While the Mitsubishi stand at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was dominated by the doorless, open top, rough and tough looking turbine powered hybrid Mi-Tech concept, the brand also displayed its close-to-production study called the Super Height K-Wagon concept.
While the K-Wagon concept may not be the most exciting thing to come out of the Tokyo Motor Show, it does introduce a Kei class runabout with a couple of differences namely, more cabin space and the ability to travel further, more comfortably and more safely.
For the unfamiliar, a Kei class vehicle (since October 1998) must be no more than 660cc in engine displacement with no more than 47kW of power. Other restrictions include a max height, length and width of 2.0m, 3.4m and 1.48m respectively. These vehicles are quite obviously city-only runabouts and are rarely seen outside the Japanese domestic market.
The Super Height K-Wagon concept looks to offer the best of both worlds in the sense where its increased ride height and taller driving position mimics that of an SUV while retaining the key characteristics of a people mover like sliding rear doors and a clever use of space.
In terms of styling, the K-Wagon concept (obviously) receives the company’s current design philosophy such as the Dynamic Shield front fascia as seen on the Eclipse Cross and the recently facelifted ASX. It also features a two-tone paint job with silver roof rails.
In terms of performance, Mitsubishi has been rather mum on facts and figures but says its powerplant “delivers brisk, stress-free road performance in low-speed and high-speed zones” from its “high-performance engine and CVT gearbox”. The brand also says the K-Wagon concept incorporates e-Assist preventive safety technology which includes MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology (essentially, AEB) and a collision prevention assistance for pedal misoperation.
Mitsubishi boss Takao Koto says the Super Height K-Wagon concept is slated to enter production by the end of Q1 2020. As mentioned, Kei cars are rarely found outside of Japan, so it’s a slim chance one will find its way to a Mitsubishi showroom near you.
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