Mitsubishi Motors North America has been
in a rut, but that’s about to change as the company has announced plans to
launch a redesigned Outlander and “three considerably revised vehicles.” The
company wasn’t ready to go into specifics, but confirmed the 2021 Outlander
Sport will go on sale this fall with “considerable improvement to standard
levels of equipment.”
An updated Outlander PHEV will follow this
winter with a “completely new powertrain.” Mitsubishi says it will have a
larger petrol engine which produces more power. It will also be equipped with a
“more refined” plug-in hybrid system that offers a greater electric-only range
and higher electric-only speeds. The 2021 Outlander PHEV will also see a “host
of updates to each trim level.”
A facelifted Mirage will arrive in the
early 2021 with an “extensive exterior redesign” that features “bold styling.”
The car will also be better equipped and look “richer” than the current model
which screams economy car. Of course, you shouldn’t get your hopes up as
Mitsubishi said the changes will mirror those in other markets. As a result, we
can expect a Dynamic Shield front fascia, an updated rear bumper and new
lighting units. There should also be an upgraded interior with new soft-touch
materials, better seats and an updated infotainment system with a 7-inch
display.
Around the same time, Mitsubishi will
introduce the 2022 Eclipse Cross. The company says the model will receive an
extensive facelift that includes “major front and rear design enhancements”
inspired by their next-generation design language. Thankfully, the updates will
extend to the cabin as there will be a revised interior and a new infotainment
system.
The big news is the redesigned 2022
Outlander which will be unveiled early next year and go on sale in the second
quarter. It’s described as “bigger, bolder and better than ever before.”
Mitsubishi is keeping details under wraps, but said the Outlander will become
their “quietest and best-equipped” vehicle ever sold in the United States. The
crossover will feature the company’s new styling language which promises to be
“bold, aggressive and distinctive.” The model will also be “loaded with
technology” and boast “significant interior refinements.”
The model has been spied numerous times
and it will closely resemble the Engelberg Tourer concept. It is expected to
ride on the same platform that underpins the Nissan Rogue and use an assortment
of Nissan-sourced engines. We can also expect another plug-in hybrid variant
and its powertrain may carryover from the 2021 Outlander PHEV considering it’s
receiving a host of improvements.
