Also shown by Mitsubishi at the Geneva Motor Show was the Dendo Drive House
GENEVA: Mitsubishi has kept its promise to become an SUV company with electricity at the fore as showcased by three global reveals at the Geneva Motor show.
Earlier this year at the Montreal Auto Show, Mitsubishi Canada president, Tony Laframboise announced the company was about to embark on an electro/SUV path and at Geneva attendees saw the first signs of that.
Off the top, Mitsubishi revealed the 2020 compact RVR crossover also known as the ASX and Outlander Sport in other markets.
The RVR is the third-highest selling vehicle brand sold around the world and is thus a key to its global strategy.
It sports an evolution in MMC’s Dynamic Shield front design concept.
The bumper embraces the central protective shape from both sides, and the squared horizontal and vertical line treatment of the grille and the skid plate under the bumper expresses strength and toughness.
The new styling makes the hood deeper, adding to the presence projected by the front end.
And the distinctive LED lighting layout, which locates the turn signals and fog lamps at the ends of the bumper, stamps a Mitsubishi brand-look on the front end.
Mitsubishi calls it a “compact SUV designed for the city.”
Power comes either a 2.0- or 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a CVT transmission, in front- or all-wheel-drive in three trim levels.
It is expected to start arriving in Canada in the fall.
Moving to a glimpse into the future, the Mitsubishi star of the show was the Engelberg Tourer concept that features all-wheel-drive in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) format.
Fittingly named after Engelberg, a renowned ski resort in central Switzerland, it has a 2.4-litre Atkinson Cycle inline four-cylinder engine coupled to a front electric motor/generator with a separate electric motor at the rear wheels.
They combine for an all-electric cruising range of more than 70 km and more than 700 km with full gasoline tank and topped-up battery.
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC) works with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and the torque split from the powertrain for nimble handling.
In terms of response to driver inputs, the twin motor driveline gives the kind of acceleration feel of an electric along with near instant full torque.
Mitsubishi has also built what it calls its Connected Car System into the concept.
Using the navigation system, when the driver inputs a destination, the computer uses data like road conditions, weather, temperature, topography and traffic to pick the best drive mode for comfort and efficiency.
And increasing its electro footprint, the Dendo Drive House was unveiled consisting of a EV or PHEV vehicle, a bi-directional charger, solar panels and a storage battery.
This allows a homeowner to charge an EV/PHEV at home from the solar panels or use the vehicle to generate electricity to the home.
Not only does it reduce the cost of fuel-derived power to the home or vehicle and backup power in an emergency, Mitsubishi sees it as a positive way to build a low carbon using society.
Keyword: Mitsubishi Reveals Engelberg Tourer Concept, 2020 RVR