Mitsubishi to preview next generation SUVs in Tokyo

Mitsubishi will showcase three new concept cars at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show, all of which are said to preview the next generation of Mitsubishi SUVs.

They’re called the Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV, the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV and the Mitsubishi Concept AR.

On Bing: see pictures of Mitsubishi concept cars

Find out how much a used Mitsubishi costs on Auto Trader

The Concept GC-PHEV – or Grand Cruiser – is a full size SUV that will provide several clues to the future direction of the venerable Mitsubishi Shogun.

As its name suggests, the GC-PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and Mitsubishi claims it will combine the off-road ability of an SUV with ‘class-leading’ environmental credentials.

Certainly a concept to look out for in Tokyo. The Shogun’s off-road prowess has never been in doubt, but if the Grand Cruiser introduces some on-road improvements, it could be one to watch.

It seems that no motor show can pass without another manufacturer introducing a Nissan Juke rival, and this time it’s the turn of Mitsubishi.

The XR-PHEV – or Crossover Runner – is a compact SUV with sport coupe styling. Again, it will be powered by a plug-in hybrid electric motor and will, according to Mitsubishi, offer “nimble drivability”.

The final concept is the Active Runabout (AR), which, despite sounding like a rural minibus service, is Mitsubishi’s next generation compact MPV.

The Concept AR mixes the mobility of an SUV with the space of an MPV, with various seating arrangements on offer. Power is sourced from a direct-injection turbocharged engine.

At the moment we only have this dark and moody teaser image to work from, but rest assured, a full reveal of all three concepts is likely before the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Mitsubishi Mirage review (2013 onwards)

Read a Mitsubishi review on MSN Cars

On Bing: see pictures of Mitsubishi concept cars

Find out how much a used Mitsubishi costs on Auto Trader

By motoringresearch.com