Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi XR PHEV II hybrid SUV concept lands in Geneva

Sporty plug-in hybrid makes debut at Geneva show, set to evolve into production small crossover

Mitsubishi has finally unveiled its dramatic XR PHEV II concept at the Geneva Motor Show. With a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it's expected to join the Outlander PHEV SUV in the firm's line-up when it reaches production before the end of this decade.

Likely to aim above supermini-SUVs such as the Renault Captur, the sharp-looking 'urban crossover' is an updated version of the XR PHEV we saw at last year's Paris Motor Show. Much of the car looks similar, but additions and tweaks make it more production-relevant, while there's also a functioning interior.

The exterior gets a development of the Japanese firm's family face, grafted on to a dynamic and rakish profile. The muscular lines and steeply rising window line have more than a hint of the Range Rover Evoque, while the sporty cabin is driver-focused and features an angled centre console.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The concept debuts the latest form of Mitsubishi's 'PHEV' plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. It's described as a "lightweight, compact and high-efficiency front-engine/front-drive system" and the electric motor produces 161bhp. Combined with a range-extending petrol engine of undisclosed capacity, the powertrain also emits 40g/km of CO2.  

The previous concept was more of a traditional hybrid with a 132bhp 1.1-litre turbo petrol engine, but the XR PHEV II is expected to follow on the trend of a small 'generator' unit to charge up the batteries when flat, in the same vein as the BMW i3.

The concept fits in with the firm's plans to have hybrid or fully electric models across the entire range in the next few years. According to Mitsubishi UK managing director Lance Bradley, the target is for 20 per cent of production to be electric models by 2020.

Do you like the look of Mitsubishi's latest concept? Let us know in the comments below!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The last glimmer of hope for Mitsubishi’s UK return has faded, but we’d still like it back
Opinion - Mitsubishi

The last glimmer of hope for Mitsubishi’s UK return has faded, but we’d still like it back

Mitsubishi has confirmed that its recent tie-up with Honda and Nissan won’t result in a UK comeback
Opinion
5 Aug 2024
The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress
Opinion - Geneva Motor Show

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress

Mike Rutherford laments the demise of the iconic Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
16 Jun 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025