Mitsubishi diversified its set-up at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, creating three separate stages; Present, Tomorrow and Future. The company brought 21 cars to display, but it was its concepts that captured the most attention.

Two of the concept cars fell under the "Tomorrow" banner, being the CZ2 and CZ3 concepts, while the Space Liner and S.U.P. were classified as "Future" vehicles.

The automaker said the Tomorrow concept cars were proposals for a new generation of compact cars, while the "Future" concepts proposed several ideas, including new ways of utilizing space in vehicles.

CZ2 - Stylish urban compact
Mitsubishi classifies the CZ2's look as "chic," with an expressive design that places focus on the wave-shaped instrument panel and linear silhouette.

The interior appears pretty roomy, attributable to the long wheelbase, which has also allowed the car maker to add creature comforts, including front bench seat, portable door pockets, and large four-partition glass roof with independent sunlight control.

The four-seat CZ2 has a 1.3 litre 16-valve DOHC engine with a variable valve timing system, married to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

CZ3 Tarmac - Compact with a sporty feel
The four-door CZ3 is the next level above the CZ2. It's sport looks, according to Mitsubishi, are based on elements from WRC World Champion Tommi Makinen’s rally car, with the automaker paying attention to the areas of performance and cockpit design.

Mitsubishi included a 1.5-litre intercooled turbocharged GDI, which has some kick, and delivers better than average fuel economy. There's also four-wheel-drive married to the Active Centre Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC).

The car company said the ACD and AYC features track the driver’s aim in all situations, giving better response and performance.

The cockpit puts the driver in an almost race car environment, and includes a gear selector similar to a sequential gear lever and three sequential indicators. The CZ3 Tarmac also has some entertaining goodies, including a multi-purpose monitor that incorporates the DVD, navigation and other system displays on the centre console.

Space Liner - Next-generation "relaxation"
The Space Liner, Mitsubishi proposes, is a new way of looking at how space is utilized in cars.

The company said the interior offers enough space to be comfortable, and was achieved through the low and wide proportions of the futuristic mono-form shape and long wheelbase.

Possibly inspired by the recent spate of movie theatre seating in North America, the Space Liner has seating that encourages occupants to stretch out and relax, with what looks like generous head, leg and shoulder room.

As much spa as transport, Mitsubishi included stress reducing items as well, including front and rear side doors that open wide from the centre pillar for easy entry and exit, revolving front power seats, and soft-shaped rear seat.

Other advanced technology includes "Lane-trace assist," which helps keep the car within the lane, and a drive-by-wire system that connects the accelerator and brake controls on the steering wheel.

Mitsubishi said that being a car of the "future," the Space Liner has been envisioned to use fuel cells at its power source.

S.U.P. - New, active gear
In another vehicle with a name in the long line of annoying acronyms, the S.U.P. (short for Sports Utility Pack) looks like a mix of future and fun, comfort and versatility.

The body has a kind of "tube line" with built-in front and rear combination lamps, and there's also a large louvered power sunroof and detachable, translucent door pockets.

The S.U.P. is also a hybrid, with an HEV powertrain, and is combined with an automated manual transmission that automatically applies the clutch and switches gears.

The four-seater has each rear wheel driven by its own electric motor, which allows the vehicle to offer smoother performance, not to mention the lessened environmental impact and saving of resources.