- Mitsubishi set for UK comeback
- Withdrew from British market in 2021
- Has joined forces with UK importer and distributor International Motors Ltd
- New UK models not yet confirmed
- Promise of ‘performance’ and ‘four-wheel drive’ cars
Mitsubishi has announced plans to return to the UK car market - and it could herald the return of the rugged Outlander SUV.
The Japanese manufacturer departed these shores in 2021 as part of strategic, post-pandemic cost-saving measures.
The firm did, however, keep a toe in Europe and now enjoys an alliance with French giant Renault.
Mitsubishi has also maintained its UK aftersales support for existing owners, so may well be able to tap into eager customers when it returns to Blighty in the summer of 2026.
Sharon Townsend, Head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to be introducing exciting new Mitsubishi vehicles to our loyal UK customers. Over the past few years, we’ve continued to see enthusiasm for the brand, which has strongly influenced this decision. By building on our trusted aftersales network and dedicated retailer partners, we are committed to providing an exceptional ownership experience.”
Frank Krol, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, added: “Our upcoming models represent the very best of Mitsubishi Motors’ core technologies in performance, four-wheel drive, and much more.”
What Mitsubishi cars will be available in the UK summer 2026?
While Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed which cars will spearhead the firm’s UK comeback, we’d be amazed if the Outlander isn’t on the list.
It’s an SUV that has always proved popular in the UK since its inception in 2003.
A rival to SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, it’s currently offered in Europe with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that provides an EV range of around 53 miles between charges.
The latest Mitsubishi Colt (above) is basically a rebadged Renault Clio and could prove to be an affordable hatchback for lease customers.
In similar fashion, the Mitsubishi ASX (below) is effectively a Renault Captur wearing different clothes and gives you the option of a hybrid powertrain.
Meanwhile the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (below) is fully-electric, offers a range of up to 373 miles between charges, and is very much a sibling car to the Renault Scenic E-Tech (which is no bad thing as it’s a great car).
So far, so sensible. But could we get anything a little spicier..?
There’s nothing in Mitsubishi’s global range that screams ‘high performance’ and the days of the Lancer Evo are long gone.
We could, though, see a return of the faithful Mitsubishi L200 pick-up, as it’s still on sale in some global markets where it’s known as the ‘Triton’. It’s seen here (above) in rallying ‘Ralliart’ spec.
Mitsubishi also recently revealed its Elevance Concept (below) - a go-anywhere electrified crossover SUV that’s built to tackle any environment, from ‘urban streets to off-road adventures’.
Watch this space.
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