New Models: Mitsubishi: i-car and Eclipse coming?

Mitsubishi is close to making a decision on whether to import small numbers of its tiny i-car to the UK. The i, already on sale in Japan, was developed from the Smart Fortwo platform prior to the breakdown of the Mitsubishi-DaimlerChrysler partnership; though it has a similar powertrain layout and construction to the Fortwo, it is a little larger with a much roomier cabin and rear seats - it can seat four adults in comfort, as well as carry a small amount of luggage. Jim Tyrell, MD of Mitsubishi UK, said this week that an example was being shown to British dealers and customer focus groups, and that if a positive decision were made, the i would be launched at the British Motor Show.

"It will depend on price", he told 4car. "We'd sell it at around £9,000, but highly-specced, with electric windows, climate control, alloy wheels, CD player, everything. We'll bring it in if we can do it for that price." It's looking a likely prospect, however, as the company has a comprehensive plan for the car's launch. Mitsubishi UK plans to put the i through the EU homologation process, which will entail changing a few details such as fog lights and minor brake modifications to meet the European standards. Tyrell said that an initial batch of 500 will be imported, with a view to selling around 1000 a year; these will mostly be sold via specific dealerships in the larger cities, where such a vehicle is likely to prove most popular.

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Mitsubishi is limited a little by the small numbers of i-cars it can obtain from Japan, but this time around, it is really just a testing of the market for a Mitsubishi in this sector, and a trial run for the all-new range planned for 2010, when the i will be available with Mitsubishi's hybrid technology with in-wheel motors.

The next decision Mitsubishi will make is whether to import the latest-generation Eclipse coupe and convertible from the US. If it does, the Eclipse will be converted to right-hand drive format, either in-house at Mitsubishi UK's own facilities, or by a respected conversion agent. UK buyers are likely to be offered the 3.8-litre V6 version only - Tyrell sees this model as a potential competitor to the Nissan 350Z - and most buyers are expected to opt for the convertible. Mitsubishi UK is again forecasting sales of around 1000 Eclipses a year; the popularity of 'grey' imports such as the FTO has suggested that there is a market for Mitsubishis in this sector. If these official imports are given the go-ahead, sales could start early next year.

However, Mitsubishi has shelved its plans to develop a Europe-specific D-sector vehicle, says Tyrell. It had been working on a model based on the upcoming new Lancer/Dodge Caliber platform, but in the wake of the split with DC, development costs were judged too high for a model which would not sell in huge numbers. Longer-term, a car derived from either the latest US-market Galant or a Japanese-market model could be sold in Europe, but there are no immediate plans to replace the Galant or to offer a Mondeo/Vectra/Passat-type vehicle. Mitsubishi is also not planning to replace its compact Shogun Pinin 4x4, which has recently been discontinued.

The company has a number of new ranges planned for next year, however; the second-generation Outlander SUV will be launched towards the end of 2006, with sales starting in February 2007, alongside substantially-updated versions of the more off-road oriented Shogun. Though the Shogun's powertrains will remain unchanged, it will receive a thorough overhaul of both exterior and interior styling and a major general updating.

Mid-year 2007, the all-new Lancer range will be launched. Co-developed with Chrysler (Dodge Caliber), the line-up will consist of five-door hatchback models, described as "semi-station wagon" vehicles, with four-door saloons offered in other countries. UK buyers will be offered one saloon version, however: the hot Evolution X. Expect also high-powered versions of the hatch, and a full line-up of engines, including diesel units. Mitsubishi is not planning to sell Lancer/Caliber based SUV or crossover models, however, such as versions of the Jeep Compass/Patriot.

After a number of years in severe financial difficulties, Mitsubishi is gaining ground again, especially in Europe. In the UK last year, it was one of the five fastest-growing brands - in a generally declining market - and its sales role 6percent. With the success of the L200 pick-up, it has a UK market share of over 2percent, having sold nearly 39,000 cars last year - more than brands such as Volvo, Skoda or Jaguar. It intends to sell 40,000 vehicles in the UK this year, helped by a now-complete Colt line-up (including the new Colt CZC coupe-cabriolet), though it has no ambitious plans to take on the volume-sellers, seeing 50,000 cars a year as its ultimate goal.

*Come back to 4car later for a full road test of the Mitsubishi Colt CZC.