but we must wait until the official release date.
