Next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer to be a CUV

First, Mitsubishi trotted out the storied Evolution name and slapped it on a crossover. Then it brought the Eclipse name out of hibernation and slapped it on a crossover. Now the same fate awaits the Lancer name.

According to Auto Express UK, the Lancer will go from being a compact sedan to a compact CUV on par with the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V.

Mitsubishi is hoping its future cute ute will appeal not only to CUV shoppers, but to those moving from the hatchback segment.

“If you look globally, the Csegment hatchback market is not shrinking. It’s down a bit in the U.S. and Europe. But its numbers are still expanding in China,” Mitsubishi boss Trevor Mann says. “So there is appeal. And I think because the segment is so large globally, we’ve got to take a look at it.”

As the lines between compact hatch and compact CUV grow increasingly blurry, Mitsubishi aims to satisfy both segments with one vehicle.

Chief designer for Mitsubishi, Tsunehiro Kunimoto, has high goals for the car’s styling.

“Maybe we can create a new type of hatchback vehicle,” Kunimoto says.

“We’re thinking quite radically. Originality is as much a part of the Mitsubishi design philosophy now as consistency.”

The styling may be adventurous, but the drivetrain will likely be par for the course. We can expect a four-cylinder engine, FWD -based AWD and a possible hybrid variant.

The Lancer is the only non-CUV Mitsubishi sells. If the Lancer CUV comes to fruition, the brand will have a lineup comprised entirely of crossovers and SUVs.