Mitsubishi Lancer Could Return As A Crossover

The Mitsubishi Lancer name will make a comeback as a C-segment crossover with styling previewed by last year’s e-Evolution concept, Auto Express reports.

Company boss Trevor Mann says that as the C-segment market continues to grow, particularly in China, the Japanese marque will look to create something the stands out.

“Lancer’s probably the easiest one; we believe we’ve got a solution that could fit the segment. Because if you look globally, the C-segment hatchback market is not shrinking. It’s down a bit in the US and Europe.

“But its numbers are still expanding in China. So there is appeal. And I think because the segment is so large globally, we’ve got to take a look at it.

“Just because it’s C-segment doesn’t mean it has to be a very conventional hatchback,” Mann said.

Mitsubishi chief design Tsunehiro Kunimoto added by saying that the brand “can create a new type of hatchback vehicle” saying that the company’s design philosophy is as much about originality as it is consistency.

In all probability, the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer will utilize the CMF C/D platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Beyond supporting a crossover shape, this platform will also allow for the inclusion of Mitsubishi’s hybrid technologies and advanced all-wheel drive system.