According to a report by Autocar, Volkswagen is planning to introduce a new and larger four-seat version of its XL1 hybrid car.

More practical Volkswagen XL1 four-seat version

The new, more practical car is expected to be called the Volkswagen XL2, and is set to rival the likes of the production Honda FCEV and Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell models.

The current limited-production two-seat Volkswagen XL1?s high-tech drivetrain consists of an 800 cc (0.8-litre) two-cylinder diesel engine producing 35 kW of power, which is coupled to a 20 kW electric motor driving through a modified seven-speed DSG transmission.

The hybrid’s claim to fame was its fuel consumption number of 0.9 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 21 g/km. The car also has an all-electric range of 50 km and an overall range of 499 km.

The new car is expected to be approximately 140 kg heavier due to the added rear doors, extended centre cell, two rear bucket seats and a larger capacity battery. However, the report further says that the larger new model will retain the same fuel use figure as the VolkswagenXL1 due to aerodynamic enhancements that come from extending the length of the body of the car.

The Volkswagen XL1 isn’t sold in South Africa, and Volkswagen previously stated that it has no plans to offer the car here. The car is also a contender in the 2014 World Car of the Year Awards, in the design category.