Concept-EZ MIEV Pictured

A revitalised Mitsubishi Motors Europe unveils two radical new concept cars – Concept-EZ MIEV and Concept-X – as well as the striking new Colt CZC convertible at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Making its world debut, Concept-EZ MIEV spearheads Mitsubishi’s advanced electric motor-in-wheel drivetrain and drive-by-wire technologies to create a striking urban vehicle with thought-provoking interior packaging.

The sassy and stylish Colt CZC also makes is world debut in production form. The Pininfarina-styled convertible – the third member of the Colt range – features a fully-automatic retractable hard-top for all-seasons driving versatility and security.

The third star on the Mitsubishi stand, and making its European debut, is Concept-X. A mouth-watering preview of the next generation Evolution line-up, Concept-X wraps turbo-charged power, clutchless transmission and an advanced new all-wheel-drive layout in jet fighter-influenced style.

The Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV

The Concept-EZ MIEV makes its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and, as a showcase for the company’s advanced automotive technology, takes pride of place on the Mitsubishi stand.

The brainchild of Mitsubishi Design Europe, the strikingly styled Concept-EZ advanced prototype demonstrates the dynamic, packaging and design benefits of MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle), which uses ultra-compact electric motors that sit within the wheel hub itself.

Each of the Concept-EZ’s 20inch wheels houses a 27bhp in-hub motor - for a total output of 108bhp – powered by a lithium-ion battery pack sandwiched beneath the car’s flat floor.

By employing its MIEV technology in the 3700mm long Concept-EZ, Mitsubishi has liberated its engineers and designers from the traditional constraints imposed by internal combustion power and drivetrain, and have created an ‘urban capsule’ vehicle that provides unsurpassed interior packaging.

Concept-EZ’s usable internal space has also been enhanced by the use of a retractable steering wheel, drive-by-wire technology and intelligent folding seats to create a space that’s as equally adept at transporting passengers as it is providing them with an innovative and secure lounge area when they arrive.

The Mitsubishi Colt CZC

The Geneva Motor Show sets the stage for the world debut of the production version of Mitsubishi’s new Colt CZC convertible, the third and arguably most striking member of the award-winning Colt line-up.

Colt CZC features a sleek and sophisticated retractable metal roof that automatically folds back at the touch of a button to provide year-round driving versatility. With its long wheelbase and intelligent engineering-lead packaging, Colt CZC boasts generous passenger and luggage space, even when the roof is retracted.

With its stiffened chassis, uprated suspension set-up, slick five-speed manual transmission and choice of 147bhp and 107bhp 1.5-litre powerplant, Colt CZC delivers the dynamic performance to match its head-turning panache.

The well-appointed Colt CZC was styled and developed by Mitsubishi Design Europe in conjunction with Pininfarina with start of production at its Bairo plant near Turin scheduled for March. Colt CZC arrives in the UK in April priced at £13,999 for the standard 1.5 engine and £15,999 for the flagship CZC Turbo.

The Mitsubishi Concept-X

Mitsubishi’s stunning Concept-X, first shown in Tokyo in October, makes its European debut in Geneva. With Advanced Super All Wheel Control drivetrain, powerful 2.0-litre turbo-blown engine and six-cog clutchless transmission, the Concept-X hints strongly at just what to expect from the next generation of Evolution cars.

In a distinct departure from the previous rally-inspired Evolution models the Concept-X, styled by Mitsubishi Design Europe, trades in its predecessor’s stocky and foursquare proportions for sleeker and more rakish lines.

It’s a dynamic and athletic look enhanced by its gaping air intake, louvered bonnet, hawk-eyed headlamps, chunky 20inch alloy wheels and bold rear spoiler. Beneath that sexy alloy-intensive sheetmetal lies some equally enticing hardware. Concept-X is powered by a turbo-charged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MIVEC engine that drives all four wheels through a clutch-less six-speed gearbox.

Mitsubishi Sales Growth Surges Ahead

Mitsubishi Motors Europe notched up 265,685 sales in 2005, an increase of 17.7% and the third successive year of growth, with Russia, Germany and the UK leading the charge.

Against the backdrop of a difficult automotive market, Mitsubishi Motors UK posted an all-time new vehicle sales record of 38,345 units for 2005 – an impressive 6% increase over 2004 and its fifth successive year of growth.