Mitsubishi planning on making a small car in China
Mitsubishi Colt out testing in China
Both English and Chinese language media reports from earlier today are excitedly reporting that Mitsubishi are planning to build a small car for the Chinese market, what they don’t seem to realise is that Mitsubishi have been planning on building the Mitsubishi Colt in China for the past two years.
The joint venture between SouEast and Mitsubishi has been floundering for a number of years, but since the introduction of newer models such as the latest generation Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi China have once again found their feet and plan to continue with their plans for expansion in China. So far Mitsubishi relies on the sale of imported models such as the Outlander SUV and Pajero SUV series to keep themselves in China, they also have a JV with Changfeng but this too seems to have reached stalling point since Changfeng merged with Guangzhou Auto, it almost seems as if Mitsubishi are without direction in China.
The Colt is expected to launch at the end of the year, probably at the Guangzhou Auto Show and will come with the ‘big mouth’ style that Mitsubishi have become famous for the in the past few months. Pricing is also expected to be low to compete against the popular Ford Fiesta and other Japanese models such as the Honda Fit.
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The Colt is a GREAT looking little car, I just saw it “in the flesh” for the first time in Hong Kong last week (I saw the Nissan March as well, can’t wait for this one to be introduced in China soon). It’s smaller than the Fit and the Fiesta, and if Mitsubishi/Soueast price it right they SHOULD be able to sell it for considerably LESS than the Fit/Fiesta/Yaris (I’m thinking in the 70-80,000rmb range). This could compete well against the Peugeot 206/Suzuki Swift, and compared to those cars it is MUCH more attractive and modern looking. This should be a hit in China, and it will also be a prime candidate for aftermarket accessories with the street racer crowd. Damn…………the small car segment is getting hotter and hotter – I love it!!