Source: Volkswagen Media Services

Volkswagen has unveiled the New Compact Coupé, a concept that delivers the seemingly contradictory mix of a petrol-engined, practical, performance-orientated coupé with extraordinary economy and sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions.

For Volkswagen this marks the beginning of an action-packed year, in which more new models will be introduced than ever before in the company's history. Number 1 on the spectacular list of new products for calendar year 2010 is a car based on entirely new concepts and technology, a coupe with a hybrid drive that is extremely fast and yet futuristic in its fuel economy.

It has sports appeal and sharp styling yet is remarkably elegant, positioned between the Europe's bestselling sports car, the Scirocco, and the internationally successful CC.

The New Compact Coupé, unveiled for the first time at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is capable of delivering economy and performance at the same time thanks to the adoption of a highly efficient 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 150 PS and 177 lbs ft of torque linked to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and an electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery.  

The electric motor, which generates 27 PS, can either work independently of the engine to make the New Compact Coupé a Full Hybrid or in tandem to provide a useful boost for overtaking.

Combined fuel consumption is 4.2 l/100 km (45 mpg)! CO2 emissions: 98 g/km! Incredible, considering its fuel economy, are its top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) and the short 8.6 seconds it needs for the classic sprint to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds).

Further optimising the efficiency of the vehicle is a ‘coast down’ system that takes the form of a clutch that disengages the TSI engine from the DSG transmission when not required to reduce friction.  In addition, the kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted is recovered through the electric motor which channels the power back to the lithium ion battery.

The result is the ability to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 141 mph mixed with a combined fuel figure of 67.2 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 98 g/km.  

Measuring 4,540 mm in length and featuring a 2,650 mm wheelbase the New Compact Coupé sits between the Golf and Passat models in terms of size. Styled by a team led by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, and overseen by Walter de Silva, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group, the New Compact Coupé marks an evolution of the styling direction already seen on the Golf and Polo models.

Clean, uncluttered lines mix with sharp detailing including intricate bi-xenon headlight units, 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels and an aerodynamically efficient grille element to lend the New Compact Coupé an elegant yet imposing stance.

The theme continues inside with four bucket seats finished in ‘Berry White’ leather and clean, simple surfaces.  Despite being a coupé the concept features a large, practical boot measuring 380 litres.

The vehicle remains a concept at present with no immediate plans for production.