1999 Mitsubishi SUW Active

Original name: 三菱 SUW アクティブ

I. SUW Advance concept car

1. Concept

The development brief called for a car that offers roomy accommodation for five adults, returns super-low fuel consumption, and has worldwide appeal. Primarily for family use, it caters to all situations from local shopping trips to taking friends and family on long trips and excursions, while offering superior levels of utility and safety and returning superior mileage.

2. Design

Characterized by a soft-shape silhouette, with the cabin tapering at the rear and truncated overhangs with the wheels placed at the corners the exterior styling projects a reassuring look of stability.

The interior features a people-friendly design, the instrumentation being designed for maximum ease of use, with displays located for maximum visibility and legibility.

3. Ecology

(1) GDI-HEV powertrain

SUW Advance is powered by a compact and economical hybrid system that brings together a high-efficiency GDI engine, small-capacity motor-generator unit and lithium-ion batteries, mated to a CVT. In the Japanese 10-15 urban driving mode, it returns fuel consumption of just 31.5 km/liter. Integrated control of GDI engine, motor and CVT gives the driver a choice of power modes. In Power mode, the vehicle delivers class-beating dynamic performance.

The powertrain also uses an interactive Eco-drive Advice System. This system monitors and analyzes the way the driver operates his vehicle and provides appropriate advice about accelerator and brake operation to achieve better fuel economy.

(2) Eco-friendly lightweight body with recyclable structure

SUW Advance uses a lightweight body that weighs just 980kg. This is the result of optimization and rationalization of the structure; use of aluminum in the hood, doors, rear gate and suspension; and use of plastic resin in the fenders and other exterior panels. Naturally, careful attention has been given to structural integrity and crash safety requirements.

The body also achieves 90% recyclability with aluminum and plastic materials for individual component parts being carefully selected to facilitate disassembly and dismantling.

(3) Aerodynamics

SUW Advance boasts a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.28. This stems from the cabin design that tapers to the rear to optimize body airflow and from drag-reducing features that include a grille with opening/closing louver, concealed wipers, covered rear wheel covers, flat underbody cover, and a two-stage diffuser designed into the rear underside.

(4) Run-flat tires: low resistance, quiet

The run-flat tires use a special silica-carbon compound that reduces rolling resistance, while an exclusive tread pattern provides superior water removal performance and handling stability, as well as reducing noise.

(5) ITS boosts efficiency

SUW Advance sports a number of the latest Intelligent Transport System features that contribute to higher operating efficiency and energy saving. These include Electronic Toll Collection, which eliminates the need to stop and move off again at tollbooths, and the latest car navigation system, which provides optimal route guidance to avoid congestion.

4. Safety

(1) Active safety-enhancing support systems

SUW Advance is equipped with Mitsubishi's Lane Departure Warning system, which uses a CCD video camera mounted in the rearview mirror to monitor the dividing lines on the road. Should the driver diverge from his lane, the system alerts the driver with an audible warning, causes the steering wheel to vibrate and if necessary also applies a correctional steering torque.

SUW Advance is also fitted with a high-frequency radar system that monitors the distance to, and velocity at which the vehicle approaches, obstacles in front and assists the driver in decelerating his vehicle. The vehicle also helps the driver watch his rear. A Side & Rear Monitor System uses a CCD video camera mounted in the rear of the body to monitor vehicles approaching from behind when changing lanes and to provide a clear picture on the dash display when reversing.

The use of water-repellent glass and side mirrors with hydrophilic, aspheric lenses also improve visibility and field of view.

(2) Passive safety: RISE safety body

SUW Advance uses Mitsubishi's RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) body structure that combines energy-absorbing front and rear sections with a strong, rigid occupant cell to offer superior occupant safety in a crash. Meeting worldwide crash safety standards and requirements, the RISE body provides excellent omnidirectional protection.

Pedestrian safety also receives careful attention. To protect non-occupants, the body structure places as many strength-giving members as possible inside the shell. An impact-cushioning space is provided between engine and hood, while the soft-design bumper also mitigates injury.

(3) Other hi-tech safety measures

Smart SRS airbags offer enhanced protection, inflating in the optimum mode for the type of crash as well as the physique and seated position of the occupant.

In the event of a crash, a Mayday system determines the extent of damage to the vehicle, and communicates this information together with details of the vehicle location to the Control Center.

An ISO-FIX-compliant child restraint system facilitates the task of anchoring a child seat.

5. Packaging and utility

At 3,880-mm long, 1,695-mm wide and 1,505-mm high, the compact dimensions of the body belie the generous accommodation space for five adults that results from lowering the flat and wide floor as far as possible.

Access to and from the vehicle is facilitated by the wide-opening "double doors", by the absence of a traditional center pillar and by the 600-mm hip point, which also allows a natural seated posture.

The two-way tailgate opens normally for loading of suitcases and other large items but also features a lower panel that slides upwards to provide convenient access for shopping bags and other small items.

Located on the same rails, the front and rear seats can be slid and tipped forward to provide a cavernous luggage space capable of taking a bicycle, wheelchair or other large items.

6. Convenience features

An IC card provides keyless entry, restricted to recognized drivers. It can be pre-programmed with destination details to run the navigation system.

The recessed Easy Access door handles pop out at a touch and are shaped for easy operation.

The driver can instruct the Voice Command System to operate various vehicular functions.

Voice Guidance provides the driver with navigation information as well as assistance in operating the vehicle.

The Center Multi-display in the middle of the dashboard provides the driver with information related to the navigation, climate control and in-car entertainment systems. Switches and controls are consolidated in the Multi-joystick, which is also used to control the Multi-display. The Head-level Display recessed in the top of the dashboard provides the driver with speedometer, warning lamp and other information on the operating status of the vehicle.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi

Engine & performance:

Position: front

Power: 250 hp

Drive: 4WD

Dimensions:

Length: 4240 mm

Width: 1745 mm

Height: 1535 mm

Wheelbase: 2595 mm