| New Concept Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Mitsubishi Prototype-S |
Ahead of next week's all-important unveiling at the
Geneva motorshow, Mitsubishi has released images of the Prototype-S show car. It's no secret that the so-called 'concept' closely represents the finished five-door Lancer Sportback, which will go on sale later this year and could account for 80% of Lancer sales in the UK.
The show car displayed in Geneva features a sporty appearance borrowed from the new
Evo X and unique front lights. These are expected to be toned down when the showroom-ready five-door is launched in the summer, though we're told that a roof spoiler could be a standard feature, emphasising the car's sporting nature.
Although it's unlikely that there will be a Sportback 'Evolution', Mitsubishi will offer the Evo's advanced Super All Wheel Control electronics with a detuned version of the Evo's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, as it will in a new Ralliart model.
Another promising feature of the Prototype-S is its upgraded interior. It features leather and suede trimming that would go some way to alleviating the hard surfaces employed by Mitsubishi on the
regular Lancer saloon. We're not sure how much of the concept's detailing will be retained at this stage, but the Lancer Sportback should be a competitive rival for the likes of the new Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic, if not quite the Ford Focus and Golf.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Feb 2008