VW Up eco news - Mpg on the Up - 2008

What would consider decent economy? Sixty mpg? Eighty? How about 118mpg?

That’s what VW is aiming for, as reports have emerged suggesting that the German manufacturer is planning to put a ‘two litre’ car into production.

That’s ‘two litre’ as in two litres of fuel per 100km – or a massive 118mpg in British pounds. VW released a ‘three litre’ Lupo a few years back (or 95mpg) which, according our resident road tester Mr Piero Ward, was ‘properly rubbish’.

But the ‘two litre’ car is expected to be based on a revised version of the VW Up, and to be powered by a tiny three-cylinder, likely displacing around one litre. A two-cylinder engine had been considered for the project, but the high-revving nature of the twin proved too thirsty.

If 118mpg still isn’t frugal enough for you, VW has confirmed that it is still working on bringing a ‘one litre’ car into a production – that’s a mighty 235mpg. Back in 2002, VW unveiled a two-seater, three-wheeled concept capable of over 100km on a single litre of fuel, and VW top brass believe that it is possible to bring such a car to production – though likely not for several years.

In the meantime, though, you’ll have to make do with the Smart ForTwo diesel and its pitiful 86mpg…