The Mitsubishi Concept-cX shown at Frankfurt will go into production as a baby 4x4, the company has confirmed.
“The Concept-cX will become a new sub-Outlander model,” said a senior Mitsubishi source. “It’s due to go on sale in late 2009.”
The compact SUV will replace the Shogun-Pinin that went out of production in 2005, and will “closely resemble the Concept-cX,” according to Mitsubishi insiders.
This means it is likely to keep the concept’s split tailgate and aggressive, Lancer-inspired front end.
Permanent all-wheel drive will be a key standard feature, as will a range of new Euro 5-compliant diesel engines that include a new 1.8-litre, 134bhp turbocharged four-cylinder unit.
This 1.8-litre diesel, which produces 207lb ft of torque, will be mated to the company’s twin-clutch SST auto box that is already in use in the new Mitsubishi Evo X.
There are no more details on the other engines due to be installed in the new cX, but Mitsubishi claims that the compact off-roader will have class-leading power output and green credentials.
No model names have been confirmed, but it is known that the cX moniker will be lost in favour of something more in keeping with the rest of the Mitsubishi product lineup.
You can get a look at the Concept-cX at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, but don’t expect to see the production-ready model until later next year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
