With Diesel Tarnished Volkswagen Finally Decides To Challenge The Prius With New XL3 Hybrid

Volkswagen is placing a bespoke rival for the Toyota Prius – revealed in our exclusive images – at the heart of radical plans to increase the amount of electrified vehicles in its line-up by 2020. The car could take the Volkswagen XL3 name. 

As it continues to suffer from ongoing criticism over its handling of the Dieselgate scandal, the manufacturer has decided to accelerate its investment in a set of all-electric and hybrid components. As part of this, it will extend its EV line-up to include a new standalone model to sit alongside the likes of the GTE-badged plug-in hybrid Passat and Golf and the all-electric Golf and up! in the range.
 

222max - 3/11/2016 2:20:02 PM

+8 Boost

That's like blaming VW's problems on diesel. It's not the product's fault. It's VW's lack of honesty in the matter and to many the emphasis away from that diesel to hybrid won't make a difference since it will still be the same VW making it.

TomM - 3/11/2016 2:56:27 PM

+4 Boost

The WINDOW for Hybrid sales has gone for now. With Gas Prices close to the price of clean water - Even the Prius sales are ebbing. And until the prices go back up - there won't ne much of a market for the cars _ EVEN IF they make them drive more like a regular car (My company car is a Ford Hybrid - and it is nothing better than a transportation device - there is nothing pleasurable about driving it otherwise)

So - VW is toast. THe fact is - the Kia/Hyundai entrants into this competition will be hot sellers - ONLY when compared to the Cadillac.

MDarringer - 3/11/2016 8:52:14 PM

-2 Boost

If Hillary or Bernie are elected, gas prices will soar. LOL

CarCrazedinCali - 3/12/2016 5:26:43 PM

+4 Boost

hope they do just for you Matt!

MrEE - 3/11/2016 6:54:41 PM

+2 Boost

VW made the wrong bet on diesel and cheating didn't change the outcome. Diesels cannot be clean and cost effective for coming regulations in Europe and US. VW is just playing catch-up.

atc98092 - 3/12/2016 11:21:10 AM

+2 Boost

Diesel can be clean, but you may be right about cost effective. Frankly, if VW offers me something substantial for my Passat TDI, and they have a CUV hybrid by that time, I'll jump.

MDarringer - 3/11/2016 8:37:13 PM

-2 Boost

You'll be able to buy 3 Priui for the cost of one XL3...