at Tokyo International Motor Show 2019
In collaboration with Qatar Automobiles Company, the authorized general distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) hosted a group of reporters from Qatar at the 46th edition of Tokyo Motor Show 2019.
Held once every two years, Tokyo Motor Show is one of the preeminent motor shows worldwide. At the Motor Show, Mitsubishi underscored its position in the industry, introducing their range of futuristic cars that will set new standards.Â
Via smooth flights, premium hotel accommodation and easy transport to the show, the reporter’s unique experience with Mitsubishi introduced them to the latest in the brands innovative cars - which were under the spotlights of the Tokyo show. The reporters from Qatar represented diverse media outlets and were introduced to the Japanese culture and traditions in order to build string ties and bridges with all parts of the world.
Thanks to its Research and Development center, the MMC endeavors to the lead the new segments to practical usage in the coming years, a concept which will change the face of the car industry worldwide. MMC strategy is to meet the customers’ demands in a rapid changing industry, and to offer new solutions that best fit the new automotive concept nowadays.
Exhibits on the MMC booth included the MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER – the mid-size electrified SUV concept, which was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019 and giving its Japan debut this time; Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric SUV; Eclipse Cross crossover SUV; ASX, Delica D:5 – the minivan; and other key models.
The reporters from Qatar at Tokyo Motor Show were the first to see the news Mitsubishi ASX that was revealed. The new 2020 ASX model has gone through some significant styling changes. It now adopts Mitsu’s latest Dynamic Shield front design language with LED headlights and taillights. Mitsubishi also designed a fresh rear skid plate finished in silver to make the ASX seem a bit more rugged. A similar change has been made at the front bumper to complete the look.
The 2020 ASX is equipped with 2.0-liter engine that gives you all the power you need for all your trips. MIVEC technology allows the engine to combine maximum power output, fuel efficiency, and environmental performance. From inside, the 8-INCH DISPLAY MONITOR makes the Navigation and rear-view camera easier to use. In terms of Safety, the new ASX is equipped with many features such as Blind Spot Warning (BSW) / Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and 7-airbag system which helps protect every passenger in every seat. Besides, the Emergency Stop Signal System is very useful when sudden braking is detected. The system reduces the chance of a rear collision by automatically flashing your hazards to warn the driver behind.
During their visit, the reporters witnessed the reveal of new concept cars that captivated the visitors, including the MI-TECH CONCEPT small-sized electrified SUV concept car, MI-TECH CONCEPT, and the SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT Kei car.
Mitsubishi new concepts:
1-MI-TECH CONCEPT Outline (World Premiere)
MI TECH CONCEPT embodies the values of MMC's Drive your Ambition brand message under the concept of "An electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind". A new downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) drivetrain, a 4-motor electric 4WD system, and advanced driver assistance and active safety systems are condensed into this small electrified SUV concept.
PHEV system
This PHEV system is optimized with light and compact unit for this small size SUV, and a gas turbine engine-generator is equipped instead of the general gasoline engine-generator. This provides the driver to use pure-electric driving mode and series hybrid modes, and delivers the smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electrified vehicles.
Quad Motor electric 4WD system
MI-TECH CONCEPT is powered by a 4-motor 4WD system called Quad Motor with Dual Motor AYC*4 which has 2-motors for both front and rear axle. This allows optimum torque to be delivered to all four wheels. This brings the confidence to the driver to make a precise handling for the daily use in town, and also the ingenious performance on the adventurous off-road.Â
Advanced driver assistance & active safety systems
MI-TECH CONCEPT adopts a human machine interface (HMI) that projects a variety of information detected by using advanced optical sensing technology onto the AR windshield. The MI-PILOT driver assistance system not only alerts the driver in potential collision, it also supports their operation of the steering wheel and brakes. In addition, active safety systems support the driver in avoiding collisions, or mitigate the collision damage. All these systems work together to deliver a reassuring, safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Reporters visited the MMC booth to watch the virtual reality demonstrations that allowed them to see the concept car displayed with variety of angles and distances. The stereoscopic images of the MI-TECH CONCEPT could be rotated, zoomed in or zoomed out,in multiple background scenes. In addition to these, there were several angles which they enjoyed the surroundings from inside the car; the angles as if they were walking around the car, looking into interior from outside of the car, or viewing it from underneath of the car.
2-SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT (World Premiere)
This new-generation SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT answers the wishes of those drivers looking to expand their list of destinations and going further towards to the horizon. SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT features the roomy interior space as its standard of the genre while delivering the performance and functionality expected in this category. And, the SUV-taste design shows its Mitsubishi-ness.Â
This concept car delivers nimble handling and brisk performance while maximizing living space. It also offers reassurance and safety to all occupants with MI-PILOT - the driver assistance technology for highway driving in the same-lane, forward collision mitigation braking, mis-acceleration mitigation and other advanced active safety systems which earn it SAPO CAR (Safety Support Car) S Wide classification from the Japanese government.
3-MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER (Japan Premiere)
This concept for a new-generation mid-size crossover SUV is powered by MMC's Twin Motor 4WD plug-in hybrid EV system. MITUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER offers high levels of dynamic performance that allow the driver to enjoy with confidence their driving experience in any weather or over any road surface. It also delivers the long cruising range inherent to the PHEV. The excellent packaging enhances its attractiveness of SUV with its multi-passenger 3-row seat layout.
4.DENDO DRIVE HOUSE (DDH)
DDH is a one-stop shopping service which bundles together the sale, installation and after-maintenance of a V2H system that comprises an EV, a V2H adapter, solar panels and a domestic storage battery. MMC today started the trial sales of DDH packaged service in certain areas of Japan.Â
The Qatar reporters were able to experience the DDH service exhibited on the MMC booth alongside the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid EV. A display screen gives visualization to the system energy flow, starting with the use of solar panels to charge the EV and the supply of electrical power from the EV battery to the home. The DDH service brings benefits to the customer that include savings on electricity costs and provision of an emergency power source.