Designed as a technological showcase, the XL1 was developed with a target fuel economy of 1.0 litres of fuel per 100km – equivalent to 282mpg. The production car actually beat this target, reaching 0.9l/100km or 313mpg, with CO2 emissions of 21g/km.

The drivetrain combines an 800cc two-cylinder diesel engine, producing 48bhp, with a 27bhp electric motor and seven-speed DSG gearbox, and its aerodynamic body features innovations such as almost flush-fitting cameras instead of wing mirrors to improve aerodynamic performance. With a kerb weight of 795kg, it's lighter than the up! city car, and it will travel around 21 miles on a full battery charge.

A limited run of 200 vehicles will be built, and the first deliveries took place in Germany at the end of May.

Product manager Lianne McKnight said: ‘To achieve its benchmark efficiency goals with materials and technology available today required a radical approach.  Each XL1 customer is therefore able to own an example of the type of car we may be driving in 15 years time, and benefit today from the investment that a company like Volkswagen makes in its future.’