Mitsubishi Contemplate Launching Mirage & Attrage In India By 2016

Japanese automobile manufacturer, Mitsubishi has recently launched its Pajero Sports with automatic transmission in India. This has made the manufacturers intentions clear of offering vehicles in India. Currently they offer only SUVs in India and sell vehicles in limited numbers.

Mitsubishi India has not explored the small car segment in India. They previously offered their Lancer and Cedia model in India, out of which the Lancer was a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.

The Japanese manufacturer is now contemplating on entering the mass small car segment. Mitsubishi's plan is to introduce its Mirage hatchback and Attrage sedan by 2016. They currently have a contract with Hindustan Motors, which will expire in 2015. The manufacturer has planned certain thing post the end of this partnership.

Mitsubishi also plans to introduce new SUVs in India by 2016. The manufacturer has not confirmed its models that will enter India. 2015 will mark the end of partnership between Mitsubishi and Hindustan Motors. Currently they are planning of expanding their dealer network in India.

Once launched Mitsubishi's Mirage will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki's Swift, Hyundai's Grand i10 and Volkswagen's Polo. The Attrage on will take on Toyota's Etios, Nissan's Sunny and Maruti Suzuki's Ciaz. Both these segments are dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Mitsubishi will have to compete with their fellow compatriots.

Mitsubishi is keen of introducing only a petrol engine option in the beginning. A common 1.2-litre engine will power both Attrage and Mirage. They will introduce the vehicle with manual transmission predominantly and an automatic could feature later on. If sales are strong and there is demand the Japanese manufacturer could launch a diesel variant as well.