The automotive world is a four-wheeled soap opera, and Mitsubishi has just dropped a new episode into the Belgian script. After a few years of absence, skulking in the wings of Europe, the brand is storming back onto the stage. And what a return! With a fleet of four SUVs, a sprinkle of electrification, and a world premiere in Brussels, Mitsubishi is ready to reconquer Belgian roads. But is this comeback a triumphant return or a desperate bid to stay relevant? Let’s pop the hood and see what’s going on.
A few years back, Mitsubishi’s European adventure seemed over. In 2020, the brand announced it was pulling the plug—figuratively, that is—on the continent. Too many costs, too strict regulations, and a market that changes faster than a Formula 1 car during a pit stop. Belgian dealerships, once buzzing with Outlanders and Lancers, fell silent. But like any good soap opera, this wasn’t the end. Mitsubishi quietly kept a foothold in places like the Netherlands, where its European headquarters is based, and now it’s ready to embrace Belgium again. From the fourth quarter of 2025, just in time for the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, new Mitsubishis will be cruising our roads once more.
What’s on the menu? Four SUVs, because let’s face it: if you’re not building SUVs these days, you’re not even in the game. The lineup includes the ASX, Grandis, Outlander, and Eclipse Cross. But before you think Mitsubishi is rolling out a revolutionary new range, let me burst that bubble. The ASX is basically a Renault Captur with a Japanese badge, and the Grandis is a disguised Renault Symbioz. The Outlander, an old friend, comes solely as a plug-in hybrid with an impressive electric range of 86 kilometers, thanks to a 22.7 kWh battery and a system output of 302 hp. But the star of the show is the fully electric Eclipse Cross, set for its world premiere in Brussels on September 17, 2025. Mitsubishi promises more “in-house” design elements, like the Outlander PHEV’s grille, but let’s not kid ourselves—it’s still built on a Renault-Nissan platform. It’s a bit like serving a sushi burrito: Japanese on the outside, with a French twist inside.
Why the comeback? Mitsubishi’s European CEO, Frank Krol, calls Belgium the sixth-largest car market in Europe, so it’s a logical step. But let’s be real: this is also a strategic move in a world where electrification rules the roost. Mitsubishi has a head start with plug-in hybrids—the Outlander PHEV was once a pioneer—and now they’re doubling down on that strength. The Eclipse Cross, fully electric, is their ticket to the future. Still, it feels like Mitsubishi is playing catch-up. While rivals like Toyota and Hyundai have been flooring it with hybrids and EVs for years, Mitsubishi’s been warming the bench. Then there’s the dealer issue. No national importer like Beherman anymore, just a network managed by Mitsubishi Motor Sales Netherlands. Whether that’ll run smoothly remains to be seen.
But let’s not be too cynical. Mitsubishi’s return has a certain charm. It’s like an old rock band announcing a comeback tour after years of silence. The Outlander PHEV is a solid player, the Eclipse Cross sounds promising, and who knows what’s in the pipeline? There’s talk of a Mitsubishi version of the new Renault Clio, and Krol even dreams of European versions of Japan’s kei-cars—those tiny, adorable cars with cult status in Japan. Whether that’s realistic in a Europe obsessed with SUVs and safety standards is another matter. For now, Mitsubishi’s sticking to electrified SUVs, and that’s probably a smart move.
Is this comeback a game-changer? Probably not. Mitsubishi’s borrowing heavily from Renault, and the “in-house” models they talk about are still a long way off. But in a world where every carmaker is scrapping for a slice of the electric pie, Mitsubishi deserves a nod for daring to jump back in. The Eclipse Cross could be a surprise hit, and the Outlander PHEV remains a reliable choice for those not quite ready to go full electric. So, Belgium, buckle up: Mitsubishi’s back, and they’re bringing a bit of Japanese drama with them.
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