Mitsubishi’s upcoming hybrids too niche focused
Instead of a plug-in SUV, I'd rather have an i-based, cheap hybrid.
Why not follow the i plug-in’s DNA?
Sometime in 2013 Mitsubishi plans to begin selling a new plug-in hybrid SUV based on the Outlander. For years now the PX-MiEV plug-in concept has been making the auto show circuit, with promises that it would one day hit production. Well, the PX-MiEV II appears ready to become that production vehicle.
Likewise, Mitsubishi also seems primed to offer a new hybrid version of the Lancer Evolution.
While that’s great news, why is the i plug-in so focused on practicality, and these two new hybrid cars are not?
The i, outside of its electric powertrain, is about as exciting as the cheapest subcompacts on the market today. But Mitsubishi’s focus on utility and practicality have made the i’s price tag quite alluring, especially after the federal tax credit.
So, why not take this same approach on at least one new hybrid? Might Mitsubishi not find a sweet spot in the hybrid segment by offering a shockingly low price tag?
Instead, for now, we know the Lancer Evolution hybrid will continue to be a performance vehicle outfitted with in-wheel motors, and possibly plug-in technology. Again, more hybrids are nice, but a performance hybrid isn’t going to drive many hybrid sales.
Unfortunately, limited sales is the same direction the PX-MiEV II plug-in appears ready to drive into as well. Sadly, hybrid SUVs just aren’t selling that well, and adding plug-in technologies to these vehicles is only going to make these hybrid SUVs more expensive and limit sale’s potential.
In my opinion, the i demonstrated Mitsubishi’s ability to think outside of the box by focusing on price and practicality. Hopefully, they’ll utilize this focus on pure function and cost-effectiveness on a new hybrid as well some day. That would certainly make these upcoming niche hybrid vehicles more worthwhile as ways of helping Mitsubishi scale its battery technologies.
Sources: AutoWeek and AutoObserver.
