Volkswagen definitely does not want to lose ground when it comes to proposals that are friendly to the environment and the pockets of consumers, offering us its new model, the Volkswagen Twin Up.
After we have introduced you to proposals, such as the Volkswagen e-Up and the e-Golf, we bring you a hybrid proposal based on the smallest model marketed by Volkswagen, the Twin Up. If you still remember the Volkswagen XL1 Concept, keep this in mind as the Volkswagen Twin Up is based on the XL1 powertrain.
But in practice, after all, what distinguishes this hybrid Up from what has already been shown?
Let's start with the backstage of mechanics, where much of the «magic» happens, and where the Twin Up comes with the TDi block of 0.8 liters and 48 horsepower, coupled to a 48hp electric motor. The combined power is 75 horsepower (instead of the expected 96 horsepower) and 215Nm of maximum torque. In order for the Volkswagen Twin Up to accommodate a joint size, the front section has more than 30mm in length.
Another new feature of this Volkswagen Twin Up is the transmission, a modern 7-speed DSG gearbox. One of the most interesting solutions present in this model, however, is the assembly of the electric motor, between the engine and the gearbox, eliminating the engine flywheel, thus competing with the electric motor to eliminate part of the vibrations resulting from the operation of the TDI engine. This way, weight was saved, guaranteeing even more pleasant driving.
All components that supply power to the powertrain are located at the rear. The Li-ion battery with a power of 8.6kWh, located for example under the rear seat, can be charged in two ways: either via a plug-in socket or via the recovery systems power. The fuel tank has a capacity of 33 liters, not being huge, it is the average size for a car, the size of the Volkswagen Twin Up.
When it comes to performance, the Volkswagen Twin Up puts us in two totally different worlds and thus: in exclusively electric mode, the Twin Up is capable of traveling 50km and accelerating from 0 to 60km/h in 8.8s, reaching the 125km/h top speed. If we drive in combination mode with the two engines, the performance of the Volkswagen Twin Up mirrors us 15.7s in the classic starting from 0 to 100km/h and the top speed rises to an acceptable, but not brilliant 140km/h.
It should be noted that, as in the previous models that we present to you, the Twin Up also has the «e-Mode» button, where whenever there is enough charge in the battery it is possible to circulate in 100% electric mode, but we remind you that on other 100% electric models, this button is only for changing energy recovery modes.
The consumption announced, as in the extravagant XL1, is located in an extremely measured 1.1l per 100km, a truly reference value. When driving with the diesel engine, CO2 emissions register a maximum of 27g/km, a super friendly value for the environment. We are certain that a herd of cows releases much more CO2…
The Volkswagen Twin Up, may even be a small city, but it is definitely not a light car, as the set has a curb weight of 1205kg.
Aesthetically, the Volkswagen Twin Up is similar to its brothers, but it has specific details for this version and we start by highlighting the 15-inch wheels fitted with tires of dimensions 165/65R15. Even housing four occupants inside, the Twin Up managed to keep an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.30, a good value, but no longer a benchmark.
The engine compartment is completely faired with several covers, however, all basic maintenance services are properly indicated.
Another aesthetic detail of the Volkswagen Twin Up presentation version, goes through the glossy white paint with the code (Sparkgling White), it has blade inserts in the lower areas of the body in blue, which change tone according to the incidence of light .
Volkswagen is starting to take serious steps when it comes to hybrid mobility, after the XL1, brilliant in its concept, but with a price in the stratosphere of hybrids, Volkswagen is now taking a little more awareness, with a more realistic and which possibly promises to have commercial returns in several countries, with the correct pricing policy.
