We have a first look at the cars Mitsubishi is bringing to Paris

With Europe recovering (or trying to) from an economy meltdown, the who's who of the automotive industry seem to gamble on the Paris Motor Show to outshine each other in a bid for survival. The theme here seems to be sustainability and diversity.

Give it a moment; there is MINI and its bread wagon, BMW with its unofficial B-Class rival and Peugeot with its supercar concept among others. Who would have thought Peugeot will bring a supercar concept that looks inspired by Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey to Paris?

Mitsubishi, whom announced the Outlander PHEV, will be showcasing another three models in Paris - the European spec Mirage, the refreshed ASX compact crossover and the i-MiEV Evolution electric racecar that took part in this year's Pikes Peak climb in U.S.A.

Mitsubishi will also exhibit the MiEV House in Paris, last seen at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Starring the i-MiEV, the MiEV House demonstrates how recycled drive batteries and other EV components can maximise the efficient use of domestic energy together with solar panels and electricity charging stations.

The European global compact car (GMC) or Mirage as it's referred to elsewhere is a compact car aiming at high fuel efficiency, affordability and compactness. It's Mitsubishi's dual purpose concept - an 'eco-car' for advanced countries while also a base-level car for emerging countries.

Produced and debuted in Thailand early this year, the new GMC has been introduced in the ASEAN region and Japan to high appraisal from customers. The new model is expected to have a global release starting from Europe in February 2013.

The Europe spec GMC emits only 92g/km from a tiny 1.0-litre 3-cylinder MIVEC engine mated to a 5-speed manual. This is achieved through an 845kg light body, a slicker aerodynamic enhancing shape, and Mitsubishi's in-house start-stop system among others.

The European version of the ASX CUV was launched and well-received in Europe back in May 2010 thanks to its quality and sporty design inside out on top of green and frugal performance. The 2013 ASX has undergone a refined facelift and will be showcased in Paris.

The i-MiEV Evolution is a pure electric racecar utilising similar components like the motor, drive battery and other major components as the i-MiEV albeit packed in a light and aerodynamic body. The racecar uses one motor for the front and two motors for the rear wheels for a 4WD powertrain that delivers superior performance and outstanding handling.