GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi's 'Evoque' debuts

Mitsubishi has taken the drapes off its new plug-in XR-PHEV II concept that's expected to replace the ASX small SUV and reach production some time in 2016.

Created to go head-to-head with the rivals like the Nissan Juke, the XR-PHEV II is a follow-up to the original XR-PHEV revealed at the 2013 Tokyo show, but with significant tweaks to help bring it closer to production.

The new concept features revised bumpers, headlights, grille, A pillars, side skirts and wheels, although it will still need some tweaks like large exterior mirrors before the wedge-shaped crossover will be production feasible.

Inside, the original XR-PHEV's asymmetrical cockpit-style dashboard has been swapped for a more traditional symmetrical one, but it remains futuristic.

Expect the control panels on the roof not to make it to production.

When it goes on sale in 2016 the XR-PHEV II is expected to be renamed the ASX and to join the larger Outlander as the second plug-in hybrid SUV the Japanese firm offers. Like the Outlander PHEV, the XR-PHEV II will feature a range extending petrol-powered generator to charge the batteries once they run flat. It will also be capable of running in all-electric, parallel hybrid and series hybrid modes.

Combined with a 120kW electric motor and a 12kWh battery pack, Mitsubishi claims the XR-PHEV II will average 1.7L/100km and emit less than 40g/km of CO2.

Riding on a 2670mm wheelbase, the XR-PHEV measures 4490mm long, 1890mm wide and 1620mm high, making it almost 200mm longer, more than 100mm wider and 5mm lower than the current ASX.

According to Mitsubishi 20 per cent of all its production models will be electric vehicles by 2020.