Mitsubishi’s
newest crossover has been spotted undergoing tests in the California
desert, signaling that the troubled automaker is moving ahead with plans
to retool its crossover lineup in the U.S. Last
November, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. CEO Osamu Masuko said the company
plans to add a five-seat small crossover/SUV to its lineup, slotting
between the midsize Outlander and the compact Outlander Sport.
The
Outlander Sport will be downsized to better compete with the Honda
HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek and other subcompact crossovers, a
fledgling segment that is exploding with new entries and soaring sales.
The
crossover’s styling is expected to build off the designs of the eX
Concept and XR-PHEV II shown last year at auto shows. The front end of
the new crossover appears to sport the design language of Mitsubishi’s
current light-truck lineup. The rear styling is similar to that of the
Outlander Sport.
The
U.S. and Europe will be its main markets. Production is set to being in
autumn 2017. Another fresh product would be welcomed by Mitsubishi’s
U.S. dealers, who’ve wanted more crossovers and SUVs as the brand shifts
away from sedans. Mitsubishi sold 7,890 light vehicles in the U.S. in
July, according to the Automotive News Data Center, with most of those
sales, 5,497 vehicles, being crossovers.
