Not to be outdone by Subaru, Mitsubishi is to bring out a hatchback version of its Lancer model.
The Prototype-S will preview the forthcoming Lancer Sportback at the Geneva Show 2008 and although it will have all sorts of technological wizardry the most important thing apparently is the colour.
Mitsubishi seems to want to Tango its cars at the moment and while we associate the colour orange with David Dickinson’s face, apparently it embodies ‘the lively, warm, enthusiastic, creative, energetic, successful, and stimulating character that is Mitsubishi Motors in 2008’.
The Lancer Sportback is a five-door hatchback variant of the Lancer and, as with the new Subaru Impreza hatchback, is expected to go down better with European buyers.
The Prototype-S adds a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the Lancer and represents 70%of the forecasted Lancer volume in the overall region and 80% in the UK
The concept will have a 240bhp 2.0 litre turbo motor, Twin Clutch SST1 gearbox, and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential, perhaps hinting at a future Evo version.
It will be launched later this year.