Geneva 2008: VW Golf hybrid

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its Golf TDI Hybrid, capable of 89g/km and 83mpg.In order to achieve these high levels of efficiency, the VW engineers have fitted the Golf with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel engine that works in tandem with a 220V electric motor.The electric motor powers the car from standstill with the little diesel engine engaging only if extra acceleration is needed or when driving at motorway speeds.Under braking, the electric motor operates as a generator to recover kinetic energy, which is then used to charge the battery. A stop-start function also aids economy, switching the diesel engine off completely when the car is at a standstill.There are a few styling tweaks to the TDI Hybrid to make it more aerodynamic such as a newly designed grille, smaller front air intakes and the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30.It may be in concept form here at Geneva, but VW has already admitted that the vehicle "is likely to go into production in the future.”