Mitsubishi has taken a step closer to brining a plug-in hybrid to the market by 2013 with the PX MiEV concept, unveiled at the Tokyo motor show.
The concept is designed to showcase what a mid-sized crossover SUV could look like with petrol electric power and strongly hints at the look of the next Outlander, which arrives in three or four years. The production hybrid would go on sale in a number of markets globally, including the UK.
Underneath the rather simple looking design, the PX is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, combined with a 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine.
Like all plug in hybrids the PX can be used in electric only mode and has a range of 30 miles, but petrol power can be called in to use on longer trips.
The concept, which is based on a Japanese market Outlander, is rumoured to be good for 141mpg, which a company insider said was easily attainable on a production version. “We will have this tech on a small crossover in the next few years and an Outlander would appear to fit in with that.”
The interior is as minimalist as the exterior and has little of the flourishes you normally expect from concept cars, further indicating that the company is intent on producing the PX. It’s not entirely devoid of innovation though, featuring what the company calls a cocochi interior: including anti-bacterial seat fabric.
The PX also has heat reflecting glass and paint in order to minimise the drain on the battery from the air-con system.
Chas Hallett
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