Mitsubishi Concept-CX sketches

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

30 July 2007 10:23

What’s that, a Lancer hatch?

Not quite, though the front does have a strong resemblance to the four-door Lancer that will land in the UK at the start of 2008. Dubbed Concept-cX, this, show car points to Mitsubishi's possible future compact crossover in the mould of the Nissan Qashqai. However, it’s 215mm shorter than the Qashqai and only 70mm longer than a Peugeot 207. Throw in a 4wd system and a high seating position, and the marketing people will have you believe you’ll get 4x4 visibility mixed with easy manoeuvrability for urban motoring.

The car seems a dead cert for production, and is bristling with production details such as a sensible 1.8-litre diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharging and a particulate filter. It also features Mitsubishi’s new Twin Clutch SST gearbox. Apparently the interior also features ‘extensive use’ of Mitsubishi’s Green Plastic, made from bamboo and plant resins. The cX runs on typically over-sized, 19in concept car wheels and has a tailgate similar to the Volvo C30's. We’ll see the cX in the metal at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 11 September.

By Ben Pulman