Volkswagen just confirmed plans to show off the Golf TDI Hybrid concept car at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show in March. (VW hasn't released photos yet, so the above pic is of a European Golf TSI.) The concept combines several highly desirable technologies, including a clean diesel engine, an electric motor, and a 7-speed DSG automanual transmission. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid can either run in internal combustion mode or in a combination mode with the two engines running in tandem.

The car also includes an automatic stop-start system, which is already gaining popularity in Europe—this one will switch off diesel operations whenever possible. All of this should combine for fuel consumption of just 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to roughly 70 miles per gallon in the United States—an incredible figure. A clean diesel and electric hybrid is often considered to be a holy grail of drivetrains, offering low emissions, sufficient low-end torque, and stellar fuel economy. Pundits also guess that would it be expensive to manufacture;here's hoping that VW sorts it all out pronto.

(Photo credit: Volkswagen Media Services)