BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhuanet) -- American drivers looking for a high-mileage vehicle may want to take pass on the Prius or the Chevy Volt and take a look at new Volkswagen slated for production in 2010.

    VW has been talking for a long time about its L1 concept, so called because it uses a measly 1 liter of gasoline to go 100 km. For U.S. drivers, that translates to about 230 miles per gallon.

    Of course, the amazing mileage comes at a price. The car is tiny, more of a toboggan than a car. The single passenger actually sits behind the driver, like in a small airplane.

    The tiny engine will only get the car up to about 75 mph and, as such, VW doesn't expect to sell a lot of these vehicles. Safety concerns might also keep the car from being a best seller. But, since it does have four wheels, it will have to meet all of the normal safety regulations for cars.

    VW will continue to release details on the car, but it is firm that this vehicle will be produced by 2010. And, in terms of pure efficiency, its only real competitor will be the 300-mpg Aptera.

    (Agencies)