Mitsubishi readies turbo Lancer hatch

This is the next salvo in Mitsubishi's turbo tearaway onslaught. Dubbed the Prototype-S sport, this hatchback concept is due to make its world debut on March 4 at the Geneva motor show.

Although billed for now as a 'concept', you can take it as read that the eventual production reality won't differ dramatically from the vehicle pictured alongside. The showroom variant may well be adorned by a slightly more conservative face, but the packaging and proportions will be largely the same.

Subey-philes will have noticed the distinct similarities between the Prototype-S and the new-generation WRX, and that's no accident as the Mitsu will be pitched directly against the Rex.

As such, the Prototype-S uses the powertrain of the Lancer Ralliart, as opposed to the more hard-core Evolution X. The former's 2.0-litre turbo engine is tuned to eke out 177kW and 343Nm, and these outputs are in the same ballpark as the Oz-spec WRX's 169kW and 320Nm.

Expect a sub-six-second 0-100km/h split and superglue-like cornering grip, thanks to a full-time 4WD driveline that features Mitsubishi's Active Centre Differential (ACD).

This set-up uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor the front/rear torque split to different driving conditions and deliver "the best balance between steering response and traction".

Mated to the turbo engine is Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST robotised manual transmission, which ostensibly provides lightning-quick shifts as well as the convenience of a self-shift mode.

Although Mitsubishi is yet to confirm that the Prototype-S will make it to production -- let alone join the brand's Australian line-up -- we'll go out on a limb and suggest it will make it here in due course, with a price tag around the $40K mark.

After all, the Lancer Ralliart sedan has already been locked in for a mid-year Oz launch, so it seems a no-brainer to propose the eventual hatchback version will be sold here as well, broadening the target market in the process.

As mentioned earlier, the showroom version isn't likely to be quite as butch as the Prototype-S, so expect a few concessions to cost, such as 18-inch rims and tyres rather than the 19s that adorn the concept.

Be that as it may, it's still shaping as a tasty proposition. Family types with kids and prams to haul -- but who still fancy rip-snorting performance -- will doubtless find it appealing.

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