Mitsubishi SA reveals new Outlander and future plans for new models

Mitsubishi's back with a bang - although they never left

Mitsubishi has been rather quiet for the last three years, but only because recent model updates and facelifts were not introduced via an official launch, but on paper. This means that there is only a press release, and the enhanced vehicle is then released into the various press fleets for SA media to drive.

Read all Mitsubishi ASX news and advice here.

This doesn't mean that Mitsubishis haven't been selling, however - recently-updated models include the Mitsubishi ASX, Pajero Sport Aspire, Xpander, Triton Heritage Edition and new single-cab Triton bakkies (from R419 995), and of the 4315 new models sold in 2022, the Pajero Sport, Triton, and Xpander were responsible for the majority of the sales. Considering the after-effects of Covid-19 and global semiconductor shortages, it's a figure that's still rather impressive for a brand that isn't as big as Toyota or Volkswagen.

 

But those are just numbers, and Mitsubishi's strategy goes far beyond that. The brand is following a roadmap for the future that includes improved product competitiveness through better products and positioning (ie. affordability), the launch of new models, the repositioning of the brand to attract a broader customer base, building brand affinity, and improving specification on their vehicles.

A renewed focus on customers will also see Mitsubishi Motors SA launch customer loyalty programs and numerous initiatives to make customers happy and attract local buyers to the brand. Their website will also be relaunched for a better user experience, especially where car configuration is concerned.

 

NADA Gold Award winners

As life is getting more expensive, our readers frequently ask about the aftersales service reputations of locally available brands before they even start searching for cars.

Mitsubishi were Gold Award winners in the 2022 NADA Dealer Satisfaction Survey in the Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle Category, which is a testament to the fact that they take care of their customers.

 

Driving the current models

 

I drove the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (from R434 990) to Anura wine farm near Klapmuts outside Cape Town, and later had the opportunity to sample the ultra-capable, four-wheel-driven Triton in Xtreme guise on the sandy path behind the vineyards.

 

The Triton Xtreme value package is worth R112 850 and includes the following:

 

Pricing for the 2.4 4x2 Xtreme A/T model is R688 990 while the 4x4 model will set you back R688 990. Both models have outputs of 133kW and 450Nm.

Read ALL Mitsubishi Triton news and advice here.

For the full specification list you can

 

New vehicles to look forward to in 2023

The grand reveal was the brand new Mitsubishi Outlander which will be launching officially later this year. South Africans can expect a high-tech, ultra-capable three-row SUV, the first Mitsubishi to be built on the new platform developed via the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which also underpins the new X-Trail. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-engine which sends power to all four wheels.

 

The handsome new Xpander Cross will also be arriving in the last quarter of 2023 and we will also be on the receiving end of a new Triton halo model - we are one of only four countries to receive this rugged new edition, rich in standard RALLIART kit.

 

Along with these new models, Mitsubishi mentioned three other SUVs coming our way, but offered no additional information on them. There is also a chance that we may be getting the Mitsubishi Delica, a rugged six-seat people-hauler 4x4 minivan. We are holding thumbs for this one!

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