Oh, it was definitely also intended for Japan, Europe & Australia, where it's not even close to being the smallest or least powerful car on the road.
It just wasn't really meant for North America.
I actually asked a North American Mitsu official (who shall remain nameless), and this person basically said: "notice that I am not explicitly denying what you're asking."
There were also a few media reports around launch time effectively saying the same thing (about the North America situation).
PS: I'm super glad they brought it here too.
