That's one way to beat the fuel increases: Volkswagen unveils sleek new car that does an incredible 313 miles to the gallon

By GRAHAM SMITH
Last updated at 12:43 PM on 26th January 2011

It promises to be the answer to every hard-up motorist's dreams.

Volkswagen has unveiled the world's most economical car that it says can travel 313 miles on a gallon of diesel.

Emitting just 38 grammes of carbon dioxide per mile travelled, the XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle is also likely to be the vehicle of choice for green enthusiasts.

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Future of the car? The XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle was formally unveiled at the Qatar motor show last night

Green friendly: Dubbed the world's most economical car, the XL1 can travel 313 miles per gallon

Formally unveiled at the Qatar motor show last night, the XL1 is powered by an 800cc TDI two-cylinder diesel engine linked to an electric motor.

The compact two-seater weighs just 795 kilograms as it is built around a carbon fibre reinforced polymer exterior.

It can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 11.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99mph.

Due to go on sale in 2013, the car is just under four metres long - the same size as a Volkswagen Polo - and sits lower off the ground than a Lamborghini sports car at 1.18metres tall.

Compact: The two-seater weighs just 795kg as it is built around a carbon fibre reinforced polymer exterior

The XL1 can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 11.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99mph

What's more, Volkswagen chairman Dr Martin Winterhorn has said the XL1 will go on sale in Britain and Germany first at an affordable price.

In order to develop the car's innovative exterior, Volkswagen patented a new system for the manufacture of the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts on the car called the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process.

Further savings, which it is promised will be passed onto the customer, were made through the extensive use of lightweight materials including magnesium for the wheels; ceramics for brake discs; and aluminium for dampers, steering system and brake calipers.