Mitsubishi reveals sketches of new “global small” car



Mitsubishi's new "global small"car

Mitsubishi has released sketches of its new global small car to the media. To be produced in Thailand and China and exported to key world markets including India and South America, the new supermini will act as Mitsubishi’s future entry level model in many countries, slotting into its line-up underneath the Colt.
Secrecy surrounds the new car's mechanical specification but Mitsubishi is said to have developed its own unique front-wheel drive platform for the global small, which is due to go on sale in 2012. Earlier speculation suggested it may base the car on French joint-venture partner PSA’s (Peugeot Citroen) B-Zero underpinnings developed in partnership with Toyota and used by the 107, C1 and Aygo. However, this is now denied by Mitsubishi.

Power for the new car is planned to come from basic 1-litre three-cylinder and possibly a larger 1.2-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to either five-speed manual gearbox or optional CVT (continuously variable transmission).
Mitsubishi says it is investing $535 million (€404 million) to produce the “global small” in Thailand, confirming plans for a new factory on its existing Chonburi site 62 miles (100km) south of Bangkok supporting an initial annual capacity of 150,000 cars per year. The new factory is Mitsubishi’s third in Thailand, and the Japanese carmaker’s first there in 16 years. A concept of the global small is expected to make an appearance at next year's Geneva auto show.