Both Mitsubishi and Honda are to reveal new models designed mainly for Europe at the Geneva motor show next March.
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Honda will show the redesigned (‘narrow body’) European Accord (called Accord Euro in markets like Australia where it is sold alongside the wider ‘US’ model) and Mitsubishi a ‘concept’ previewing the upcoming Lancer hatchback – a long-promised body style the automaker has previously admitted to just-auto is essential for full C-segment coverage in Europe.
Mitsubishi Motors said the Prototype-S is a concept for a sports hatchback derived from its sport sedan family, which includes the Lancer (called the Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) launched in 2007, the Lancer Ralliart announced at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan) introduced at the 2007 Tokyo show.
“Prototype-S takes the form of a hatchback — a very popular body type in European markets,” the automaker said in a statement.
The show car has a two-litre I4 DOHC MIVEC engine with intercooler and turbocharger developing 177kW mated to the new ‘Twin Clutch SST’ automated manual transmission and full-time 4WD drive with Mitsubishi’s active centre differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.
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By GlobalDataHonda, meanwhile, released a series of preview photos of its new Accord and promised an all-Euro 5-emissions-compliant engine line up, including, just-auto expects, a previously anounced new ‘clean diesel’ that is also due for US sale from around 2009.
Honda would not provide technical details ahead of an announcement on 11 February but said the new European Accord “has a unique package of passive and active safety features to deliver even greater confidence”.
The automaker did confirm, however, that sedan and wagon (Tourer) versions would be offered when sales start here “in early summer”.
