Mitsubishi Introduces Their New Sedan That's Not A Lancer
Pop quiz:
- What segment sells in strong volumes in America?
- What segment is considered poison by American consumers?
- Why is Mitsubishi neglecting a popular segment while focusing on an unpopular one?
The answers are, in order: Compact cars, subcompact cars and “we have no idea whatsoever”. Despite letting their Lancer ripen so long its turned into vinegar, Mitsubishi is apparently intent on introducing a subcompact sedan to the American market.
While subcompact hatches have gotten some traction here, nobody likes subcompact sedans. Not only do they scream poverty, but they look like rubber erasers that have been melted in the microwave. And yet Mitsubishi looks set to bring over a product based on the G4 sedan, according to Automotive News.
Why not a replacement for the Lancer? Why not a decent mid-size sedan? If there’s one thing we don’t need, its a competitor for the Nissan Versa S “Credit Criminal special”.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
This announcement really bodes ill for Mitsubishi's continued existence in the US. I guess the management realizes that they really need a new product to survive, as in the auto business, new product is what keep you in the market. But this is all they can come up with. Thus, theyre either: A. in such a terrible shape back home, just can't come up with anything other than a sedan version of their newest product (Mirage), which was in a market segment totally unpopular in the US... or B. The management really believes it will succeed, which makes them more delusional than the worst patient in a mental ward, totally out of touch with the market. Either of them bodes ill for the company. Reminds me of Studebakers' last struggle, really.
I feel very sorry for anyone whose livelihood depends on this dead man walking. Who are they fooling? Kia wipes their ass with them, for fks sake.
This will make an awesome replacement for my '96 Chevy Metro (4 cyl, 5 spd, 4 door). Yea, the bar is low. Yea it's a shitty ass ride. But sorry everyone, my metro has averaged less than 20 cents a mile (Figuring depreciation and other ownership costs). This is better than ANY hybrid or whatever.
The next gen Lancer comes Q2 2014 (global roll out date) as a 2015 model. The 2014 Lancer will be a very short run, as a carryover 2013 model in the US. The next lancer will be a little smaller than it is now in length and significantly lighter to aid with fuel mileage. It will likely show up this auto show season starting in the fall and is currently in development.