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Matt Brogan1 May 2015
NEWS

Mitsubishi model update continues

But Lancer and Pajero to continue for another "two or three years"

Off the back of the newly revamped Outlander and Triton Mitsubishi is set to continue its model-range update with three more new models before the end of the year.

In spite of the good news, however, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) says it's no closer to securing a replacement for the ageing fifth-generation Lancer (launched in 2007) and that a new Pajero is still "two or three years away".

Lancer fans – especially those of the Lancer Evolution – will no doubt be aware the Final Edition X is available in limited numbers, with the local market set to receive 150 of the higher-powered final models. The 220kW sedan will add as standard a manual transmission, BBS alloy wheels, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs and of course Recaro seats.

The replacement of the Evo itself could eventually come in the form of an electric or plug-in electric pseudo SUV, similar to the XR-PHEV II shown at last year's Geneva motor show.

The XR-PHEV II will likely also form the basis of Mitsubishi's next ASX light SUV, which is due for replacement in 2016. The current ASX will, however, be updated again before the new model arrives and is expected in showrooms before the year is out.

Around the same time, MMAL will also launch its updated Outlander PHEV. The electrified wagon will adopt the styling cues of its recently update sibling, of course, but likely arrive with improvements to its user interface, and mild improvements in charging times and range.

Of course with the recent release of the all-new Triton (pictured) comes the inevitable replacement of the ute-based Challenger. Expected in local showrooms in the last-half of the year, the new model will face a swathe of competition, not least of which will come from Ford's new Ranger-based Everest.

The Challenger – which will essentially reflect the equipment levels and driveline options of the Triton – will face similar localisation of its suspension and throttle mapping as its commercial cousin, which Mitsubishi hopes will make the model more appealing to family buyers with a penchant for all things outdoors. It's expected the new Challenger will also share Triton's refined and quieter cabin, but will remain what MMAL says is an "affordable and capable" offroad SUV.

However, if you're a fan of the full-size Pajero off-roader the bad news is that the replacement of that model is still a way off. Mitsubishi says it's likely the new model won't surface before 2018 with the recent facelift expected to carry the model through until then.

The fifth-generation Pajero is expected to take its design cues from the GC-PHEV concept shown at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, and like that model will offer a plug-in hybrid variant.

Depending on market, the next Pajero will also be offered with a choice of conventional petrol and diesel engines, although the jury is still out on whether the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 debuted in the show car will make production.

Mitsubishi new model calendar:
Outlander (facelift): available now
Triton (new): available now
Lancer Evolution X Final Edition (new): available now
ASX (facelift): Q3 or Q4 2015
Outlander PHEV (facelift): Q3 or Q4 2015
Challenger (new): Q3 or Q4 2015
ASX (new): mid 2016
Lancer (new): 2018
Pajero (new) 2018

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Written byMatt Brogan
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