We already know that Mitsubishi is all set to make the next two to three years totally about SUVs. During this period, the Japanese automaker will work on increasing its reach across India. While 48 dealerships by March 2015 will be Mitsubishi’s first target as far as magnifying dealership reach is concerned, more check points are a part of a larger structured plan that the automaker has in process for India, a massively growing car market that is simply too large to ignore.
After its purely SUV lineup for the next 2-3 years along with up and coming dealership expansion, Mitsubishi plans to bring in mass market cars models. Sources learn that the Japanese automaker is contemplating the launch of the Mirage hatchback and the Attrage compact sedan for its mass market entry into the Indian car market. Both cars sell extensively in many parts of the developing and developed world, including India’s neighborhood, South East Asia. Currently, both cars have a 1 liter and a 1.2 liter petrol engines with 3 cylinders mapped out.
Developed for the emerging markets, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a conventional hatchback that boasts of its compactness. Powered by 1.2 L petrol engine, the Mitsubishi Mirage is rumoured to be priced in the range of Rs. 4.5- 5.0 lakh. The car has several pros to it which include:
- Excellent fuel economy
- good standard features for the price
- terrific warranty
- agile handling and maneuverability
- low starting price
The Attrage is a car focused on energy saving, and has an electric rack-and-pinion steering and 3A92-series 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder MIVEC unit, which offers 78 PS at 6000 RPM and 100 Nm of torque at 4000 RMP. Power is transmitted to front wheels via a five-speed manual or a CVT auto gearbox. Estimated price to be INR 7-8 Lakhs.
For succeeding in India’s budget car landscape, competitively priced cars, good after sales service, affordable spares and strong dealership penetration are indespensible must-haves. The Mirage and Attrage will have to be manufactured locally for attractive and required price tags to become a reality. This clearly means big investments from Mitsubishi in India now that Hindustan Motors has packed up its car making business in India, deciding to transfer its Tiruvallur assembly facility to a subsidiary financial corporation.
Sources learn that Mitsubishi is considering a go-it-alone strategy for its budget market car lineup. For now though, plans are yet to be set in stone. At its most popular stage in India, Mitsubishi sold the popular Lancer sedan, which was a strong vehicle in the executive sedan segment, and that was highly regarded for its reliability and comfort. With the Mirage and Attrage, Mitsubishi could recreate the days of success with the Lancer in India. The market is quite ready for such an entry and should be favourable for the Japanese Company.
Source: CarToq
