Mitsubishi e-compact concept car

Geneva International Motor Show

Mitsubishi is on the cusp of unleashing an all-new global compact car in 2012, likely to replace the current generation Colt, which has been revealed in the form of the e-compact car at the Palexpo exhibition centre during the 2011 Geneva motor show.

Designed to be an affordable and efficient mode of transport, the e-compact previews Mitsubishi's new generation light car, which will begin production at the company's factory in Thailand in March 2012 and will most likely be badged as a Colt when it arrives in Australia.

Measuring 3740mm long and 1680mm wide, the car is comparable in size to the Toyota Yaris and has been developed from the ground up to be compatible with an electric drivetrain. However the first production models will be powered by inline three-cylinder engines displacing between 1.0- and 1.2-litres, and will feature regenerative braking and stop-start engine systems to improve fuel efficiency.

Developed in Japan, the e-compact will become "…an entry model for emerging markets as well as a fuel efficient car in developed markets," explains Mitsubishi, which plans to sell the new car in growing markets such China, India, and South-easte Asian countries, and also traditional regions such as Europe, North America and of course Australia.

Mitsubishi says the e-compact concept car, and inherently it's production cousin, will be able to "comfortably seat five adults" and will achieve CO2 emissions lower than the Toyota Prius hybrid car -- within the "mid-90g/km range". Gearbox options will include a five-speed manual and a new-generation CVT.

Grand plans are afoot for the next generation Colt, as Mitsubishi expects to manufacture between 150,000 and 200,000 units every year.

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