Mitsubishi confirmed more than a year ago that its Concept-cX crossover that starred at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show would eventually enter production and today we have the first spy shots of a prototype for the new model. The compact crossover will be aimed at European markets and be positioned below the current Outlander.
As previewed by the original Concept-cX, the production model, which is going by the name of CX, will likely feature a constant all-wheel drive system. The vehicle will be important for Mitsubishi’s European arm as it will also be a showcase for the company’s environmental awareness by debuting a family of Euro-5 clean diesel engines.
The new engine is planned to have class-leading power output courtesy of a high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics. Some of the technologies include a variable geometry turbocharger, a diesel particulate filter and a diesel oxidation catalyst.
The base engine will be a 136-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit churning out 206-pound-feet of torque. It will be mated to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a custom AWD system.
If the CX proves popular, re-skinned versions of the compact crossover could also be sold by French automakers Peugeot and Citroen--just as they did with the current 4007 and C7 SUVs based on the larger Outlander.
