Mitsubishi partially reverses total Europe exit

Revised Eclipse Cross.

Mitsubishi Motors is to have two models based on Renault vehicles go on sale in Europe in 2023, writes Brian Byrne.

The 'sister' models will be built on Renault assembly lines and will be sold along with the Japanese-built Eclipse Cross PHEV in selected European markets.

Mitsubishi had planned to leave the European market completely this year, but the turnaround is believed to have been under pressure from Renault, which partially owns Mitsubishi. However, it is unlikely that the three models will be available in RHD Europe markets, so plans to wind up Mitsubishi's presence in the UK and Ireland are expected to continue. 

Mitsubishi announced a freeze on new cars development for Europe last year.

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New Outlander revealed ... but not for Europe

Mitsubishi yesterday unveiled its new generation Outlander, but we won't be seeing it on this side of the world, writes Brian Byrne. This is despite the fact that the current Outlander is one of the most successful PHEV cars in sales across Europe.

But Mitsubishi is pulling out of Europe to concentrate on the US and South East Asia markets.

The new version, which will include a PHEV variant, has very strong styling in front, and a brand new interior.

 

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Mitsubishi Motors Ireland’s 2020 offers/new cars

Outlander PHEV

Customers who order a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by 31 December will receive an €800 home charging point for free, an €800 Dunnes Stores voucher and Mitsubishi’s 8-year warranty, writes Trish Whelan.

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is the world’s best-selling Plug-in-Hybrid EV with a 45km driving range on batter power and a combined battery and petrol range of up to 600km using unique Electric and Hybrid drive modes.

Outlander comes with a striking design, cutting-edge safety features and Super-All Wheel Control. The twin Motor 4WD system adjusts to changing road conditions and terrain, prioritising handling, efficiency and performance. 

The new 2020 edition has a range of equipment upgrades with the Intense model now coming with power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a new larger 8-inch display screen as standard. The top of the range S-Edition will come with a new built in TomTom navigation system and the Mitsubishi Power Sound System.

The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV intense model is available from €39,900, the EV Instyle from €43,900, and the top of the line S-Edition from €48,250. 

Outlander PHEV has an 8 Year / 150,000 warranty and 5 years Mitsubishi Assistance Package for cover roadside assistance and breakdown cover in Ireland and Europe. 

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi are giving away a free €500 Dunnes Stores voucher with every Eclipse Cross and ASX ordered by 18 December.

The ASX is a compact SUV powered by a 1.6 petrol engine laying down enough power for a sporty performance while still offering a fuel efficient drive. It also has up to 406 litres of cargo capacity.

The brand’s Eclipse Cross Intense model (manual) is available from €31,750. The ASX 1.6 Intense model is available from €26,500 and the new ASX 2.0 Intense (automatic) from €31,500. Both have the same warranty as the Outlander PHEV. 

Mitsubishi L200

Owners can trade in their current 4x4 for a new Mitsubishi L200 and receive a €1,500 Trade-In Booster. The L200 uses a 2.2 turbo-charged diesel engine that offers decent fuel economy and very low C02 emissions. The L200 Double Cap Business (manual) starts at €35,000, the Double Cab Intense (manual) is from €37,850, the L200 Double Cab Intense (automatic) is from €39,350 and the Double Cab Instyle (automatic) is from €41,935. 

Mitsubishi are offering a tow bar and wiring loom with every L200 genuine Mitsubishi Canopy and bed liner. 

The L200 has a 5 Year / 100,000km warranty and 5 years Mitsubishi Assistance Package for cover roadside assistance and breakdown cover in Ireland and Europe. 

A new Mitsubishi Space Star that arrives in January 2020 will have a new look, low C02 emissions and ‘excellent’ fuel efficiency. The 1.2 petrol model will be available in both manual and automatic transmission. Buyers can choose from 5-speed manual transmission or from automatic transmission. Prices are from €15,595-€17,595. 

A new Eclipse Cross PHEV will be introduced here next year. The Eclipse Cross PHEV will take the current sports coupe style SUV and transform it with its proven PHEV technology. The model is expected here in the second half of next year.

New Mitsubishi L200 on sale here

The sixth generation of the Mitsubishi L200 is now available in Ireland at a starting price of €35,000 for the entry Business grade, writes Brian Byrne.

With a new engine, a range of new driver assist technologies, and a completely new styling that gives a very edgy presence, the Irish distributors are aiming to return the model to the top three position in Irish pickups sales.

The new 2.2 diesel has the same 150hp power as the older 2.4, and complies with the very latest EU emissions regulations under WLTP. The Superselect AWD offers four settings to deal with different terrains, and an optional electromagnetic rear differential lock is available on all grades in the Irish market.

At the international launch of the new pickup in the south of Spain, we heard that the best selling L200 is expected to be the Intense grade, priced at €37,850 for the manual and €39,950 for the version with the new 6-speed automatic.

A new Instyle grade tops the range, and includes leather seat trim and other extras at €41,935.

The new L200 is 40mm higher than the outgoing model which has been on sale in Ireland since 2016. Among the changes are higher headlamps, designed in conjunction with the higher driving position to offer better night visibility in all terrains as well as improved protection for the lights themselves.

Inside, there's a more integrated setup in terms of controls and instruments, the latter with more colourful graphics. There's an extensive use of soft-touch materials, and the seats have larger side bolsters. There's more storage than on the fifth-generation L200, and four USB sockets are standard.

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New L200 here next month

The Irish launch of the new generation Mitsubishi L200 pickup will be in September, writes Brian Byrne, with first vehicles due in showrooms in mid-August.

The new vehicle will be available in three trim levels, at a starting price of €35,000.

A new off-road Mode technology offers a variety of traction characteristics to best traverse gravel, mud and snow, sand, and rocky terrains.

Power is from a 2.2 diesel and there's a new 6-speed automatic transmission option in addition to the manual version.

The styling is sharper than the previous version, and the company claims a higher quality interior including soft pad materials.

A range of driver assist technologies available include Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation 6System (UMS) which reduces accidents resulting from improper use of the accelerator when moving off or reversing in confined spaces.

The L200 nameplate was 40 years old last year.

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Review: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

It's a sign of the times that I'm getting into so many review cars that are electrified in some sense, writes Brian Byrne. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for this week is a case in point.

It's also a return to the updated version of the first plug-in hybrid I drove, back in 2014, and which impressed me mightily.

It has impressed a lot of others too, becoming the best-selling PHEV in Europe and in the process turning into Mitsubishi's best seller model in Europe.

Strong show for Mitsubishi at Geneva

Three Mitsubishi cars of interest to Europe will be on display at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne.

They include the concept vehicle Engleberg Tourer, the debut of the 2020 model year ASX, and the European debut of the new generation L200 pickup.

The company is saying little about the concept except that it will bring 'more SUV, more EV, more technology and more style'.

The external design of the ASX will show a more robust style and details of the style cues of the latest Outlander.

The L200 also gets a new style treatment and will be powered by a new 2.2 diesel, with options of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. An improved AWD system is also promised.

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Redesigned ASX for Geneva debut

A redesigned Mitsubishi ASX will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne.

A substantial reshaping of the front end and new LED lights at the rear will mark the main external changes, while the interior improvements include a larger central display and enhanced connectivity.

The ASX was launched in 2009 and some 1.3m units have been sold globally.

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Mitsubishi promises 'more SUV, more electric' at Geneva

Mitsubishi will reveal a new concept vehicle at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, the Engleberg Tourer, writes Brian Byrne.

The teaser release suggests 'more SUV, more EV and more style'.

More details will be revealed in advance of the show.

Revised Outlander PHEV is cheaper than before

A revised Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid goes on sale in Ireland next month at a starting price of €39,900, writes Brian Byrne.

Depending on grade, this represents an up to 20pc saving on the 2018 model.

Available in three specification levels, the vehicle is powered by a 2.4 petrol engine and electric motor combination, and features a 45km range on electric power alone (WLTP protocol).

As before, the three drive modes includes one that charges the battery during highway running so that full advantage can be taken of EV use in subsequent urban driving.

The revisions are mainly to the front, particularly to the grille.

The car is available with 2.2 diesel engines from €39,900. All models have 4WD.

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Outlander Business gets 2017 upgrade

Mitsubishi has given its 2-seater Outlander Business commercial vehicle an upgrade for 2017, writes Trish Whelan.

The upgrade includes safety features such as reversing camera and rear parking sensors, as well as new convenience features like touchscreen audio display, rain sensor wipers and interior quality upgrades.

Exterior styling now includes shark fin antennae and chrome beltline mouldings, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric heated & folding door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, auto wipers, silver roof rails, privacy glass, rear mudguards and a space saver spare wheel.

The interior comes packed with features a multi-functional leather steering wheel, front armrest, power windows, remote central locking with keyless entry, a touch screen audio display which incorporates radio, CD, USB and Bluetooth; cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth hands free with, USB port/iPod connectivity, dual zone air con, a height adjustable driver's seat, and a drive mode selector.

Additional features which also work in conjunction with the audio display are the reverse camera and rear park sensors, making parking and trailer connecting easier than before.

On the safety side, the standard list includes ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution & Brake Assist, Active Stability Control with Traction Control which makes for smooth accelerating and handling; Emergency Stop Signal System, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, multi-select 4WD (on-demand 4WD Eco & 4WD lock modes), seven airbags, and a tyre pressure warning system.

Outlander has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, thanks to the new adjustable speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, driver's knee airbag along with front, side and curtain airbags.

There are over 2,000 litres of storage space onboard, and the cargo area capacity to the seat back is 1341 litres.

This is an efficient 4x4, 6-speed manual, 2.2 clean diesel with 150bhp and 380Nm of torque which returns up to 5.3 L/100kms (53.2mpg) and can still tow up to 2,000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.

To achieve the 5.3 L/100kms, the Outlander's Auto Stop & Go technology called Cleartec and a new Eco driving mode engage features across the car that save on fuel consumption. The fuel tank can hold 60 litres.

The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds, has an overall length of 4695mm; GVW is 2260kg,

The upgraded Business Up-Grade pack includes leather heated front seats (€1,350), and 18-inch alloy wheels (€1,575) and tyres, as per the 7-seat 4WD Outlander. If both are ordered, the combined cost is reduced to €2,850.

VRT on the Outlander Business is €200, annual road tax €333 and it qualifies for low BIK.

Outlander Business 2.2 DI-D 6MT 2-seater commercial is available from €26,260 ex Vat or from €32,260 inc Vat, and comes with Mitsubishi Motors Ireland's 5-Year Commercial Warranty.

Mitsubishi to show ’Compact SUV’ at Geneva

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will have the world premiere of its new ‘Compact SUV’, the first of a new generation of Mitsubishi Motors cars, writes Trish Whelan.

It is a striking all-new car that will allow MMC to broaden its customer base next to ASX and Outlander with a sporty coupe-like SUV.

This ‘Compact SUV’ will also represent a further step towards MMC’s gradual repositioning as a (near) pure SUV player in Europe.

Sharper in its expression than a conventional coupe, this new ‘Compact SUV’ will feature highly chamfered contours with a wedge-shaped belt line, a distinctive V-line in the near quarter stemming from the forward-slanted C-pillar or chunky muscular rear fenders.

We’ll bring you more details when we have them.

Mitsubishi new SUV for Geneva reveal

A new and more sporty SUV from Mitsubishi is slated to be revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March, writes Brian Byrne.

Teaser pictures of the vehicle, which will slot below the Outlander, have been released by the company.

The car may have a more coupe style than current offerings from the brand, with cues from the XR-PHEV concept shown in 2013.

Given the plug-in hybrid powertrain already a successful part of the Outlander's engine systems, it is likely that the new SUV will also feature PHEV.

More plug-ins from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi plans to have plug-in hybrid versions of all its models in the medium term, writes Brian Byrne.

The company will be showcasing its latest direction with its GT-PHEV Concept which will feature on its stand at the Paris Motor Show starting later this week.

The Concept will have a hybrid powertrain with a 120km range on electric power only, well ahead of current PHEV vehicles from various makers, including Mitsubishi’s own Outlander PHEV.

The styling of the Concept shows an evolution of the ‘curved blade’ front end treatment used on the current Outlander.

Outlander change in New York

This is the revamped Mitsubishi Outlander which debuted at the New York Auto Show this writes Brian Byrne.
week,

The front styling is a bit more substantial ... MORE

Mitsubishi reveals 5th generation L200

Mitsubishi is introducing a brand new L200 pickup at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show which will include a new 2.4 diesel engine, writes Brian Byrne.

The outgoing model has been around for nine years and has sold 1.3m units worldwide.

Although main style features have been retained for this 5th generation of the L200, sheetmetal changes have resulted in a significantly better aerodynamic performance, with consequent lower fuel consumption.

Dynamic elements include faster steering, a stronger chassis, and improved driving stability on roads.

The vehicle will reach RHD markets in Europe in mid-summer.

Is Marai the FC future that never comes?

With Toyota rolling out its production Mirai fuel cell car this year — the name is Japanese for 'Future' — are we seeing the real start to a long promised 'car of the future' finally arriving?, writes Brian Byrne.

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe it's still a 'sometime' thing. The truth is, part of the reason for the Mirai's rollout is auto-political. It will initially only be available in California, which has 'zero tailpipe emissions' legislation that penalises any carmaker who doesn't have at least one model available with no emissions. Toyota hasn't gone the pure EV route, so this is its 'zero' candidate. That it costs some $30,000 more than an equivalent gasoline powered sedan doesn't really matter.

But the Mirai's arrival is a pointer to the ongoing search for a real alternative to petrol or diesel as the energy source for our car travelling. And prompts me to look again at the situation in Ireland.

Sportier Outlander look for Paris

A concept based on the Outlander PHEV recently launched in Ireland will front the Mitsubishi lineup at the Paris Motor Show next week, writes Brian Byrne.

Showing a more aggressive front end treatment, the Outlander PHEV Concept-S will preview a special design package for the vehicle under a 'sporty and sophisticated' theme.

The interior will follow this theme, to include wood grain trim and leather.

It will be one of five vehicles on the company's stand for the press days of the show.

Mitsubishi to produce Fiat pickup

The next generation of the Mitsubishi L200 pickup will have a Fiat-badged version, writes Brian Byrne.

This follows a deal designed to strengthen the Italian brand's commercial vehicle lineup, and it will also provide extra production for Mitsubishi at its Thailand plant, currently working under capacity.

The Fiat version will begin production in 2016, while the redesigned Mitsubishi on which it will be based is slated to begin production soon.

The Fiat Professional variant will also be sold in Latin America.

Road Test: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Let's not get too bogged down in technicalities, but the new plug-in hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander is a major upshift in car powertrains, writes Brian Byrne.

We're all pretty well used to the hybrid concept by now, electric motors and normal engines combining to provide more efficiency, sometimes more power, depending on the driving conditions. Toyota has and deserves the credit for sticking with development of the systems until everybody else had to tag along in some form or other.

Then we've had, not nearly as quickly as the makers would like, some level of acceptance of pure electric cars, mainly as suburban commuting vehicles. Still a long way off mainstream, though.