The competition in the B-segment is really hotting up. Mitsubishi is the next car maker to release details of their contender as the Globlal Small Platform called the e-compact.
This concept is only a preview of the real car, which will be unveiled in production form towards the end of this year, prior to a start of production scheduled for early 2012. This small car is 3.7 meters long and 1.7 meters wide and can be powered by a range of 1.0 and 1.2 liter MIVEC engine equipped with Auto Stop and start system and regenerative braking technology and 185/55 R 16 low rolling resistance tires.
In spite of its small size, the e-compact can accommodate five adults inside the cabin. This concept will be the base for the next generation Mitsubishi Colt.
Global product of the “Global Village” This new Mitsubishi will be proposed as an entry model for emerging markets as well as a fuel efficient car in developed markets. As such, this all-new e-compact project shall be MMC’s answer to some fundamental evidences. With 80% of its total output bound for export, Mitsubishi Motors ought to take into consideration the trend towards globalization in trade and communications, no matter the market segment.
Mitsubishi e-compact:
“e-” for…
Developed in Okazaki (Japan) – MMC’s global R&D Center – in less than 2 years, the forthcoming Global Small project is meant to merge all these “eco/compact” requirements into one single package designed as such instead of mere adaptation(s):“e” for “efficiency”: highly efficient in its overall packaging, Mitsubishi Motors’ e-compact combines the virtues of a small vehicle (manoeuvrability,…) and excellent visibility whilst sitting 5 adults in comfort and accommodating sufficient luggage space within a retrained footprint (3,74 m length x 1,68 m width): one of the most space efficient in the B-Segment.
“e” for “engineering”: the architecture this e-compact is based upon has been designed to accommodate upfront foreseeable customer and regulatory requirements in ALL world markets whether Japan, North America, emerging countries or Europe, instead of costly later adaptations: a first in the small car class.
“e” for “environment”: through weight saving measures, all-new petrol 1.0 and 1.2 liter MIVEC powertrains, the application of MMC’s green technology solutions (Auto Stop and Go, Brake energy regenerative system,, etc,…) and fine-tuned aerodynamics as exemplified in the sloping roof line, Mitsubishi’s e-compact can boast sensible level of fuel consumption and therefore emissions well in line with market trends.
“e” for “electric vehicle”: as a further environmentally friendly measure – and a direct effect of its fully integrated Global Small architecture – e-compact is engineered to accommodate a further variant, fitted with a 100% electric powertrain.
“e” for ” economies”: robust and reliable by design as customary for Japanese products, “Global Small” should also guarantee low running costs.
“e” for “effective design”: as a daily reliable runabout equally at ease crossing the bush, tackling megapole traffic or blasting highways (within speed limits), the Mitsubishi e-compact was styled with no-nonsense efficiency-first in mind. Robust looking yet enjoying sophisticated aerodynamics, it should grace traffic nonetheless with a friendly face.“e” for “export”: the first of its kind, “Global Small” will be built at MMC’s dedicated hub of Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in the Chonburi province of Thailand. The forecasted annual volume of 150,000 units (with a possible increase to 200,000 units) will be exported to the ASEAN countries , Japan, North Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and many other markets around the world.
