Mitsubishi has finally announced what we all expected - it will unveil its new third generation Outlander crossover at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Similar in size to the current car the new Outlander promises to be more environmentally friendly with targeted emissions of below 130g/km. This figure is likely to be achieved by the 2.2-litre MIVEC 'Clean Diesel' engine, which features stop-start and an 'eco-friendly driving system' that notifies the driver when they are driving efficiently. A 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol engine will also be offered in European markets as too will front- and four-wheel drive versions and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

While the conventionally powered Outlander will enter markets by the end of the year an EV-based plug-in hybrid variant is also pencilled in for 2013. Originally previewed by the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV, the new drivetrain is expected to consist of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors. Mitsubishi claims this system will give the plug-in Outlander a range of over 500 miles with CO₂ emissions of less than 50g/km.

Mitsubishi will launch the new Outlander first in the Russia market with European sales set to begin late in the summer before moving onto Japan, China and North America.