Mitsubishi is on a roll. The incredible success of the Outlander PHEV SUV has seen it emerge as the fastest-growing brand in the UK for the past three years.
Yet its overall sales still trail mainstream rivals’ by some way. So Mitsubishi is turning to the booming crossover class with an all-new SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai rival.
The car is still a year away – and it’s likely to be called the Eclipse when it arrives – but Auto Express got exclusive access to a development prototype to find out how it’s shaping up.
Despite the heavy disguise, it’s clear the high-riding machine will have looks on its side. Mitsubishi claims the car’s styling is closely based on the stunning XR concept that wowed crowds at 2015’s Geneva Motor Show, and looking past the camouflage, it’s easy to see the same sloping roofline and chiselled nose. As our exclusive main image reveals, the model’s rakish coupé-like lines should give it the same visual impact as Toyota’s equally daring C-HR.
The disguise extended to the interior, but Mitsubishi has clearly worked just as hard here. Pre-production materials hide a neatly sculpted dash design with a new infotainment system. The unit in our pictures is the firm’s dated sat-nav, but we saw a car with the new BMW-style tablet set-up; it had crisp graphics, the latest apps and a responsive touchscreen.
Just as importantly, it feels spacious inside, with Qashqai levels of legroom. And while our car’s panoramic roof ate into rear headroom, there was still enough for most adults.
So it’s roomy and should look the part, but how does the Mitsubishi drive? We hit the road in a version with the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol that had a CVT box and four-wheel drive. (The firm’s existing 2.2-litre diesel will be available, plus there will be a six-speed manual and front-drive options.)
A shortened Outlander platform underpins the car, but extra reinforcement and new materials make it lighter and stronger. It also has a sophisticated multi-link rear axle; most rivals get a cheaper torsion beam.
There’s a faster steering rack as well, and this is the first thing you notice on the move. It’s well weighted and precise, so even on our version’s winter tyres the Mitsubishi is easy to place on the road. Like the Ateca, the ride is firm at low speed, but up the pace and this means strong body control and composure. It settles down well on the motorway, too.
Our car’s handling in wintry weather was enhanced by its electronically controlled S-AWC all-wheel drive. A development of the rally-bred Lancer Evos’ set-ups, this shuffles torque to the wheel and axle with most grip.
The new four-cylinder engine is designed to deliver the sharp throttle response of a just 1,500rpm, for an eager feel off the line, plus it’s smooth and refined. It gets harsh if extended, but you needn’t do this often due to the mid-range muscle. Official figures have yet to be revealed for the unit, but project manager Hiroyuki Kagawa suggested it would deliver around 120bhp and 200Nm of torque.
As it stands, the CVT looks a weakness. It shuffles its seven ‘virtual’ ratios smoothly at low speed, but struggles if pushed, sending revs soaring and responding to the steering paddles lazily. There’s a surging sensation when you hold a steady throttle at around 30mph, too. Yet Kagawa assured us the box still needed some calibration work.
Verdict
Our drive shows the new Mitsubishi has real potential. If it looks as good as our image suggests, the cabin is up to scratch and the niggles are cured, this agile crossover could outstrip the brand’s current successes.
Mitsubishi's Juke rival is coming, too
The prototype driven here is the start of Mitsubishi’s new SUV offensive. Next in line will be a Nissan Juke rival, based on the eX concept and due in 2019.
This compact crossover is designed to bolster the brand’s EV credentials, and will be offered with a pure-electric drivetrain with a 150-mile-plus range. A year or so later there will be a new Outlander, inspired by 2016’s Paris show PHEV concept. There are also plans to bring the L200 pick-up-based Shogun Sport here this year.