MITSUBISHI is unveiling a range of cars at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Prototype-S will follow in the footsteps of the Concept-Sportback show car to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

When launched later in the year, this five-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family represents 70 per cent of forecasted Lancer sales in Europe and 80 per cent in the UK.

Sporting a powerful metallic orange - similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago - the Prototype-S will add the convenience of a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range.

A Mitsubishi spokesman said: "It will hit the same unconventional buttons as the Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156/159 Sportwagons - the dynamic benchmark - and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé -the aspirational benchmark.

"Mirroring this aspiration: a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from a long wheelbase and wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end and the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi's vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks."

The electric-powered "i-EV" city car will also be displayed in Geneva as an indication of Mitsubishi's commitment to innovative environment-friendly solutions.

And the Pajero Evolution will once again play the guest star, bringing memories from the Pajero's 12 victories in the Paris-Dakar Rally.