Mitsubishi's Concept-CT MIEV, unveiled at the Detroit motor show, is remarkable for its marriage of MIEV technology - in-wheel electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries - with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine.
The in-wheel motors were first seen on the Lancer Evolution MIEV and Mitsubishi claims the Concept-CT is both sporty and sensible while developing further the brand's reputation for all-wheel drive.
Back in the production world, the new Eclipse Spyder provides a contrasting dose of North American reality - where 30mpg for the 2.4-litre four-cylinder model is described as 'excellent'. The USA-only model also comes with a 260bhp V6.
And back in the UK, Mitsubishi has managed an 112% sales increase from five years ago to 38,345 today. New for 2006 will be the Colt CZC convertible, Mitsubishi's first convertible for the British market, armed with 109bhp or 147bhp engines.
Crucially, there will also be the new L200 pick-up. The current L200 accounted for an astonishing 31% of Mitsubishi UK's sales in 2005 and takes 35% of its segment's sales. To judge from the looks of the new one, this success should continue.
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