TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi eX Concept

Just as we predicted it would two weeks ago, Mitsubishi will use this month's Tokyo motor show to preview its next-generation ASX city-SUV with plug-in technology.

The Japanese SUV specialist today released the first image of the eX Concept, which will combine the lines of a shooting brake with a sports car when it makes its world debut in Tokyo on October 29.

Mitsubishi describes the five-seat eX, which measures 4240mm long, 1780mm wide and 1575mm high, as "a vision for a compact SUV powered by a next-generation EV system" and "indicates future direction of MMC Design".

As the 'e' (for electric) in its title suggests, this "city-friendly sports crossover" employs a next-generation electric powertrain that combines a high-capacity and high-performance lithium-ion battery with a pair of compact high-output electric motors at each end of the vehicle.

According to its manufacturer, reductions in vehicle weight help deliver a driving range of 400km, and a low centre of gravity thanks to the 45kWh drive battery's position underneath the body.

The powertrain consists of a 70kW electric motor on each axle, producing a total output of 140 kW of power and "the kind of torquey acceleration that can only be enjoyed in an EV".

Matched with an electrified version of Mitsubishi's tried and rally-proven Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, dubbed Twin Motor 4WD, the eX should deliver outstanding traction.

Mitsubishi says an integrated vehicle dynamics control system uses braking to control the front wheels and a transfer mechanism Active Yaw Control (AYC) that varies torque split between the rear wheels and "helps provide handling control which faithfully reflects driver inputs as well as outstanding vehicle stability".

Extracting full performance of the S-AWC system are three different drive modes: AUTO, in which sensors and cameras monitor road surfaces for the system to automatically select the optimum drive mode for any given conditions; GRAVEL, for unpaved roads and heavy rain; and SNOW.

The concept's as-yet-unseen cabin, which incorporates no B-pillar, is said to feature soft-touch materials, an instrument housing with Intelligent Display and a centre console housing two portable batteries that "can be used outside of the car to support the active lifestyles".

Mitsubishi says the eX Concept can be connected to a Vehicle to Home (V2H) device that allows the energy stored in the drive battery to supply enough electricity battery to power domestic appliances in an average household for four days.

A 1500W 100-volt AC socket also allows the battery to directly power appliances.

To prove the system, the SUV-maker will also debut a revised version of its Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid) that sports a twin-motor 4WD system and a battery that can supply houses with power when not in use.

Mitsubishi says the eX also features automated driving technologies that combine connected car systems, next-generation information services and advanced active safety technology.

Self-driving functions include Automated Parking Assist, which uses cameras and sensors to automatically operates the steering wheel and brakes to complete parking manoeuvres, and Automated Valet Parking "where everything is done automatically by linking the parking area system and vehicle system using connected car technology".

There's also a full Automated Driving Mode, in which position lamps are switched on to tell other vehicles when the car is driving itself, and Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC), which uses vehicle-to-vehicle communications to share information on whether other vehicles are accelerating or decelerating to make following a vehicle ahead smoother.

A novel inclusion is Automated Lane Change, which links cameras and radar with the Lane Change Assist and Blind Spot Warning systems to detect changes in the road situation ahead such as congestion, road works or, in the case of the Automated Obstacle Avoidance System, when an object that has fallen off a vehicle ahead.

Naturally, Wireless Battery Charging capability if included, but there's also an augmented reality windscreen technology that displays information acquired through its connected car system including navigation route guidance, vehicle-to-vehicle distance alerts, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring and information on fixed or movable traffic signs acquired by a camera-based road sign recognition system.

Also present is a Driver Monitor system that employs an infrared camera in the dashboard and sensors in the steering column and driver’s seat to monitor eye blinking, changes in posture, heart rate and other biological signals as well as vehicle drifting and other abnormalities to determine the driver’s level of alertness. When it detects a loss of concentration or that the driver has taken their eyes off the road ahead, the system immediately issues an alert.

"In addition, the AR windscreen is fitted with Caution Tracking which employs driver assistance technology using vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-road and vehicle-to-pedestrian communications to display guidance and warnings on information outside the driver’s field of view, such as vehicles or pedestrians approaching intersections but hidden from the driver," said Mitsubishi.

Meanwhile on the Mitsubishi Electric stand will be the company's latest advanced safety vehicle.

Looking more like a Star Wars transporter than a road-going car, the aptly named E-MIRAI 3 xDAS (E for electric and M for Mirai which means future) builds on technologies featured in the E-MIRAI 2 xDAS seen at the 2013 Tokyo show.

This new version employs next-generation driver-assist technologies for human machine interface. Simply put, the car uses driver sensing devices, telematics and light control to deliver the highest levels of safety yet offered by Mitsubishi.

To start with, the driver’s face direction and line of sight are monitored by a dash-mounted camera and his condition is sensed by a cardiograph. A cloud-based application analyses the driver’s physical state by comparing current behaviour and driving style with past behaviour data stored in the cloud. If fatigue is detected, suitable rest stops are recommended.

The car also uses proactive analysis of map data to identify intersections with poor visibility, while engaging side-cameras that scan the street for obstacles.

The concept also introduces gesture control tech for Mitsubishi Electric, allowing in-car equipment to be operated without having to look at displays. Simple hand gestures are all that’s needed to instantly adjust air temperature and audio settings.

The light control technology mentioned above refers to high-visibility body panels that reduce reflections at night thanks to optical bending and design technologies.