Despite losing the Lancer Evo, Mitsubishi plans to expand its model range with new SUVs.
The firm’s objective is to offer a brand new SUV every year, until 2021, in an attempt to become “a niche manufacturer“. According to AutoExpress, which is quoting the firm’s UK boss, Lance Bradley, the automaker’s intention is to “shift around 45,000 cars a year” over the next five years.
One of the first ones to arrive will be the B-SUV, based on the eX study, which will be sized similarly to the Nissan Juke. This is expected to launch in 2018, with full-electric power, and it’s likely to be joined by petrol and diesel versions.
Sitting above the vehicle will be another new crossover, based on the XR-PHEV II study seen at Geneva, in 2015, which used a small petrol unit and a 163 PS electric motor. It will slot between the ASX and the Outlander, and while it will be offered at first alongside the current compact, it will end up replacing it, by the end of the decade.
A brand new Outlander is also in the cards, in around four years time, and which will be available with a PHEV powertrain. A decision to offer it with seven seats has yet to be taken.
Based on the L200, but with different body panels, interior and suspension, will be the new Shogun / Pajero / Montero. The 7-seater will “look like an SUV“, according to Bradley, and it will sit above the Shogun Sport, similarly to what Land Rover did with the Discovery and Discovery Sport.
Note: Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II and eX Concept pictured
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