Mitsubishi through its joint venture with GAC has used the Auto Guangzhou 2021 show as the venue to unveil the Airtrek serving as a compact crossover riding on a dedicated electric car platform. Even though it’s only 182.3 inches (4630 millimeters) long, the EV has a generous wheelbase measuring 114 in (2830 mm). Corroborated with a flat-floor layout, there’s a lot of room for rear passengers to stretch their legs.
Power is provided by a front-mounted electric motor good for 181 hp (135 kW) in a vehicle that weighs just under 4,200 lbs (1,900 kg) and carries around a battery pack with a capacity of 69.9 kWh. Mitsubishi mentions that the Airtrek can cover up to 323 miles (520 km) between charges, but we should point out this number is based on the China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC).
It certainly doesn’t look like your typical compact crossover, be it electric- or gasoline-powered, featuring an unusual split headlight design to echo recent models launched by the Japanese brand. Even though it doesn’t need a front grille to cool down a combustion engine, it does have one, adorned with a plethora of hexagonal elements while carrying the front-mounted camera just below the corporate badge.
Being an official press image, the 2022 Airtrek is shown in its top specification with a two-tone look by combining the predominantly white body with a black roof for a contrasting effect. It’s the same story with the two-tone alloy wheels, while the door handles remain flush with the body to give the side profile a sleeker look and improve the crossover’s aerodynamic efficiency.
The interior is rather minimalist with few conventional controls since most of the Airtrek’s functions are accessible through the large infotainment display, complemented by an all-digital instrument cluster. The latter not only shows the navigation map, but it also features augmented reality technology as you’ll find in a luxury car such as the latest Mercedes EQS fullsize electric sedan.
Following today’s debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2021, the Mitsubishi Airtrek will go on sale locally next year and we wouldn’t get our hopes up as far as seeing it outside China.
Source: Mitsubishi
