Mitsubishi’s new city car

Mitsubishi has shown off its new city hatchback at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

Known as the Mitsubishi e-compact, the concept car is likely to become the replacement for the Colt hatchback, arriving in Australia late in 2012.

Mitsubishi Australia will be hoping the all-new Colt will offer more serious competition against class leaders such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.

The high-roofed concept will reportedly fit five adults in comfort, despite measuring up at just 3.74m in length, 1.49m high and 1.68m wide.

Confirmed powerplants for the new Mitsubishi include a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre three-cylinder engines - both fitted with stop/start technology (which stops the engine when the car comes to a halt to save fuel) and a smart alternator that only operates when the car is braking or coasting.

It's not yet known whether a four-cylinder will be part of the mix, although it seems a likely inclusion given that's what powers all main competitors.

The car has also been designed to accommodate a plug-in electric version in line with Mitsubishi's strategy to expand its line-up of electric vehicles that currently includes the i-MiEV.

The new compact Mitsubishi city car will be produced at the brand's newest production plant which is currently under construction in Thailand - the Japanese maker's third Thai manufacturing facility.

Mitsubishi forecasts it will sell at least 150,000 units of the new compact car per year.