Mitsubishi Planning New Compact SUV And Minicar For U.S.

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Editor BIO

Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of Motor Authority... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Camaro Z/28 Returns, Porsche 911 Turbo Spied, 2014 Dodge Durango: Today’s Car News
Today at The Car Connection, we witnessed the rebirth of the Camaro Z/28, with the legendary track... Read More

#1LEADERBOARD RANK
9107ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
127COMMENTS POSTED

1,851 views Dec 4, 2009

Follow Viknesh

Add to circle

Mitsubishi RVR

Enlarge Photo

It’s no secret that Mitsubishi’s sales performance in the U.S. has been floundering in recent years. Sales, in the first nine months alone, are down 47% for Mitsubishi.

While other Japanese automakers like Honda, Toyota and Nissan have experienced increase sales in the past couple of years, Mitsubishi has seen the reverse and was actually forced to cut production and jobs last year.

To help turn this trend around and rejuvenate its U.S. lineup, Mitsubishi is planning two new exciting models over the coming years. These include a new compact SUV as well as a new minicar, both of which are due in showrooms by 2012.

Mitsubishi RVR

Enlarge Photo

The compact SUV will come first, expected to hit showrooms next fall. The vehicle will be positioned below the Outlander and share much in common with the Lancer sedan. The Japanese version has already been revealed in the form of the new RVR. No name has been announced for the U.S. version but we do know it will get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and come in front- and all-wheel-drive packages.

After the SUV will be a brand new minicar in 2012 that’s said to be even smaller than the current Colt hatchback. It will come with engines as small as 1.0-liters in displacement and will eventually feature plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]