Mitsubishi's UK return starts with two renewed old favourites

Mitsubishi brand is returning to the UK market after a five-year hiatus – here's what we know so far

► Mitsubishi Motors announces return to the UK
► Brand will relaunch in summer of 2026
► Models will likely all be rebadged Renaults

Mitsubishi Motors recently announced it is returning to the UK market. The brand has now confirmed that its first new models to launch here will be the latest generation of Outlander PHEV and the L200 pickup.

These two models were former favourites from the brand. The Outlander PHEV was highly successful at a time when the plug-in hybrid was uncommon, and the L200 was one of the most popular pickups when it was on sale.

The latest Outlander PHEV (pictured above) is described as ‘all-new from the ground up,’ and uses a 2.4-litre combustion engine and twin-motor setup for all-wheel drive. The new L200 launches with a twin-turbo 2.4-litre diesel engine, selectable four-wheel drive, several drive modes and a low-range function.

There will likely be more models to follow – most of which are rebadged Renaults, given both brands are part of the Alliance with Nissan. While unconfirmed as to what other models will launch in the UK, Mitsubishi has already said that they will be ‘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.’

For reference, those models already available in Europe include the Mitsubishi Colt (pictured above), which is a rebadged Renault Clio. The ASX, meanwhile, is a rebadged Captur; the Eclipse Cross is a rebadged Scenic EV and the latest Grandis (pictured below) is a rebadged Symbioz.

‘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