Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has expanded its U.S. model line with a sport wagon in an attempt to extend sales gains in the world's largest market by appealing to first-time new car buyers, according to a Bloomberg News story by Alan Ohnsman. The 2003 Outlander combines a hatchback with sport utility vehicle features such as all-wheel drive, a higher driver's seat and storage, Pierre Gagnon, president of Mitsubishi's U.S. unit, said at the New York International Auto Show March 27. The 5-seater may sell for $17,500 to $22,000 starting in August, AutoPacific Inc. research company president George Peterson estimates. The 2.4-liter engine Outlander, available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive, is the industry's latest hatchback, following General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Motor Corp.'s Matrix, Mazda Motor Corp.'s Protege5 and Volkswagen AG's Jetta Wagon, that combine features of cars, SUVs and minivans.
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