Mitsubishi’s European return is starting to take shape in unexpected yet practical ways. After announcing its retreat from the region in 2020 due to mounting losses, the brand has quietly shifted gears. Now, five years later, Mitsubishi is expanding its presence across Europe by tapping into its alliance with Renault, opting for strategic efficiency over in-house development.

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That partnership began with the Mitsubishi Colt and ASX, which are essentially Renault Clio and Captur models with new badges. The next phase arrives in September with a fully electric successor to the Eclipse Cross, sharing its platform with the Renault Megane E-Tech crossover.

Following that, Mitsubishi plans to launch a more family-focused model called the Grandis, based on the Renault Symbioz, before the end of the year.

Building Identity in a Shared Platform World

There’s understandable skepticism around badge engineering, but Mitsubishi isn’t ignoring the criticism. Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, addressed this in a conversation with Auto News. He said the upcoming Eclipse Cross EV will be “much more Mitsubishi” than previous rebadged efforts.

He also emphasized the brand’s intention to bring more own-developed models to Europe. At the moment, the Outlander PHEV is the only vehicle that fits that description.

Still, Krol hinted at another stage of Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Renault for the near future. While he didn’t get into details, this could be a new model based on the next generation of the Renault Clio that is expected to debut before the end of 2025.

Mitsubishi’s target is to grow annual European sales to between 75,000 and 80,000 units, up from 60,879 in 2024. That figure already represented a 44 percent increase over 2023, largely driven by the strong performance of the Renault-derived Colt and ASX.

The Problem And A Possible Answer

Despite some encouraging progress, Mitsubishi’s Renault-based models haven’t been able to offset recent losses. Between January and May 2025, the brand saw a 29 percent drop in European sales. Much of that decline stems from the discontinuation of the Space Star (Mirage) and Eclipse Cross, both of which were pulled from the market after falling short of updated safety regulations.

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The departure of the Space Star is especially significant. In 2024, it made up 39 percent of Mitsubishi’s European sales, occupying the crucial entry-level spot in the lineup. Without a replacement in the city car segment, the brand faces a clear gap in its offering.

Kei Cars in Europe? Not So Simple

One potential fix could lie in a European take on Japan’s kei car segment, an idea floated by Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and former Renault CEO Luca de Meo. For Mitsubishi, this approach would tap into its deep kei car know-how without requiring heavy investment in Europe-only models.

As Krol put it, “That would be a good tool to ramp up this industry in terms of electrification.” Still, he was quick to add that bringing kei cars to Europe “sounds easier than it is,” hinting at the regulatory and market hurdles involved.

Mitsubishi is currently active in 20 European markets, with two more under review. That’s a notable drop from the 32 markets it covered in 2019, a decline largely tied to the withdrawal of the L200 pickup from the region. According to Krol, reintroducing the midsize truck in Europe would require an electrified powertrain, which isn’t a commercially viable option given the segment’s limited sales potential.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi cancelled plans to develop two in-house electric vehicles, choosing instead to focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. During a May earnings call, global CEO Takao Kato acknowledged the need for EVs in Europe, but said the company would meet that demand by leveraging products from partner OEMs rather than going it alone.

Mitsubishi is preparing to launch a new fully electric SUV designed specifically for the European market, and, surprise, it’s bringing back the Eclipse Cross name. Set to debut in September ahead of its 2025 release, this electric model will be based on Renault Scenic E-Tech and marks the next step in the growing collaboration between the two brands in Europe.

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The new Eclipse Cross will join a roster of Renault-derived electrified models, including the Colt (based on the Clio), the ASX (built on the Captur), and the Grandis (which is actually a rebadged Renault Symbioz). Of course, Mitsubishi is also working on its own projects, like the self-developed Outlander SUV.

A Familiar Design with Subtle Tweaks

So far, the only official glimpse of the new Eclipse Cross shows us a few design details, such as the wheels, grille patterns, flush door handles, and some badges on the tailgate. Earlier teasers hinted at a unique lighting signature to set it apart from its Renault twin. The EV was crafted with input from Mitsubishi’s design team in Germany, incorporating the next evolution of the brand’s Dynamic Shield front-end design.

As for the cabin, Mitsubishi promises a spacious and versatile setup that’s perfect for families. Based on the Renault Scenic, expect a two-row, five-seat configuration with a 545-liter (19.2 cubic feet) boot. The interior will also feature Google built-in infotainment and an advanced suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Mitsubishi Motors Europe

Powertrains and Variants: What to Expect

Initially, the next Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will launch with a long-range variant, with a mid-range version slated to follow in 2026. These versions will likely mirror the specifications of the Renault Scenic E-Tech, which offers 60 kWh and 87 kWh battery options. Powertrains will include a single-motor setup with 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and a dual-motor version with 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).

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The new model will compete in the compact SUV segment (C-SUV), which is the largest in Europe. Production will be carried over by Renault at the Ampere Electricity facility in Douai, France, right next to the Scenic E-Tech.

The North American Future and a Lingering Question

Mitsubishi has also confirmed it will launch another electric crossover for North America in the summer of 2026. This will be based on the upcoming Nissan Leaf and will be slightly smaller than the European Eclipse Cross.

The original Eclipse Cross, which has been around since 2017, received a mid-cycle refresh in 2020. However, with the internal combustion engine version nearing the end of its life cycle, the fate of the nameplate outside of Europe is still up in the air.