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Mitsubishi may have been off the radar in terms of new cars recently, with no new offerings since the Pajero Sport SUV, but that is soon to change, starting with the launch of the automatic transmission version of the Pajero Sport by October this year. In an interview with our sister publication, Autocar Professional, Mitsubishi’s executive officer and corporate general manager Asia and ASEAN office Ken Horinouchi revealed that a company is working on a new business strategy that will see Mitubishi dealers in India selling ‘around five models’ by 2016. They currently sell only one model, the Pajero Sport. The cars will, at least initially, be imported from ASEAN markets, although assembly at the HM’s Chennai facility is likely at a later stage. “We are aiming to import some cars from ASEAN countries to India,” says Horinouchi.
While exact details and launch dates weren’t confirmed, one of the cars that is a strong contender for launch in India is the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. While the ‘Mirage’ name was previously used for the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and coupé in certain markets, it now refers to the company’s new compact hatchback. A rival to the likes of the Maruti Celerio and Hyundai i10, the Mirage is powered by a 77bhp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine in the ASEAN markets in which it is already on sale. Apart from a manual gearbox, it also gets a CVT automatic option. Continued..
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