New Mitsubishi Global Compact Car In Development For 2012

FOLLOWING YESTERDAY'S reveal of the new Lancer-based Mitsubishi RVR crossover, the Japanese carmaker has confirmed it is developing a new global compact car to replace the current generation Colt.

While it is unclear whether the new model will inherit the Colt name, Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko confirmed basic details for the new car in an interview with industry paper Automotive News this week.

According to the report, the new Mitsubishi compact will be smaller than the current Colt and powered by a 1.0 to 1.3 litre petrol engine. It is set to debut in 2012.

The report goes on to say that plug-in electric and hybrid versions of the car will be available from 2013, likely built on the current i-MiEV's technology.

"The revitalization of the business is very important," Mr Masuko told Automotive News. "We're reviewing many things."

Both the RVR and the upcoming compact car are part of a new push at Mitsubishi to reposition the brand as a recognised maker of fuel-efficient petrol cars and, in the case of the i-MiEV, electric and hybrid vehicles.