2012 Mitsubishi on 2040-cars

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2017 Mitsubishi Model Year Preview and Updates

This ain't your father's Mitsubishi. And for those focused more on 'economy' than 'Evo', that's probably a good thing. The Evolution is no more, Mitsubishi's truck-tough Montero is no longer sold in the States, and the Mirage sedan and hatch serve as little more than price holders in a constricted lineup. With that, sales are up and Mitsubishi is working hard on a revamp of its entire lineup. The newest addition comes this fall in the form of a small crossover, the 2018 Eclipse Cross, pictured above. MITSUBISHI i-MIEV: The least expensive EV available in the US market obtains an optional navigation package. The nav unit includes a seven-inch touch screen, Fuse hands-free link, USB port, rearview camera and steering wheel controls. LANCER: The Lancer lives, albeit without the mojo intrinsic to the high-performance Evo, now discontinued. For '17 a rear camera is standard on the small four door, along with new wheels and an optional Sun and Sound package. MIRAGE: Mitsu's entry-level hatch and sedan receive an aggressive refresh for 2017, with an enhanced exterior (new front fascia, hood, grille and wheels), a bump in horsepower and improved suspension. Also, two new colors are added: Wine Red and Sunrise Orange. OUTLANDER SPORT: While awaiting an all-new Sport, Mitsubishi's compact crossover adds automatic climate control, upgraded seat fabric and – as announced at this year's Chicago Auto Show – a Limited Edition trim. OUTLANDER: Mitsubishi's large three-row crossover receives a new, entry-level All-Wheel Control 4WD system and enhanced technology.

Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru expand global Takata recalls by 715k [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Subaru of America spokesperson Michael McHale tells Autoblog that the company is recalling 78,000 Imprezas from the 2004 and 2005 model years in the US. This is a national expansion of the company's previous regional recall for the Impreza. The Takata airbag inflator recall just keeps growing. The latest expansion encompasses 715,000 vehicles from Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. Many of the affected models are in Japan. The largest expansion from these three automakers comes from Mitsubishi. According to Reuters, the company is adding 100,000 vehicles in Japan and 412,000 outside of the country without identifying any specific regions. Mazda is issuing safety campaigns for 112,000 vehicles in Japan, and some of these include models that the company produces there for Mitsubishi and Nissan, according to Reuters. In statement to Autoblog (embedded below), Mazda said that it is still evaluating the situation in terms of a possible effect on the US. Finally, Subaru is calling in 91,000 Imprezas in Japan. At this time, it isn't clear whether Mitsubishi's or Subaru's expansions affect the United States, but Autoblog has reached out to them for more information. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, exposure to moisture can cause the propellant in these inflators to ignite too quickly and cause these dangerous ruptures. Takata has also been investigating the problem. Related Video: Mazda statement "We are aware of the NHTSA/Takata announcement, and are evaluating the effects of it on Mazda. As soon as we have had a chance to fully evaluate the situation – number of vehicles affected, age of those vehicles, where they're located, etc. – we will be able to share those details."

Japanese government chides Mitsubishi over recall delays

An official with the transport ministry in Japan has some stern words for Mitsubishi, taking the carmaker to task for not being more proactive and honest about its recalls. An investigation into The Tri-Star last December found Mitsubishi was tardy investigating problems and didn't explain itself forthrightly to the transport ministry about the issues. None of Mitsubishi's actions were illegal, and we should stress that this is a dialogue with Mitsubishi in Japan, not Mitsubishi Motors North America.
The official advised the automaker to, "Come up with plans for improvement, implement them and report them to the ministry." It looks like the company will get more practice than it wants in that department, having to announce another recall for the Outlander PHEV over software and hardware glitches. Those recalls come just after Mitsu finally figured out the problem with overheating lithium-ion batteries that caused a production halt of the plug-in hybrid SUV.