► Mitsubishi Motors announces return to the UK
► Brand will relaunch in summer of 2026
► Models will likely all be rebadged Renaults
Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed it is returning to the UK market with a range of new models, after the brand had ceased new car operations in 2020.
The brand will launch with a new range of models that have been ‘drawn from the global line-up,’ and will ‘bring the brand’s latest advancements in innovation and four-wheel drive technology to the UK market.’
In reality, that means the new model range will almost entirely consist of rebadged Renault models – the same strategy that’s under way in Continental Europe. That means the Mitsubishi Colt (pictured above) is a rebadged Renault Clio; the ASX is a rebadged Captur; the Eclipse Cross is a rebadged Scenic EV and the latest Grandis (pictured below) is a rebadged Symbioz. There is also an Outlander PHEV, which is much more of a Mitsubishi product than the others.
It is, however, to be confirmed as to what models will launch in the UK market.
‘Over the past few years, we’ve continued to see enthusiasm for the brand, which has strongly influenced this decision,’ says Sharon Townsend, head of Mitsubishi Motors UK. ‘By building on our trusted aftersales network and dedicated retailer partners, we are committed to providing an exceptional ownership experience.’
Frank Krol, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, adds: ‘We look forward to a successful introduction in the UK – a market where our brand continues to have a deep emotional connection with loyal customers.’
The brand is currently appointing dealers, with the first sales expected to kick off in the summer of 2026.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist