The 2011 Geneva Motor Show isn’t on until March but carmakers are already warming us up with previews of their latest concepts. Mitsubishi has now come to the party and released the first image of the Concept Global Small, ahead of its official debut.

While the name seems a touch unoriginal, the CGS is based on the notions of compact size, affordability and high fuel-efficiency. It features a modern, attractive design with distinctive headlights, a sloping roofline, and flush-mounted door handles.  In the cabin, clever use of space should ensure the cabin can comfortably seat five occupants.

At this stage the CGS is technically a concept vehicle but will possibly be the new Colt/Mirage, which is scheduled for production in March 2012. It will be built in Thailand and will be challenging for class-leading fuel efficiency as well as CO2 emissions.

Detailed specifications haven’t been announced, but the concept vehicle will use a 1.0 or 1.2-litre gasoline engine with a regenerative braking system, a stop-start mechanism to decrease fuel consumption and a thrifty CVT gearbox. The concept has also been trimmed of as much weight as possible and is given a highly aerodynamic body shape. Read the rest of this entry »