Back in March, Mitsubishi unveiled its ambitious “Challenge 2025” plan to the world. Now, the company has revealed that the first phase of that plan will see it reveal six new vehicles in 2023.
As part of its financial reporting for 2022, it’s looking ahead to what it has in store for 2023. And it will be a big year for the Japanese automaker, which plans to unveil a total of six new vehicles in the next nine months.
In a slide titled “New Models to be Launched in 2023,” Mitsubishi shows renderings of three new uncovered vehicles, one slightly camouflaged truck, and two completely veiled models. Among the uncovered models are a new Delica, the ASX (which is based on the same platform as the Renault Captur), and a new “small SUV” with an elaborate LED headlight signature and cameras instead of side mirrors.
More: Mitsubishi To Launch 16 New Models In Five Years, New Pickup Coming Soon
Meanwhile, the camouflaged pickup truck is clearly labeled as the Triton, and the unveiling will mark the start of the sixth generation of the popular pickup. Previous reports indicate that this model will be powered by an internal combustion engine and will get an exciting new design. The high air intake for fording streams and the RalliArt livery serve only to confirm those reports. The truck is expected to be based on the same platform as the Nissan Navara.
Under wraps, we have the “XPander HEV” and the “Colt.” A familiar name for the brand, the next-generation Colt appears to also be getting elaborate, butterfly-wing-shaped LED lighting, and will be based on the Renault Clio. The new design will reflect the update that the French supermini received last month. Mitsubishi has previously announced that it will unveil the new Colt on June 8.
Finally, the page reveals that the XPander, a cross between a minivan and an SUV, will be getting a hybrid powertrain this year. The fact that it’s under wraps would suggest that the model’s design will be updated, but the headlight signature appears to conform to the current model’s.
Part of the larger “Challenge 2025” product plan, these vehicles are just the first wave in a strategy that will see Mitsubishi unveil 16 new models by 2025. In order to support the plan, the automaker is increasing its R&D budget by 30 percent. Starting in 2026, 70 percent of the investment will go towards electrified vehicles.
