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Next Mitsubishi Lancer Joining Crossover Ranks?

Mitsubishi plans to build a new Lancer. However, instead of it being a hatchback or sedan, the new vehicle could take the shape of a crossover. That’s the conclusion Auto Express came to after speaking with Mitsubishi Motors boss Trevor Mann and the company’s chief designer Tsunehiro Kunimoto.

Right now, the Japanese automaker is revamping its lineup, including taking the Eclipse nameplate – formerly a coupe – and putting it on a crossover body. One of the last nameplates the company has to address in its overhaul is Lancer, which was discontinued in August 2017.

“Lancer’s probably the easiest one; we believe we’ve got a solution that could fit the segment,” said Mann. “Because if you look globally, the C-segment hatchback [Golf, Focus, and the like] market is not shrinking. It’s down a bit in the US and Europe. But its numbers are still expanding in China. So there is appeal. And I think because the segment is so large globally, we’ve got to take a look at it.”

Mitsubishi is looking toward the e-Evolution concept displayed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show as the basis for a smaller crossover hatch.

“Just because it’s C-segment doesn’t mean it has to be a very conventional hatchback,” Kunimoto told Auto Express. “Maybe we can create a new type of hatchback vehicle. We’re thinking quite radically. Originality is as much a part of the Mitsubishi design philosophy now as consistency.”

The new Lancer crossover could receive a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, according to the UK publication. Such a powertrain would come from the company’s alliance with Renault and Nissan.


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