Remember how promising Mitsubishi’s all-new small crossover looked in the teaser sketch that was released back in October? Well, if these official designs are of any indication, then the reality is that the as-yet unnamed crossover won’t be as near as exciting as Mitsubishi wanted us to believe. On the other hand, the production model does retain most of the styling cues featured on the 2007 Mitsubishi cX concept, on which it is based, with most changes concerning the rear end of the car that appears to have grown in length.

Leaving the styling aside, Mitsubishi’s baby crossover uses the Japanese firm’s mid-size global platform, which also forms the basis the Lancer and Outlander. However, the new model will be smaller than the Outlander and will compete, at least in Europe, against Nissan’s forthcoming Quazana crossover.

Power will come from four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines including Mitsubishi’s new 1.8-liter turbocharged that made 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of peak torque in the 2007 cX concept.

The new crossover is scheduled to go on sale in Japan next February, and in Europe and other markets, in the summer of 2010.

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As is common this time of year, Mitsubishi has launched the 2010 model year version of the Lancer EVO X for the Japanese market. Changes for the new model year are limited to the beefier side skirts, the use of new plastics up front that are said to weigh 1.5kg or about 3.3 pounds less than those they replace, a new color LCD screen between the speedometer and rev-counter with more functions, improved insulation and some minor tweaks to the interior trim.

In addition, for the 2010 model year, Mitsubishi said that it is dropping the five-speed manual gearbox option from the top-of-the-line GSR Premium Edition that will be available only with the six-speed twin-clutch SST transmission. In Japan, prices for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X begin from 3,150,000 Yen (about $35,420 or €24,100) for the base RS model.

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While all eyes were (and continue to be, for that matter) focused on the Frankfurt Show premieres, Mitsubishi quietly took the wraps off its gently refreshed Outlander in China. As you can see from these photos that come to us from China’s Auto.sohu, just like the Outlander GT Prototype that was displayed at the New York Show this past April, the 2010 model year Outlander obtains a more aggresive fascia with some heavy Lancer influence in that ‘jet-fighter’ grille.

Unless we’re missing out on something , the reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood pretty much complete the cosmetic upgrades for the Chinese market model.

We’re not sure if the Japanese automaker will use the Frankfurt Show to launch the European market 2010 Outlander, but if it does, it will most likely feature the same styling tweaks as the Chinese market model.

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The new Outlander 2.0 DI-D SE and GSE are the latest arrivals in Mitsubishi’s UK line-up. Both variants are fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that produces 138 horsepower. The SE is priced from £19,999 and comes equipped with 18-inch alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control, privacy glass, side and curtain airbags, and a third row of seats while the more luxurious GSE adds leather seats and a rear ceiling mounted DVD player, for an additional cost of £1,500.

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Forget about racing games; 11 year-old Heuvel Jr from Finland skipped virtual reality and went straight for the real deal getting behind the wheel of what appears to be a rally-prepped Mitsubishi Lancer EVO II. With his mother paying a watchful eye from the passenger’s seat, Heuvel Jr pilots the EVO like a pro on the snow. Check out this truly talented youngster in the video after the jump.

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