Mitsu Crosses Over Yet Again with Concept-cX

For the upcoming Frankfurt auto show in September, Mitsubishi has announced that it will be showing the world its take on a compact crossover vehicle. Called the Concept-cX, it's a vehicle that Mitsubishi claims will combine practical everyday performance with environmental consciousness.

The Concept-cX is styled like a junior Lancer, complete with the instantly recognizable “jet fighter” front end that's detailed with a reverse trapezoidal grille, shark nose and narrow headlamps. From the sides, the Lancer-inspired look continues with a strong character line that creases the door panel and gives shape to the front fender located right underneath the window line. Moving around the rear of the car, the cX looks to have a frameless tailgate, similar in design to Volvo's groundbreaking C30, though it solves the issue of a high loading height by offering a drop-down tailgate similar to the Lancer.

While most compact crossover / SUVs such as the Honda CR-V andToyota RAV4 are roughly 14.8 feet, the Concept-cX is diminutive by class standards, measuring under 13.5 feet. That makes the little crossover slightly longer than the brand's Colt subcompact, and a whole lot smaller than the new Lancer, not to mention the new seven-passenger Outlander. In fact, its closest competitor in terms of size is Suzuki's SX4 compact hatchback crossover. Mitsubishi opted for a smaller footprint, enabling the crossover to be more easily maneuvered in urban areas.

Photos or sketches of the cX's interior have yet to be published, but Mitsubishi has stated that the cabin will be constructed of environmentally friendly materials. For instance, instead of using conventional plastics, Mitsubishi will employ its own “Green Plastic” that is made up from bamboo and other plant-based resins in place of the usual petroleumdistillates.

The cX will also debut Mitsubishi's brand new 1.8-liter "clean diesel" common-rail diesel engine, which is currently undergoing development. The engine has been designed to meet Euro5 tailpipe emissions regulations (which are strict, but not as strict as the North American Tier 2 Bin 5 diesel emissions standards), and includes such advanced technologies as a variable geometry turbine, diesel oxidation catalyst, and a diesel particulate filter. The development of a new diesel engine will help Mitsubishi separate its ties from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, two companies that Mitsu currently purchases diesel engines from. While it won't arrive anytime soon, Mitsubishi is expected to further tweak this engine to enable it to be sold in North America on its compact vehicles.

This new diesel engine will be mated to Mitsubishi's brand new Sport Shift Transmission (their VW DSG-like twin-clutch gearbox), for improved performance, reduced emissions and better fuel consumption, not to mention smoothness. From there, the engine's power will be sent to all four wheels via Mitsubishi's electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. The Concept-cX rides on large, but not outrageously sized 225/45R19 wheels and tires.