Mitsubishi will bring five new SUVs to market in Europe by 2021, as it seeks to reposition itself as a brand specialising in 4x4s. That could, however, spell the end for niche family cars, such as the Mirage and other hatchbacks.
The five new SUVs will include a compact Nissan Juke-sized crossover, a larger one that’s bigger than today’s ASX, a new Outlander, and a new Pajero. The ASX will continue to remain in the range until 2020.
This SUV blitz will help MMC’s goal to be a niche manufacturer in the mould of Land Rover, specialising in SUVs with electric powertrains, the report adds.
Of the lot, the B-segment SUV will be one of the first ones to surface. Based on the eX Concept from Tokyo 2015, the Juke-rival is expected to launch in 2018 with petrol, diesel and electric options. Next up will be an SUV that sits in between today’s ASX and Outlander, with a view to replace the former by 2020. It will be based on the XR-PHEV II study.
A new Outlander is also being planned, but that one should be around four years away. The new Pajero seven-seater large SUV will use Triton underpinnings but “look like an SUV”. Exciting times ahead for the brand, but in a different direction.
Agencies/Canadajournal