Tokyo Motor Show - Mitsubishi

What will make it to the showrooms?
The Outlander off-roader is the car we will get in the UK at the start of 2007, while Concept-X is, to all intents and purposes, the next rally-bred Evo due a little later the same year.

Mitsubishi is pitching Outlander head-to-head with the Nissan X-Trail, but promises even better value for money (either lower prices or more equipment for similar cost). It goes on sale first with a Volkswagen 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine; a new Mitsubishi 2.4-litre petrol alternative will be offered by the end of 2007.

The full-time four-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled and linked to the stability control system.

The car is built on a new platform that Mitsubishi has developed with Chrysler. The same platform will also underpin the next Lancer hatchback and the Lancer-based Evo saloon. The European model will have a bolder frontal look with a more prominent three-diamond badge than the Japanese version on show in Tokyo.

The new Evo should arrive in the UK at about the same time as it goes on sale in Japan. It is much less extreme in appearance than previous Evos and will offer better driveability, although the focus remains on high performance.

The show car introduces a new 2.0-litre turbo engine mated to a six-speed paddle-shift transmission, although the road-going version may have a standard manual gearbox.

The four-wheel-drive system is a more sophisticated version of that in the Outlander. It works in tandem with active brakes and steering and electronic suspension control.

Insiders say Concept-X is very close to how the production model will look, although the interior may be toned down.

What’s the best bit?
The new Evo will look much less thuggish than previous models.

And the worst?
People are already ringing UK dealers to try to order one, so demand looks like outstripping supply.

Any other developments?
Mitsubishi is toying with the idea of bringing its new small car, i, to Britain under the special vehicle import rules. Dealers are currently being asked for their opinions.

The i is built to Japan’s strict city-car rules (restricted size and 660cc engines), but it’s so spacious and good-looking that it might just sell in the UK in limited numbers.

Any gossip?
Mitsubishi will sell its 660cc engine to DaimlerChrysler for use in the next Smart Fortwo.