The Mitsubishi CUV hits New York
The Mitsubishi CUV – known in different markets as the ASX, RVR or Outlander Sport – has had its début at the New York Motor Show this week.
We could have also thrown in to the mix of the confused headline ‘Mitsubishi Compact Crossover’ and then we’d have covered all the possibilities for Mitsubishi’s competitor in the Compact SUV market – think Hyundai ix35/Ford Kuga/ VW Tiguan. And it’s been rolled out for its North American début at the New York Motor Show this last week, hence the extra name to add to the mix.
The Americans seem to think that the Mitsubishi CUV is going to launch in North America as the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and they may be right. But from what we can work out Mitsubishi haven’t actually decided yet. We do know that Europe will get the CUV as the Mitsubishi ASX and that Asia will see the Mitsubishi RVR.
But whatever Mitsubishi are calling it, this will be an important car for Mitsubishi, and one they really shouldn’t get too wrong. Mitsubishi have plenty of experience with SUVs – although the SUV underpinnings are probably less important than the butch look in this CUV sector. Still, with Mitsubishi’s reputation for SUVs that will help give this compact SUV credibility.
For the US market, the Outlander Sport (we may as well call it that in this context as anything) will be all about offering an eco-compact option to US buyers. It will get a 2.0 litre petrol 4-pot and 4WD. It will, also come with a CVT ‘box — not the most enticing prospect. But it will better the economy of the regular Outlander by around 25%.
Really not sure why Mitsubishi feel the need to go the multi-moniker route, but the car will be much the same in all markets except for engine options.
It also looks quite promising.
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