| Motorshow Preview | Tokyo Motor Show | Mitsubishi |

Keen to emphasise its future vehicle strategy, Mitsubishi is planning to show three concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, each differently interpreting the company's 'expression' of the road car.

The smallest is the i MiEV Sport. At 3,450mm long and using a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, the 2+2 seater concept focuses mainly on minimising its impact on the environment, but also utilises some of the Japanese firm's renowned dynamics systems.

The i MiEV uses an electric motor located in each front wheel as well as a larger motor to drive the rear pair. Mitsubishi has fitted a regenerative braking system to recover energy lost during deceleration, which is stored in a roof-mounted generator. In all, the Sport generates around 117bhp, with a top speed of approximately 112mph. But huge performance was not the agenda for Mitsubishi. Instead it chose to fit Active-Yaw Control (AYC), Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Active Stability Control (ASC), suggesting the Sport is more about handling dynamics, especially since it features all-wheel drive and its lithium battery is stored under the floor to maintain a low centre of gravity.

Mitsubishi will also be showing the Concept-ZT saloon in Tokyo, fitted with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel putting out 188bhp and 295lb.ft of twist. The Concept-ZT comes with an LSD and four-wheel drive as well as utilising Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST gearbox - rumoured to have found its way onto the forthcoming Evo X. Where the i MiEV was based around driving pleasure, the ZT is designed more toward safety. A Pre-crash Safety System sends radar waves around the car to determine objects within close proximity, analysing their potential risk and alerts the driver if necessary. A Lane-Drift Warning System and a pedestrian-conscious Pop-Up Hood are also fitted to the car.

The final concept on display in Tokyo - though making its debut in Frankfurt, is the four-wheel drive Concept-cX. A 1.8-litre, 134bhp turbodiesel will feature in the cX, producing 276lb.ft of torque. The baby SUV crossover again makes use of a Twin Clutch gearbox, but focuses more on practicality with an elevated stance (1,550mm in height) and split tailgate to aid loading. Plant-based 'green' plastics (bamboo and resin) have been used for interior components, highlighting the Concept's focus on environmental issues.

The Tokyo Motor Show begins October 24th and The Car Enthusiast will be present to bring you all the latest news and images.

Kyle Molyneux - 18 Sep 2007