VW debuts Twin Up! Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Volkswagen introduced the newest member of the XL1 family at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Twin Up! Essentially the plug-in hybrid version of the Up!, this four-seater concept car shares some of its drive system with the Volkswagen XL1 including its dual-clutch automatic transmission, diesel engine and electric motor.

The Twin Up! features an .8-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine and a 35kW electric motor, both mated to a seven-speed transmission mounted at the front of the car. Behind the rear seats and located under the trunk lies a “fuel storage system,” consisting of an 8.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, a 12-volt battery and an 8.7-gallon fuel tank.

The car combines aerodynamics and a light 2,657-lb curb weight to attain its impressive fuel economy rating. In all-electric mode, the Twin Up! is claimed to have a driving range of 31 miles. The concept fared well in the standard testing and comparison driving cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe, returning a low fuel consumption figure of 214 mpg on the European test cycle.

When it comes to performance, the Twin Up! Concept isn’t exactly a rocket. In all-electric mode, the Twin Up! goes from 0-37 mph in 8.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 78 mph. The hybrid mode delivers a little more punch, going from 0-60 mph in 15.7 seconds and topping out at 87 mph.

The interior of the Twin Up! features new interface concepts that are entirely digital, including the user control, status display and climate control functions. Volkswagen was trying to create a futuristic ambience by combining precise and prominent graphics in blue and white hues.

By Natalie Sejnost