What future plans does Mitsubishi have for its Australian operations?
The Japanese automotive giant Mitsubishi has been actively expanding its operations recently and is preparing new vehicle models to address Australia’s evolving automotive environment. Through both electric technology advancement and updated classic models Mitsubishi is striving to sustain its market competitiveness amidst growing complexity.
Here’s the exciting part:
While Mitsubishi is introducing numerous innovative features and modern designs the company’s updates offer much more beyond visual appeal. These changes focus on developing vehicles that serve Australian drivers well – particularly those living outside major cities who need dependable transportation options.
We will examine Mitsubishi’s upcoming vehicle releases and their impact on Australians searching for their next car.
Inside Scoop:
- The New Generation ASX Coming in 2025
- Outlander PHEV’s Game-Changing Updates
- Practical Electrification: Mitsubishi’s Balanced Approach
- Middle Australia: The Focus of Mitsubishi’s Strategy
- Farewell to Familiar Faces: Models Being Discontinued
The New Generation ASX: European Styling Meets Australian Needs
The current Mitsubishi ASX has maintained a prominent presence on Australian roads throughout its remarkable 15-year history. The ASX we currently recognize will soon experience a total transformation as all great things eventually reach their conclusion.
Here’s what’s happening:
The aging Mitsubishi ASX will be replaced by a completely new generation through Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) in 2025. The new ASX SUV will be built on the Renault Captur platform which will bring European design features and technology to the well-loved compact SUV.
What does this mean for buyers? You can expect:
- Modern European design language
- Advanced technology features
- Improved driving dynamics
- Australian-specific tuning and calibration
The choice to badge-engineer is based on strategic reasoning. The badge-engineered product launch stems from strategic planning because new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) will start enforcement March 2025. The upcoming ADR regulations render the re-engineering process for older models like the current ASX commercially impractical according to recent reports.
If you’re in the market for a new small SUV, checking out the options at Mt Gravatt car dealers can give you insight into what’s currently available and what these upcoming changes might mean for your next purchase.
Outlander PHEV: More Electric Range, More Technology
Mitsubishi’s flagship hybrid vehicle has been the Outlander PHEV which achieves new heights with its 2025 model.
Check this out:
The next generation Outlander PHEV will be equipped with an expanded battery capacity of 22.7kWh which allows for a purely electric travel distance of roughly 86km under the WLTP testing standard. This significant improvement will allow numerous daily commutes to be completed without needing any petrol.
The powertrain improvements represent just one part of the comprehensive enhancements for this vehicle. The interior is receiving a significant technology overhaul.
- Larger 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment
- Wireless Android Auto compatibility
- Premium 12-speaker Yamaha sound system
The advanced driver monitoring systems featured in European models have yet to be confirmed for Australian vehicles.
The Outlander PHEV retains its strong powertrain output with its 185kW system while keeping its five-star ANCAP safety rating through 2028.
The price of the new model will exceed the existing $57,290 entry point (including on-road expenses) due to substantial technology enhancements.
Practical Electrification: Mitsubishi’s Balanced Approach
Mitsubishi Australia has chosen a balanced strategy for vehicle electrification instead of fully committing to electric vehicles like many manufacturers do.
The reality is this:
Australia presents unique challenges for EV adoption. The combination of long distances between population centers along with inadequate charging facilities beyond metropolitan areas and the specific needs of rural drivers demonstrates that a standardized electrification approach fails in Australia.
The Federal Election Charter 2025 from Mitsubishi reveals their practical strategy through:
- The promotion of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) stands as a practical transitional technology.
- Working together to support better charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
- The organization is backing workforce development initiatives to train workers for jobs in the electrified future.
- The alignment of international safety standards serves to lower compliance expenses.
The balanced view understands that electrification represents the future yet demands a transition process that benefits every Australian rather than exclusively those in urban areas who benefit from plentiful charging facilities.
Middle Australia: The Focus of Mitsubishi’s Strategy
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by premium offerings and luxury features, Mitsubishi is doubling down on what has always been its strength: providing reliable, value-focused vehicles for everyday Australians.
Here’s why that matters:
Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott has stressed that the company focuses its product strategy on vehicles that serve middle-income and working Australians who live in rural and regional areas.
The company’s strategic focus is why Mitsubishi maintains a cautious stance toward introducing fully electric utility vehicles. Customers who use vehicles like the Triton for work-based applications prioritize reliability and practicality above all else while current battery technology cannot meet these standards for heavy-duty vehicles.
Mitsubishi has set its sights on launching eight new or updated models before this decade ends. SUVs and 4x4s will dominate Mitsubishi’s new model lineup because they match Australian consumer preferences. Plans are underway for a compact electric SUV which might bring back the Lancer brand starting from 2026.
One thing to note: The future ASX replacement will probably cost more than its predecessor because it originates from Europe and targets a more upscale market segment. Mitsubishi’s value proposition has changed but the company continues to prioritize delivering value to customers.
Farewell to Familiar Faces: Models Being Discontinued
Some favored Mitsubishi models will soon be phased out because of new regulatory changes.
The hard truth:
Production of the current Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, and Pajero Sport models will stop before March 2025. The reason? The previously discussed Australian Design Rules (ADRs) render commercial updates impossible for these older vehicle platforms.
Mitsubishi Australia enters a major transition phase as the company eliminates older vehicle models to introduce advanced technology vehicles that meet new regulatory requirements.
Existing Mitsubishi vehicle models will evolve significantly for brand loyalists over the next few years. Customers can now enjoy the latest Mitsubishi vehicles which have been constructed using current safety standards and advanced technology.
In the Driver’s Seat: What’s Next for Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi’s Australian roadmap combines regulatory demands with technological progress while maintaining a focus on fulfilling Australian drivers’ vehicle needs.
Mitsubishi’s vehicle range will undergo major transformations during the upcoming years.
- Aging models will be phased out and replaced by new vehicles that reflect European design principles.
- Enhanced hybrid technology with improved electric range
- A continued focus on practicality and value
- Australia’s unique challenges require a balanced electrification strategy that addresses its specific needs.
These new developments will provide drivers with expanded options and advanced technology while delivering greater value for those who seek modern features paired with practical daily use.
Anyone searching for a compact SUV such as the new ASX, who wants hybrid technology like the Outlander PHEV, or who wonders about Mitsubishi’s future in Australia will find the brand’s future prospects extremely engaging.
Also Read: Should You Buy A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X?