Mitsubishi teases concept car trio ahead of Tokyo motor show debut

The Japanese manufacturer's stand will feature two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and one turbo model designed to give an insight into Mitsubishi's vision for a next-generation small MPV and two SUVs.

The Mitsubishi GC-PHEV concept (pictured top) will preview the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero that is set to launch next year – some 15 years after the current-generation full-size 4WD debuted in 1999.

Mitsubishi says the GC-PHEV concept (for ‘Grand Cruiser’) features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the brand’s ‘super all-wheel control’ vehicle dynamic control system, which claims to provide “off-road capability and sure-footed driving dynamics”.

The concept will also feature Mitsubishi’s latest preventative safety and driver support technologies that utilise mobile network connectivity.

Alongside the GC-PHEV will be the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV concept, a compact SUV that is likewise powered by a “lightweight and super-efficient” plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Mitsubishi says the XR-PHEV (for ‘Cross Runner) will offer “agile driving dynamics and sport coupe-like styling”, potentially giving an early look at the second-generation ASX crossover, expected in the second half of this decade.

The third of the show cars – the Mitsubishi AR concept – is a compact multi-purpose vehicle, potentially previewing a new-generation Grandis, which was sold in Australia between 2004 and 2010.

Powered by a turbocharged small-capacity direct injection engine, the AR concept (for ‘Active Runabout’) claims to combine SUV-style practicality and mobility with the occupant space of a traditional people-mover.

Mitsubishi says the trio highlights its pursuit of “environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, off-road performance and safety” for its next generation of passenger vehicles in line with the company’s ‘@earth’ philosophy.

The concepts will debut at the Tokyo motor show on November 22.