2014 Brussels Motor Show – Mitsubishi Motors

MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT THE 2014 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW: CONCEPT AR EUROPEAN PREMIERE – REAL LIFE TESTING

Mitsubishi Motors starts the New Year with élan, making the 2014 Brussels Motor Show a showcase for its innovative and sporting spirit with the European premiere of Concept AR. Concept AR offers a unique blend of genre and technologies – SUV / MPV architecture, BSG mild hybrid drivetrain – that will be real-life tested with visitors of the 92^nd International “Motorcar – Motorcycle” Brussels Motor Show, due to open to the public on January 16^th 2014.

Next to Concept AR, the full Mitsubishi Motors range currently retailed in Belgium and Luxemburg will also be displayed, including the awarded Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric crossover which will start its pan-European commercial career at the Brussels Motor Show, after a promising introduction in the “wave-one” countries (The Netherlands, Switzerland and selected Nordic markets) from late October 2013.

Active blend

Unveiled late November 2013 at the 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show, Concept AR is a next-generation compact MPV which combines SUV sportiness with MPV roominess.

It uses a lightweight mild hybrid Belt Start Generator system which comprises a downsized 1.1-litre 3-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine mated to a low output BSG torque circuit with a 48V lithium-ion battery and an air-cooled DC-DC converter.

Beyond its rugged sporty styling and versatile seating, Concept AR also incorporates Mitsubishi Motors advanced active safety connected technologies relying on next-generation information systems.

These functions include a danger detection system which activates the corresponding safety functions and a failure/malfunction early-detection system which urges the driver to seek repairs or other maintenance.

Free spirit exterior design

The Mitsubishi Concept AR (for “Active Runabout”) is a compact vehicle blending the benefits of MPV and SUV architectures.

The oversize tyres give the body a lifted-up look while the overstated skid plates give clear visual expression to the high manoeuvrability, the reassuring stability and the commanding presence of an SUV.

Other styling elements contributing to Concept AR’s fresh and distinctive design include the front grille with its bold diamond-cut pattern and the air outlets crafted into the rear pillars which serve to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Soothing interior design

Inside, Concept AR cleanly wraps occupants in simple and soft styling which does away with meaningless features, all meant to create a soothing ambiance.

Distinguished by soft and rounded lines the spacious cabin offers three alternative seating patterns giving generous seating room for six occupants, for four occupants with a sizeable luggage space or for a generous common space between the 2nd and 3rd row seats when they are turned to face each other.

Beyond traditional MPV versatile seating arrangement, great care has also been given to providing enough individual personal space and also to the distance between fellow occupants – for instance, a passenger might pull out the tablet-type interface from its home slot in the side of the cabin and link up with the outside world through the internet or check out their emails and other personal information.

Within the compact dimensions of the body, the relatively long wheelbase provides a cabin that is open and airy. This is amplified by the gently bowed Crystal Lighted Roof from the centre of which indirect lighting provides passengers with soothing illumination.

The calming peacefulness of the cabin is further enhanced by gentle wind and other sounds emanating from slits in the side trim. With easily detachable cup holders and a tablet-type interface, this forward-thinking interior design brings together enhanced convenience and comfort.

Lightweight + Mild Hybrid

Concept AR is powered by a lightweight Belt Start Generator (BSG)-type mild hybrid system which comprises a downsized 1.1-litre in-line 3-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine mated to a low-output BSG torque circuit.

The rear-mounted 48V lithium-ion battery and air-cooled DC-DC converter work in cooperation to provide instant engine restarting after an idle-stop and to deliver gutsy torque assist under acceleration. The motor is used to recover kinetic energy during regenerative braking and to drive the A/C compressor while the engine is turned off to promote even better fuel economy at the same time as delivering a solid and satisfying driving experience.

During its development, Concept AR has also been subject to an exhaustive weight reduction program targeting the engine and the hybrid system overall together with the more extensive use of high-tensile strength steel panels as already implemented in Mitsubishi Motors’ latest products (New Outlander, New Mirage) and also, of lightweight structural materials in strategic locations. This weight reduction was extended to the no-frill design of the dashboard, seats and even the choice of upholstery trim. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption together with a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Active safety connected technologies

Concept AR is equipped with Mitsubishi Motors advanced active safety connected technologies relying on next-generation information systems.

These systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver about dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately.

Their main functions include:

• Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning
• Driving Safety Support System (DSSS)
• Auto Hi-beam
• Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control
• Forward Collision Mitigation Braking (FCM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Specifications