You’ve seen the sketches, now have a look at the first pictures of the star of Mitsubishi’s Frankfurt motor show stand for 2007; this is the Concept-cX, a compact hatchback-cum-4x4 that promises to father a Japanese rival for the Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4.Concept-cX is 4.1-metres long – just longer than a Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa, but shorter than a Nissan Qashqai. We've seen small mud-plugging concepts like this one before; the Skoda Yeti is the one that springs immediately to mind, which is rumoured to be headed for production itself next year. However, although it's not so cute, the Concept-cX's got SUV-apeing styling that puts the Yeti's to shame, with its blistered wheelarches, lofty ride height and upright stance. Under the bonnet of Concept-cX is Mitsubishi’s own 1.8-litre clean diesel engine. The motor uses a variable geometry turbo and a particulate trap to make it Euro V compatible, and is mated with a new twin clutch “Sport Shift Transmission” – a powertrain we’d expect to show up in the new generation Lancer before too long.At the rear of the Concept-cX you’ll find a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading of cargo, and underneath it the brand’s electronically controlled four-wheel drive system as featured on bigger brother Outlander.So will Mitsubishi build it? It’s a question we’ll be putting to them at the Frankfurt motor show on September 12th; come back then for the answer. One thing’s for sure; it’d make a powerful-looking alternative to a normal school run supermini. If you squint a bit, you might even see the beginning of the next Colt in there.
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