The disguise-draped SUV seen here hot-weather testing in California's Death Valley is said to be Mitsubishi's upcoming small SUV, designed to fit between the next-generation ASX and the larger, seven-seat Outlander.
Appropriately, and telling plenty about Mitsubishi's aspirations, the test mule is in the company of a Kia Sportage and a Ford Escape (Kuga in Australia).
The Mitsubishi is thought to be a development mule for the production version of the XM SUV/MPV shown in concept form at the Indonesian motor show this month and is said to be based on the same platform as the next-generation Outlander.
The spy photos indicate that the production Mitsubishi will feature a heavily upswept side window line and similar proportions to its Death Valley companions.
It's thought the engine line-up will include Outlander-sourced four-cylinders – a 2.0-litre petrol and a plug-in PHEV hybrid – and, like its competition, it will likely be available in AWD and FWD form.
Mooted on-sale date for the Mitsubishi five-seater is early 2018.