Mitsubishi’s Newest Crossover Spotted Testing in California
The industry caught its first sight of the newest Mitsubishi crossover in California
Photo: Twitter
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi announced its plan to introduce a new crossover or SUV every year until 2021. Now, it looks like the Japanese carmaker is living up to this promise. The brand’s newest crossover was recently spotted undergoing testing in the California desert, showing that Mitsubishi is living up to its plan despite its recent hardships.
The crossover will be a five-seater that will come into the Mitsubishi lineup between the mid-size Outlander and the compact Outlander Sport. Because the Outlander and Outlander Sport are the two most popular vehicles in the brand’s lineup—each has helped Mitsubishi slightly increase its sales each month—it makes perfect sense as to why Mitsubishi will try to appeal to consumers looking for a new crossover vehicle.
#Mitsubishi‘s next generation #ASX has been spotted out and about ahead of its 2017 release https://t.co/CF3buiSGqS pic.twitter.com/tOOpdxVkfC
— Auto Express (@AutoExpress) August 8, 2016
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Eventually, after the introduction of the new five-seat crossover, Mitsubishi plans on downsizing the Outlander Sport to compete with the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, and Subaru Crosstrek.
This means the new crossover will compete with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, along with the Ford Escape in the competitive crossover segment. Both a Kia Sportage and Ford Escape were also spotted near the heavily camouflaged Mitsubishi.
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Looking at the spy shots, it’s easy to see that the new crossover will follow the brand’s Dynamic Shield design philosophy, which is sporty and sleek. The rear styling looks similar to that seen on the Outlander Sport. This crossover’s style is meant to combine the stylish looks of last year’s eX Concept and the XR-PHEV II concept.
We still have a bit of time before this vehicle will arrive in American and European markets, despite the fact that it’s being tested now. The brand plans to start production in the fall of 2017.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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