Mitsubishi preview Global Small Concept in Geneva

Mitsubishi have revealed their next generation international B-segment car, the Global Small Concept, at the 81st Geneva Motor Show.

Designed to cater to all world markets in their lower sectors, the Global Small Concept will be revealed in full production form at the end of the year with production to begin in early 2012 at an all-new plant in Thailand.

It will be offered to satisfy demands in two major world markets; the need for entry-level models in emerging markets such as China and India which are predicted to make up 50% of all world markets by 2013, and to offer more fuel efficient vehicles in developed car markets (Japan, Europe, North America).

The Global Small Concept will be available with three power trains. Along with all-new 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre MIVEC petrol engines, buyers can also opt for a 100% electric variant. All models will also have Auto Stop and Go and a Brake energy regenerative system as standard features.

Dimensions of the Global Small Concept will be 3.74 m length, 1.68 m width and 1.49 m tall. While this is slightly smaller than a VW Polo, Mitsubishi say it will comfortably seat five adults and sufficient luggage to make it one of the most space efficient vehicles in the B-segment.Mitsubishi also say that the cars “effective design” make it “a daily reliable runabout equally at ease crossing the bush, tackling mega pole traffic or blasting highways (within speed limits).”

Mitsubishi expect to produce between 150,000 and 200,000 units of the vehicle annually. The production name, equipment levels, availability and other details should be released further into the year.