TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi planning five-model SUV range
Japanese car-maker to release all-new Outlander-based compact SUV in 2017Mitsubishi has revealed plans to release an additional compact SUV model within two years, bringing to five the number of models in its SUV line-up.
Speaking to motoring.com.au at today's Tokyo motor show opening, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president and COO Tetsuro Aikawa said the all-new model – previewed by the XR PHEV II concept at the Geneva show in March — will be based on the Outlander platform.
Aikawa said the all-new, as-yet-unnamed compact SUV will be larger and more expensive than the ASX, positioned between the ASX and Outlander, and the next new model to appear from Mitsubishi.
The next-generation ASX, meantime, will follow the all-new SUV and was previewed today by the eX Concept.
Asked if Mitsubishi will expand its SUV portfolio, Akaiwa said: "Yes, by using the FF [front-drive] platform as a basis. In compact SUV category there will be even more demand from the market.
"We're going to be launching [new] ASX and another, higher SUV in terms of both size and price.
"It will be based on Outlander and for this new compact SUV there will be PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology]."
Akaiwa said the new SUV would be launched during the 2017 Japanese fiscal year ending in March 2017, and would be followed by a new-generation ASX – based on a carryover platform -- by March 2019.
"We will have five SUVs: ASX, new compact SUV, Outlander, Pajero and Pajero Sport [Challenger replacement]," he said.
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