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."Mitsubishi Motors to Unveil "SUW Advance" and "SUW Compact" concept cars At 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 3, 1999"Mitsubishi Motors at 33rd Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 13, 1999
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."New strategic model series, Smart Utility Wagon (SUW)", Mitsubishi Motors press release, December 3, 1998 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.
SUW Advance The SUW Advance hatchback was designed with accommodation for five adults and high fuel economy as its highest priorities. Externally, it measured , wide, and high, while suicide doors at the rear and no central vertical pillar allowed easier entry and egress. The car was powered by a 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. With a lightweight body and a drag coefficient of 0.28, Mitsubishi claimed it to be capable of .
SUW Compact The SUW Compact was designed for urban environments, so compactness and manoeuvrability were prioritised alongside fuel economy. The Compact was long, wide and high, and it benefited from a turning circle of . The powertrain also utilised GDI technology, this time as a 1.1-litre with ASG (Automatic Stop-Go), a system which turns off the engine when it is idling and restarts it on demand."Booth Guide - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation" , Tokyo-Motorshow.com, 1999 Combined with its drag coefficient of 0.30, the Compact claimed fuel consumption of .
SUW Active The SUW Active did not appear alongside its siblings at Frankfurt, debuting instead in Tokyo in October. Another GDI powertrain was used, this time fitted with a turbocharger. The car measured long, wide and high.
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