Mitsubishi's Global Small Car Coming in 2012

There's a lot of buzz surrounding Mitsubishi's enthusiastic plans for the future and everybody's curious to see what's so special about the new global small car the company has prepared for the Geneva Auto Show. Well, not only that the Japanese brand is looking to launch the vehicle worldwide, but it also intends to replace the Colt with this new much more appealing, much more efficient and yet, much more affordable vehicle.

The main questions are basically aimed at the launch date of the new car and, although some persons close to the matter hinted that it could enter production in 2012, nobody knew for sure if this is indeed going to happen.

But China Car Times writes that China is one of the first countries to get the new model and this will most likely happen in 2012, especially because Mitsubishi has formed a new joint venture with Guangzhou Auto. The new global small car will thus become the first model to be produced by the two, although it seems like an SUV project is also on the table.

The vehicle will be on display at the Geneva Auto Show in March, while a production ready version is likely to be unveiled at one of the auto shows later this year. Often referred to as the "new Colt", the car will most likely use 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines, especially customized for increased mileage and fitted with regenerative braking and start stop technology. A CVT transmission, also optimized to back efficiency, is likely to be offered as well.

Rumors are suggesting that the Colt will be assembled in Thailand but, given the fact that the car will be sold in world's most markets, production is likely to be started in other facilities as well. Expect for more information at the Swiss event, so we'll keep you posted.