Mitsubishi will reveal an all-new version of its crucial Outlander mid-sized SUV next year.
The current Outlander has been on sale since 2012, although it received a significant facelift in 2015, and has had its equipment levels constantly revised throughout its life.
The new model will be inspired by the Engelberg Tourer concept revealed at the 2019 Geneva motor show. It will pack more active safety features than the current model, and autonomous emergency braking will be standard across the range.
Under the skin, the Outlander will be the first Mitsubishi built on the latest Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance SUV platform, likely the same one underpinning the latest Nissan X-Trail.
Details about the engines haven’t yet been confirmed, but the range-topping Outlander PHEV is expected to feature a larger battery than the current plug-in hybrid model, extending all-electric range from 50km to around 70km.
The Engelberg Tourer concept had a dual-motor electric drive system, but Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed whether that will make its way into the production car.
Expect to see a bigger body and more aggressive design than the current Outlander, with an interpretation of the Dynamic Shield grille from the Pajero Sport and Triton dominating up front.
Along with the new Outlander, the Mitsubishi SUV line-up will benefit from a facelifted Eclipse Cross later this year.
An update to the compact-ish SUV, which sits above the more budget-focused ASX in the Mitsubishi Australia range, will touch down in the fourth quarter with “a fresh new look, revised interior, and new infotainment system”.
Although its volumes are still handy, the Eclipse Cross (pictured above) can’t hold a candle to the rampantly successful ASX in the sales race.
With 2102 sold to date in 2020, its closest rivals in the sales race are the Suzuki Vitara and MG ZS. By way of comparison, the ASX is the best-selling SUV in the same class with 6794 sales.
