Mitsubishi cX-Based SUV Launch Sped Up

Mitsubishi will release its new compact SUV based on the cX concept sooner than initially planned, mostly thanks to growing sales for the SUV segment in several markets around the world. The car was originally projected to hit the market in May 2010 but the Japanese manufacturer will officially launch it in the domestic market in February, autocar.co.uk wrote.

The European launch will follow in the next few months, the source added. The new compact SUV, whose name is going to be revealed at a late date, would be mostly aimed at competing with Nissan's Qashqai.

The production version of the SUV will be based on the same platform as the Lancer and will boast both gasoline and diesel units ranging from 1.8- to 2.2-liters. A hybrid versions is unlikely because Mitsubishi plans to debut a new hybrid powertrain this year in October at the Tokyo Auto Show on a new SUV.

The cX concept was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show was featuring an electronically controlled 4WD system comprising three modes (2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock). It was powered by a 1.8-liter clean diesel DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that released 136 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. It was also equipped with a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger, a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and a DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst).

The engine was mated to Mitsubishi Motors' Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that was especially tweaked to provide a quick response and smooth shifting plus slick, sporty gear changing with no clutch pedal.