Is Mitsubishi evaluating an EV version of the Colt/Space Star?

Mitsubishi knows that survival in Europe is dependent on introducing EVs in the right segments. The company would have to convert its small and compact models, including the Mitsubishi Colt and the Mitsubishi Space Star, to EVs or launch EV successors, if it wishes to sustain its presence in the Old continent.

After freezing new launches in Europe in 2020 that indicated an exit from the region, Mitsubishi made a U-turn. Renault came to its rescue and helped firm up new launches for MMC. Following the restructuring of operations, it introduced the new Eclipse Cross PHEV last year. In the second half of this year, according to an Automobilwoche report, it expects to launch the all-new Outlander PHEV. Then, two Renault-made OEM-model vehicles will arrive starting in 2023. One of them will be the next-gen Mitsubishi ASX, available as an HEV and a PHEV in the spring. The second model would be a hatchback – the new Mitsubishi Colt, Werner Frey, Managing Director, Mitsubishi (Germany), said in March 2021.

Next-gen Mitsubishi ASX teaser and Mitsubishi Colt EV next to it?
The covered model in the photo is likely the next-gen Mitsubishi Colt EV based on the CMF-BEV platform. Image Source: YouTube/Groupe Renault

In the interview with auto motor und sport last year, Frey talked about the upcoming Renault-built Mitsubishi cars. He said they would be a passenger car and an SUV, both in the B-segment. “We’re referring to the Clio and Captur platform, and that would fit the ASX in size in the case of the SUV,” the Mitsubishi Germany boss said (translated). Speaking to Auto Zeitung about the future Mitsubishi models, he confirmed that the hatchback would be a new Colt. “There will be two B-segment models – a hatchback, which will eventually emerge as the new Colt, and an SUV (later confirmed to be the next-gen ASX),” Frey said (translated).

The new Mitsubishi Colt would sit on the electric version of the CMF-B platform – the CMF-BEV. Commercialized in 2019, the modified CMF-B platform will be the basis for the Alliance’s small electric cars.

Video Source: YouTube/MITSUBISHI MOTORS TW

The first electric car based on the CMF-BEV platform is arriving in early 2024, the Renault 5 (Renault R5). The Nissan Micra EV successor for Europe will follow quickly before the Renault 4 (Renault R4) crossover breaks cover in 2025. It’s logical to expect the Mitsubishi electric hatchback to follow these alliance launches, either as the Mitsubishi Colt EV or Mitsubishi Space Star EV. At the Alliance digital conference on 27 January 2022, Mitsubishi President & CEO Takao Kato acknowledged that the company needs to launch EVs in Europe, but did not confirm product plans.

In Europe, the direction of the electrification is very very clear. For example, in 2030, if we want to survive in Europe, most of the vehicle must be EV. It is very apparent.

Takao Kato, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Alliance digital conference on 27 January 2022)

Kato said Mitsubishi is considering utilizing more Alliance platforms, and one of them could be CMF-BEV for budget electric cars. Currently, Mitsubishi offers the Colt (Colt Plus) in select markets like Taiwan, and the Space Star is available in Europe.

In Europe, we have right now seriously studying the future strategy, and we have not decided yet, but there is a possibility to join more EV platform from MMC side.

Takao Kato, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Alliance digital conference on 27 January 2022)

Production of the Colt EV, Space Star EV, or any other Mitsubishi EV developed on the CMF-BEV platform should take place at one of three Renault factories (Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz) in France. Don’t expect its launch to take place before 2025.