The Japanese manufacturer used Tokyo to unveil its new 84mpg Mirage global hatchback, and a hybrid concept called the PX-MiEV II.
The Mirage isn’t much of a looker but it’s here because it doesn’t barf shedloads of CO2 into the atmosphere and it’ll probably be dirt cheap. It’s powered by a new, economical, 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine which uses a regenerative braking system for energy recovery. Stop/start has also been included to achieve the impressive claimed economy of an average 84mpg.
The production model will go on sale first in Thailand, in March 2012, and will be rolled out in other markets all over the world in quick succession.
The PX-MiEV II isn’t particularly attractive either, but as a concept car it is interesting because its hybrid range-extending powertrain looks a certainty for future Mitsubishis.
It’s a development s of a similar concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo motor show and it features a new range-extender system that uses two electric motors, one to power each axle, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
You can drive 30 miles on electric power alone but the powertrain can also use both electric and petrol motors together. The petrol motor can act purely as a generator for when the battery reserve is low but, as you’d expect, pure electric mode is still most efficient.
Mitsubishi claims it can achieve a combined economy of 141mpg.
For more information on the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, click here.
