| Mitsubishi SUW | |
| Production: | 1999 |
| Class: | Concept cars |
The Mitsubishi SUW (Smart Utility Wagon) is a series of concept cars sharing a common design theme, and first exhibited by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors at the 1999 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows.[1] [2]
The Smart Utility Wagon theme was introduced late in 1998 as a demonstration of the company's corporate slogan of the time, "Innovation in Motion", which was itself to represent "smart design" and "ecology conscious[ness]". Specifically, SUWs shared the company's gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine technology, a taller roofline for easier entry and exit, and interior space competitive with larger vehicles.[3] The three individual vehicles Mitsubishi produced were the SUW Advance, a five-door hatchback family car, the SUW Compact a three-door hatchback small car, and the SUW Active sport utility vehicle.[2]
The SUW Advance hatchback was designed with accommodation for five adults and high fuel economy as its highest priorities.[2] Externally, it measured 3880mm, 1695mm wide, and 1505mm high, while suicide doors at the rear and no central vertical pillar allowed easier entry and egress. The car was powered by a 105PS GDI-HEV hybrid electric powertrain; a 1.5-litre internal combustion engine using gasoline direct injection and an array of lithium ion batteries, mated to a continuously variable transmission.[1] With a lightweight 980kg (2,160lb) body and a drag coefficient of 0.28, Mitsubishi claimed it to be capable of 31.5km/L.[2]
The SUW Compact was designed for urban environments, so compactness and manoeuvrability were prioritised alongside fuel economy.[2] The Compact was 3580mm long, 1685mm wide and 1515mm high, and it benefited from a turning circle of 4.4m (14.4feet). The powertrain also utilised GDI technology, this time as a 78PS 1.1-litre with ASG (Automatic Stop-Go), a system which turns off the engine when it is idling and restarts it on demand.[4] Combined with its drag coefficient of 0.30, the Compact claimed fuel consumption of 4.5l/100 km.[1]
The SUW Active did not appear alongside its siblings at Frankfurt, debuting instead in Tokyo in October.[2] Another GDI powertrain was used, this time fitted with a turbocharger. The car measured 4240mm long, 1745mm wide and 1535mm high.