Mitsubishi Motors gave sizable clues about two crucial forthcoming production models at Geneva, both of them due in the next three years, and both slated to be offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains. The XR-PHEV and GC-PHEV concepts, first shown in Tokyo last November, preview closely the next ASX crossover and Pajero/Shogun models respectively.
The former suggests Mitsubishi’s Qashqai-chaser is in for much more adventurous styling in its second generation.
Wearing a much bolder waterfall-style radiator grille than the current car, more aggressive bumper styling and much more sculptural surfacing, the XR-PHEV demonstrates a newfound sense of confidence and identity from Mitsubishi.
In production form it will feature a simplified version of the Outlander PHEV’s petrol-electric powertrain with a smaller engine-generator and only one electric motor rather than two. The GC-PHEV shows how Mitsubishi plans to execute a replacement for the Shogun full-sized SUV. “Shoguns are hard-working utility machines as well as large luxury passenger cars,” a company spokesperson told us. “The rugged styling of the ‘GC’ concept speaks to that identity.”
A diesel-electric version of the PHEV powertrain could yet be signed off for the car to ensure lowest-possible CO2 emissions.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
