The super-innovative XL1 looks like a vision of the future, while its drivetrain melds a two-cylinder 48 PS 800 cc diesel engine with a 27 PS electric motor. Power is served through a seven-speed triple clutch transmission. Like any good supercar, it is also low (just 1,282 mm high) and features scissor-opening wing doors. For the required combination of lightness and strength, its body is made largely of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer.

The Designs of the Year exhibition is a reflection of everything that is current and exciting in the world. Alongside the Volkswagen XL1, it features, among other items a floating school in a Nigerian lagoon, friendly lamp posts, a mobile phone you can build yourself and Kate Moss’s favourite app. Exhibits come from a variety of sources including international design stars such as Zaha Hadid, David Chipperfield and Miuccia Prada, as well as crowd-funded start ups and student projects.

Visitors to the Design Museum will be able to pick their favorite design from the exhibition. New for 2014 is the Social Vote which sees two nominations fight it out each day through the exhibition’s online platforms, and broadcast to over one million of the museum’s Twitter and Facebook followers.

Note: For more details please visit www.volkswagen-media-services.com or www.designmuseum.org.

*Volkswagen XL1 fuel consumption in l/100 km: 0,9 (combined); power consumption in kWh/ 100 km: 7,2; CO2 emission in g/km: 21(combined); efficiency class: A+