Mitsubishi Motors Corporation are planning to take the wraps off their Prototype-S concept at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through to March 16. The Prototype-S is a sports hatchback with wide-and-low proportions that echoes the 2005 Concept-Sportback, which Mitsubishi claim identifies their new design identity.

The Prototype-S is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC MIVEC turbocharged and intercooled engine that develops 177kW and 343Nm. The potent 2.0-litre mill is hooked up to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission and a full-time 4WD driveline that features Mitsubishi’s Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimise the front/rear drive torque split depending on the driving conditions, thus delivering the best balance between steering response and traction.

From the front, with the fluted bonnet and open mouthed grille, the Prototype-S certainly shares more than a passing resemblance to the new Ralliart Lancer and in production form would no-doubt make a popular edition to the current line-up.