Mitsubishi, Nissan developing a Jimny-sized contender?

The all-new Suzuki Jimny has made an impact on our local mini SUV market. It has created a segment with no competition. Despite the high price tag, customers are still interested in getting the tiny 4x4. The aftermarket scene is also filled with so many performance parts, lift kits, suspension, and body enhancements. Suzuki remains unchallenged sitting on top of the mini SUV mountain.

The closest vehicle to challenge it is the Ford EcoSport. But obviously, the EcoSport doesn’t hold a candle to the Japanese 4x4. Ford silently axed the model and some others for our local market. The only competition that will give the cute Suzuki offering shivers would be the old Pajero Mini. Yes, that Pajero Mini from 2012 that Mitsubishi discontinued.

According to a report by Best Cars, Mitsubishi is supposedly planning to revive the Pajero Mini and it will supposedly debut in 2024. With their Alliance partner Nissan, the mini SUV has reportedly been given the green light and will be made possible via the joint venture between the two companies, NMKV.

The mini SUV will be developed and manufactured at the Mitsubishi factory where the current Nissan Day series and Mitsubishi’s own eK series come from. Mitsubishi will be taking the helm in designing the vehicle but the new model will be sold by both automakers.

There are still many variables, however. There is a possibility that the Pajero Mini might be a mild hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) only. There are also talks of a special 4WD system being developed. It is rumored to be based on the S-AWC that Mitsubishi has been building.

With a 2024 target date, Mitsubishi has its plate full with the development of the Pajero Mini. They will surely be out to get that crown from Suzuki and Mitsubishi is banking on the Pajero Mini's legacy. We won’t be surprised if, in the next few months, photos of this project pop up online. Stay tuned as the battle for supremacy in the mini SUV segment is definitely on.