Volkswagen has decided to debut its Up! Lite concept car at the 2009 LA Auto Show, offering enough room to seat four people as it ambles about the city. Lightweight construction also plays a part in the Up! Lite’s efficiency, with the car weighing in at just 1,532 pounds. The light curb weight is achieved with the help of high-strength steel and aluminum used for the majority of the body. Carbon fiber also is employed for the roof, front-bumper cross members and spokes in the 18-inch wheels. In addition, the exterior’s aerodynamic design returns a 0.237 Cd to further improved fuel efficiency.

The Up Lite uses a slightly revised version of the L1’s hybrid drivetrain, which includes a 51-horsepower 0.8-liter 2-cylinder TDI turbodiesel engine, a 10-kilowatt electric motor and a 7-speed version of VW’s slick Direct Shift Gearbox. Combine the electric motor with the TDI engine there’s 65 horsepower. The concept vehicle looks pretty polished and close to being ready for the market; vw hopes to have the up lite ready to go for 2011.