When the 4B11 got the fuel economy improvements in the 2012 MY13 model (I believe that's when it was), the required transmission fluid for both the 4B11 and 4B12 (which didn't get improved) changed to CVTF-J4. The earlier models require CVTF-J1. The pre-2012 MY13 models still have a fluid recommendation of CVTF-J1, so it suggests that a change occurred at this time. The change could be related to minor component changes. I believe the new transmission in next years model was actually available back then, it would have been nice if they could have used it

. That said, it would have been nice if they changed to the 4J11 and 4J12 engines (or scrap the 2.0L for Australia all together). The 4J12 is really the only one you can find info on, it's used in the latest Outlander. The Outlander is the same platform so the engine should be compatible. I believe the main changes are a head overhaul. The 4J12 is as powerful as the current 4J12, but uses pretty much the same amount of fuel as the current 4B11. That's quite impressive in a way, considering the Outlander is bigger, has more wind resistance, and it's still not a direct injection engine. The 4J12 was available when they tweaked the 4B11, it's not an entirely new engine. It's just new outside of Japan.
You would think they would just make the 4J engines now seeing as they are more efficient and competitive, and making fewer engines keeps costs down.
So, the 2.4 could have used the same amount of fuel as the 4B11 does currently. The other thing is MIVEC has been improved in the 4J engines adding variable lift technology. The 4J12 engine therefore potentially has greater tuning capability with the Merlin treatment. Since the engine is just an updated 4B12, the current range of mods like late model air filter, extractors etc remain the same.
I think if Mitsubishi had the 4J12 as standard, the new CVT transmission, slightly updated interior like colour dash as standard, and LED tail lights for bling, as well as 6 speaker stereo with DAB+ as standard, they really would still have an attractive vehicle in comparison to other options.
Missed opportunity, and now they're using sales as en excuse... of course later on they could add direct injection for all models using the engine, and again that would be a sales plus.