Mitsubishi plots Frankfurt crossover
Tri-diamond brand aims to bridge the gap between car and SUV with an all-new conceptMitsubishi has provided a sneak peak of a clean, green SUV concept due to make its maiden appearance at September's Frankfurt motor show.
Dubbed the Concept-cX (an abbreviation of 'Compact Crossover'), the design study is said to preview Mitsubishi's all-new family of Euro V-compliant diesel engines.
Visually, the Concept-cX embodies the brand's new corporate look, including the "Jet Fighter" grille already seen on the new-generation Lancer.
It also uses a "soft-road application" of the Outlander's electronically controlled four-wheel drive hardware.
Mitsubishi says the 4.1-metre long Concept-cX is conceived to create a link between Mitsubishi's passenger cars and SUVs -- particularly important as rising fuel costs and stringent emission regs are starting to make a dent in sales of conventional SUVs (particularly the larger ones).
The tri-diamond brand claims the Concept-cX will achieve low fuel consumption and emission levels, thanks largely to its next-generation 1.8-litre 'Clean Diesel' engine, mated to an automated manual transmission.
A preview of a family of powertrains to be launched in the course of 2009, it features a variable geometry diffuser (VG) turbocharger (as per the 997 Series Porsche 911 Turbo) -- to generate optimum boost pressure for all engine loads -- and DPF (diesel particulate filter) technologies.
The Concept-cX's green credentials also include eco-friendly "Green Plastics", MMC's proprietary plant-based resin technology, effectively used for interior trim materials.
Mitsubishi boasts the cX is "an accessible, affordable, sustainable and realistic solution to today's pressing issues."
"Sporty and flexible, the Concept-cX will follow the popular compact SUV route to carry this message right at the heart of the market," says the manufacturer.
A production version of the cX could be a valuable addition to Mitsubishi's line-up as it strives to rebuild its fiscal status and brand identity after enduring a difficult period since the start of the new millennium.
Mitsubishi Australia has managed to muster up 33,643 sales during the first half of this year, compared with 28,012 units for the same period in 2006, which indicates it's heading in the right direction.
That said, sales of the locally built 380 sedan are down from 6745 to 5518 units, so there's still plenty of work to be done.
To comment on this article click here
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
