New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and L200 pick-up to lead brand's UK return
Japanese brand is to return to the UK market for the first time since 2021 with two models from its previous line-up...
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck will spearhead the Japanese brand's return to the UK market next summer.
These two models were part of Mitsubishi's UK range before it pulled out of the market back in 2021, and they'll make their comeback next year with some slight tweaks compared with the old versions.
The new Outlander PHEV is larger on all fronts than its predecessor, and it'll be powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a 2.4-litre petrol engine alongside a battery. Two electric motors will sit on the front and rear axles, allowing for four-wheel drive.
Performance details are thin on the ground, but Mitsubishi has claimed that the Outlander PHEV will pump out more than 296bhp and have a combined range (using both the petrol engine and battery) of more than 500 miles. In the US, it can officially run for 38 miles on electric-only power.
When it arrives, the Outlander PHEV will take on the likes of the Toyota RAV4, of which a new version is due to arrive next year, as well as some of the newer, keenly-priced Chinese SUV offerings including the BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7.
Meanwhile, the new Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck will return to challenge the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. It gets a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine, which will be more powerful than its predecessor thanks to its reworked power unit. Drivers will be able to switch between two- and four-wheel drive, as well as seven different driving modes.
Prices for both models have yet to be confirmed, but it's expected that the Outlander will cost from around £40,000, which would make it slightly cheaper than the upcoming RAV4, but more expensive than the Seal U and Jaecoo 7.
It's likely that the L200 will be priced in line with rivals, though these prices do vary greatly. For reference, the D-Max starts at £27,755, while prices for the Hilux jump up to £49,750 (both excluding VAT).
Upon its return to the UK, Mitsubishi's cars will be imported by Midlands-based International Motors, which is responsible for the sales and servicing of GWM, Isuzu and Subaru models in the UK.
There's no word yet on any further models Mitsubishi may pull from its global line-up outside of the two already announced, but we could see the electric Eclipse Cross (pictured below) make its way over here from the European market.
With an emphasis on four-wheel drive, it seems unlikely the slow-selling ASX or Mirage will make a return.
Despite ending its sales operations in 2021, Mitsubishi still supports a network of more than 100 service and repair centres, and is in the process of appointing a number of new dealerships. It’s possible some of these may already sell GWM, Isuzu or Subaru models.
Mitsubishi’s European boss, Frank Krol, said: “Our upcoming models represent the very best of Mitsubishi Motors’ core technologies in performance, four-wheel drive, and much more. We look forward to a successful introduction in the UK – a market where our brand continues to have a deep emotional connection with loyal customers.
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