Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Hybrid Confirmed for New Zealand, but Still Off Limits for Australia
Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Outlander Sport hybrid, also known as the Xforce, will be launched in New Zealand later this year. This model is positioned as a value-focused alternative to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona. However, despite its availability in New Zealand, it remains unavailable in Australia due to stricter regulatory requirements.
The Outlander Sport hybrid is a small SUV that was first introduced in Southeast Asia in 2023. It is designed to offer a hybrid option for consumers looking for fuel efficiency without compromising on performance. The vehicle features a 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor, a high-voltage battery, and a two-speed transaxle. It can operate in both parallel and series hybrid modes, automatically selecting the most efficient setup based on driving conditions and battery charge.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia has clarified that the announcement of the Outlander Sport HEV (Xforce) is specific to the New Zealand market. The company explained that the model has not been engineered to meet the stricter Australian Design Rules, which are more rigorous than those in New Zealand. A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Motors Australia stated:
“MMAL (Mitsubishi Motors Australia) considered bringing the Xforce to the Australian market as the next generation ASX, however this was precluded due to not meeting Australian Design Regulations.”
Instead, the Mitsubishi ASX, which has been in the Australian market since 2010, was replaced last year by the European second-generation ASX, which is related to the Renault Captur. The first-generation ASX, also known as the RVR or Outlander Sport in some markets, will continue to be sold in New Zealand alongside the Outlander Sport hybrid.
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Johnston, emphasized the importance of the ASX in the company’s lineup:
“ASX continues to play a key role in our line-up and remains a very popular option for customers. Outlander Sport sits alongside it, giving buyers another choice within the compact (small) SUV segment.”
In addition to the Outlander Sport hybrid, Mitsubishi New Zealand is set to receive a new electric vehicle later this year. This model is developed by Foxtron, a subsidiary of Foxconn, and is expected to expand the brand’s presence in the electric vehicle market.
Mitsubishi New Zealand also confirmed that another key model will arrive by the end of the year. This is likely to be the reborn 2027 Pajero off-road SUV, a successor to the current Triton-based Pajero Sport. According to Johnston:
“These new models will open the door to entirely new segments for Mitsubishi in New Zealand.”
Regulatory Challenges and Market Positioning
Despite the success of the Outlander Sport hybrid in New Zealand, it is unlikely to make its way to Australia in the near future. The main obstacle is the stringent Australian Design Rules, which require vehicles to meet higher safety and emissions standards. These regulations have historically posed challenges for automakers looking to introduce new models into the Australian market.
Mitsubishi Australia previously anticipated that the Xforce would only receive a three-star rating under the now-superseded 2023 to 2025 ANCAP testing criteria. This low rating would have limited its appeal, especially to fleet customers. Former CEO Shaun Westcott highlighted the financial implications of re-engineering the vehicle to meet Australian standards:
“If we took that XFC platform we would have to re-engineer the entire car for the Australian market… The numbers just don’t stack up.”
The Outlander Sport shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Xpander people mover and Destinator seven-seat SUV, making it distinct from the larger Outlander family SUV. While it offers a range of modern features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced driver assistance systems, it still faces hurdles in entering the Australian market.
Currently, Mitsubishi is New Zealand’s third-best-selling new-car brand, behind Toyota and Ford. In contrast, it has slipped to eighth place in Australia, behind Toyota, Mazda, Kia, Ford, BYD, Hyundai, and GWM. The company continues to explore opportunities to strengthen its position in both markets, with the Outlander Sport hybrid serving as a promising addition to its lineup in New Zealand.
