Mitsubishi PX-MiEV concept

Using knowledge gained from the development of the i-MiEV all-electric city car and Evolution sports car, Mitsubishi will debut the PX-MiEV concept at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.

The new car is a plug-in hybrid that presents a high tech "cocochi" interior, which is a Japanese term that means "cosy".

Mitsubishi says the environment in the cabin is "pleasantly comfortable" and comes with a number of advanced systems, including seat upholstery that "deactivates allergens, breaks down VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and offensive odour molecules as well as killing bacteria".

Not only that, the interior has heat-reflective paint and glass, plus a negative-ion aroma humidifier that combines with an oxygen enricher to "improve comfort and reduce fatigue".

The PX-MiEV uses a hybrid powertrain, comprising of two electric motors and a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

While the 1.6-litre petrol engine can recharge the car's batteries, working as a generator, it can also drive the front wheels at higher road speeds. Mitsubishi's new concept car can also run in pure EV (electric vehicle) mode, in either front- or all-wheel drive.

The PX-MiEV concept is a plug-in hybrid, so at the end (or start) of the day you can recharge the batteries by plugging the car into a wall socket.

Mitsubishi says the concept car features a "three-way battery charging system using either a 100-volt or a 200-volt domestic supply or a high-power quick-charging station".

There is also a 'Wireless Charging Program', which is a disingenuous name, as it is a charging program that can be turned on remotely. It also works for the air conditioning, taking a leaf from the Toyota Prius's book.

On top of the hybrid powertrain, Mitsubishi's crossover concept employs stability technologies first developed for the Lancer Evolution high performance cars, including the E-AYC, or electronic active yaw control (it uses a differential motor instead of a wet multi-plate clutch setup). Simply put, this system controls the torque split between the left and right rear wheels to improve cornering traction.

Along with E-4WD, the E-AYC system falls under the S-AWC name, or "super all wheel control" -- another initialisation borrowed from the world of Evo.

Several safety systems being trialled on the new model may make their way into future SUV and crossover models, including the "Multi-Around Monitor" which provides the driver with perimeter views around the vehicle.

There's also a camera system designed to record the driver's face that determines if he or she is fatigued and can alert them via vibrational and audio warnings.

It will also incorporate a system being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency, the Drive Safety Support System (DSSS). The DSSS picks up "signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons" to warn the driver of errant pedestrians or vehicles.

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