Car & SUV

Mitsubishi teases Concept Global Small ahead of debut

January 20th, 2011 by Car and SUV

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show isn’t on until March but carmakers are already warming us up with previews of their latest concepts. Mitsubishi has now come to the party and released the first image of the Concept Global Small, ahead of its official debut.

While the name seems a touch unoriginal, the CGS is based on the notions of compact size, affordability and high fuel-efficiency. It features a modern, attractive design with distinctive headlights, a sloping roofline, and flush-mounted door handles. In the cabin, clever use of space should ensure the cabin can comfortably seat five occupants.

At this stage the CGS is technically a concept vehicle but will possibly be the new Colt/Mirage, which is scheduled for production in March 2012. It will be built in Thailand and will be challenging for class-leading fuel efficiency as well as CO2 emissions.

Detailed specifications haven’t been announced, but the concept vehicle will use a 1.0 or 1.2-litre gasoline engine with a regenerative braking system, a stop-start mechanism to decrease fuel consumption and a thrifty CVT gearbox. The concept has also been trimmed of as much weight as possible and is given a highly aerodynamic body shape. Continue reading “Mitsubishi teases Concept Global Small ahead of debut” »

Tags: Concept Global Small, CVT, Geneva Motor Show, Mirage, Mitsubishi | Posted in News | No Comments »

Mitsubishi ASX Sport 2010 Review

December 10th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Mitsubishi’s new ASX is huge, not in size but in importance for the Japanese brand. The recession has been tough on Mitsubishi but now its time to fight back and the ASX is being wheeled out as the weapon to turn the tables. The ASX name stands for Active Smart Crossover and the vehicle slots into the fast growing family compact crossover segment currently occupied by the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti and Hyundai ix35. Although it’s a niche market segment, it is one with broad appeal to buyers who want SUV styling and practicality but don’t need a rugged off-road battler or seven-seater capability. So the ASX is targeted at the right spot but does it have enough firepower to hit its mark? Car and SUV got locked and loaded into a new Mitsubishi ASX Sport to get the answers.

Mechanically, the ASX has borrowed heavily from the Outlander and Lancer models but the styling is all its own¦ well almost. Up front, the ASX receives the jet fighter front grille keeping it aligned with most of Mitsubishi’s current product. From the A-pillars back the ASX has a razor-cut modern character and while it uses the same platform as the Outlander it’s new-model charm will turn heads in this new segment. Puffed-out fenders and an upswept shoulder line give the ASX an athletic profile and fine detailing like chrome ringed fog lamps and 16-inch alloys add a feeling of quality. The ASX also comes with an in-built party trick in the form of durable front guards that pop back out without damage if knocked or pushed in. It’s exactly this sort of progressive detailing that makes the ASX stand out.

Continue reading “Mitsubishi ASX Sport 2010 Review” »

Tags: 4WD, ASX, Mitsubishi, review, road test, specifications, Sport | Posted in Mitsubishi, Road Tests / Car Reviews | 1 Comment »

American tuners AMS work over the Mitsubishi Evo X (+video)

December 7th, 2010 by Car and SUV

When it comes to Mitsubishi Evos, no one tunes them harder than AMS and it’s latest creation the Evo 900X is one of its most hardcore machines. Unsurprisingly, the 900X comes with a long list of performance and handling modifications and performance is rapid with the 0-100 km/h sprint covered in just 3.3 seconds. The go-hard Evo is powered by a AMS Stage 3 2.2-litre short block engine with new head studs, Spec JE pistons, Kelford cams and upgraded valve springs and Manley I-Beam Rods. It also comes packing a GT900x V-band turbo kit with Tial 44mm WG, a Racing Series exhaust system and a TIAL Alpha QR blow off valve.

A new intercooling system has been fitted as has a 800hp fuel system. Visible in the images, and the video below, the AMS Evo 900X has a new aerodynamics package which is mostly made from carbon fibre pieces and the brakes and suspension have also been upgraded.

Check out the AMS Mitsubishi Evo 900X do some power runs and tear up the tarmac in the video below. Continue reading “American tuners AMS work over the Mitsubishi Evo X (+video)” »

Tags: 900X, AMS, Evo X, Kelford, Mitsubishi | Posted in News, Videos | No Comments »

Mitsubishi Challenger tow capacity raised for NZ market

November 22nd, 2010 by Car and SUV

Recent engine and chassis upgrades to Mitsubishi’s Challenger range have raised its towing capability to 3.0 tonnes. The significant improvements bring Challenger’s performance into line with the rest of Mitsubishi’s 4WD diesel range, which now boasts the largest number of models capable of towing 3.0 tonne and over in New Zealand.

Challenger has accounted for over 240 sales since its launch in January and head of sales and marketing strategy Daniel Cook says the improvements are a direct response to consumer feedback.

“Challenger has had a strong following since it was first sold in New Zealand in 1999,” said Mr Cook. “Upgrades have further refined the 2.5 L common rail turbo diesel engine and structural work on the ladder-frame chassis has increased the tow capability to 3.0 tonnes.”

“We now have three diesel models – Triton, Challenger and Pajero – comprising 11 variants capable of towing 3.0 tonnes or in the case of the range topping Pajero 3.3 tonnes,” says Mr Cook. “The refinements of modern diesel engines and Mitsubishi’s long history in off-road vehicle development provide drivers with comfort, performance and the torque to hook almost any commercial or recreational toy to the tow ball.

“All covered by Mitsubishi’s industry-leading 10/5 Diamond Advantage warranty, our range of tow vehicles is hard to go past.”

Further upgrades to the 2011 Challenger Exceed include paddle shifters and sports mode transmission, rain sensing windscreen wipers, power passenger seat and dusk-sensing and auto levelling headlights. The range also gains the Iron Bark colour, popular in Pajero.

Click here to read a Car and SUV review of the 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger.

Tags: Challenger, Daniel Cook, Mitsubishi, rating, review, towing | Posted in News | No Comments »

Hulme CanAm to headline Australian International Motor Show

October 13th, 2010 by Car and SUV

The Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) is opening at 5pm this Friday in Darling Harbour, Sydney and will showcase he launches of some significant new vehicles for Australasian markets.

AIMS will host two major global premieres of locally-developed vehicles from Ford and Mazda which headline a number of other expected world-first reveals. The Motor Show also has more than 40 vehicles making their debut in either Australia or the Southern Hemisphere.

Yesterday, Sydney locals got a taste of the broad range of vehicles on offer at AIMS with a display of three unique vehicles in Darling Harbour.

Mitsubishi’s electric i-Miev — the first all-electric vehicle offered by a major Australian brand — appeared alongside NZ’s first supercar, the hand-built Hulme as well as a Renault race car air-freighted straight from France.

The three cars were shown to represent the broad cross-section of what is on offer at the Motor Show, which opens to the public this Friday.

i-Miev leads the Motor Show’s extensive green vehicle line-up, highlighting the industry’s push for more environmentally-sustainable motoring.

Hulme’s CanAm offers purists the chance to get up close to a pure-bred supercar which accelerates from 0-100km/h in less-than 3.5 seconds thanks to its 7.0-litre Chevrolet V8 engine.

The Renault Megane Trophy heads a variety of race cars at AIMS. The mid-engined machine’s sleek lines were developed using aerodynamic lessons learnt in Formula 1.

AIMS director Russ Tyrie believes the wide variety of vehicles on show, coupled with a large number of new models, means there should be something to suit all automotive tastes.

Continue reading “Hulme CanAm to headline Australian International Motor Show” »

Tags: Australian International Motor Show, CanAm, Hulme, i-MiEV, Megane Trophy, Mitsubishi, Renault | Posted in News | No Comments »

Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2010 Review

September 17th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Sharp styling is always nice, and strong performance can be exciting, but nothing speaks to new car buyers as loudly as price. The Korean carmakers have known this for decades and now Mitsubishi has cottoned on and released a new entry-level model in its very successful Outlander range. Like buying ‘home brand’ at the supermarket the Outlander LS forgoes some of the fancy packaging to chase down a more attractive price – $37,990. That’s a tempting sum to swap for NZ’s best selling medium SUV especially coming with Mitsubishi’s 5-year/10-year warranty. But in achieving this price what concessions have been made on this brazen base-model? Car and SUV opened the packet on the Outlander LS to take a closer look at the contents within.

Visually the LS, like all Outlanders has a more traditional boxy SUV shape when compared to the highly curved new-school SUVs like the Hyundai ix35 and the Mazda CX-7. Classic good looks aside, it’s only under close inspection that the LS differs from its more expensive siblings. Mitsubishi’s ‘jet fighter’ grille, first used on the Lancer then on the facelifted Outlander range, hasn’t filtered down to the LS model. While this leaves it a facelift behind other Outlanders the overall styling on the LS is modern and gives it genuine presence. Tough black plastic mouldings protect the underside and it rolls on 16″ steel wheels with silver covers. Overall, it’s a smart looking machine with its high beltline, tinted rear glass and subtle chrome touches. With the exception of the steel wheels there is nothing about the Outlander LS that really screams ‘base model’.

Continue reading “Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2010 Review” »

Tags: 2 litre, CVT, LS, Mitsubishi, MIVEC, Outlander, review, road test | Posted in Mitsubishi, Road Tests / Car Reviews | No Comments »

Mitsubishi wins big with NZ government contract

August 30th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Mitsubishi Motors has been selected by the New Zealand Government Procurement Development Group to supply vehicles for use by all government agencies over the next five years.

The popular Outlander LS, in both 2WD and 4WD, was selected for Large Wagon and Large SUV categories respectively, while Triton GL and GLX were both selected for the 2WD and 4WD Utility categories.

Mitsubishi Motors NZ national fleet sales manager Mike Davidson is delighted with the decision. “The endorsement is a reflection of the quality and value of both models, our industry-leading 10/5 Diamond Advantage Warranty and the strength of the Mitsubishi network,” he said

“Ever since its launch in 2005, Outlander has been a New Zealand favourite and it continues to top the sales charts in its class. Triton has moved from strength to strength and is recognised for its class-leading 4WD and safety features. It is the only option in the diesel ute segment with active stability control and the GL configuration is the only 4WD ute with rear diff lock as standard.

“The all-of-government procurement process reviewed 518 vehicles provided by 14 suppliers. Up to eighty five percent of the vehicles available to agencies could potentially be supplied by Mitsubishi and two other suppliers,” said Mr Davidson.

Continue reading “Mitsubishi wins big with NZ government contract” »

Tags: Government contract, Mike Davidson, Mitsubishi, Outlander, Triton | Posted in News | 1 Comment »

Mitsubishi ASX officially launched in NZ

August 11th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand has officially launched its all-new ASX (Active Smart Crossover) in NZ at an event yesterday.

To reflect consumer demand, Mitsubishi has brought its light weight, compact bodied SUV to the New Zealand market. ASX marks the company’s attempt at integrating the simple functionality and compact size of the hatchback with the utility and style of an SUV.

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of a fuel efficient 2.0 litre DOHC MIVEC Petrol Engine and a 1.8 litre DOHC MIVEC Intercooled Turbo Diesel Engine inside the 4WD Diesel Sport. The two MIVEC engine options deliver solid daily driveability and impressive fuel economy. Fuel economy and CO2 figures on the 2WD models are 7.9 L/100km and 184 g/km respectively, while the 4WD comes in at 8.1 L/100km and 188 g/km. The Diesel Sport model rounds out the range with fuel economy of 5.9 L/100km and C02 emissions of 155 g/km.

Inside the ASX is a soft touch dash and freshly designed 3D embossed seat fabric options.

All three sport models are equipped with steering wheel mounted audio controls and Bluetooth hands free audio. There’s a one touch start button and Electronic Power Steering which compliments the high ride height of the ASX, while the light weight impact resistant front guard will minimize the damage from small impact items like shopping trolleys in supermarket car parks.

Safety features in the ASX are impressive, with Active Stability Control and seven airbags earning the 2WD ASX models a five star ANCAP safety rating.

“The ASX is such a smart, efficient package we think city dwellers who own hatches and sedans will see it as a ‘step up’,” said Mitsubishi Head of Sales & Marketing Strategy Daniel Cook. “All the
SUV plusses like lots of space flexibility and the panoramic driving position, plenty of vitality and ooomph, but without the bulk that often just isn’t practical in the city and suburbs.”

Continue reading “Mitsubishi ASX officially launched in NZ” »

Tags: ASX, Daniel Cook, launch, Mitsubishi, pricing, specs | Posted in News | 1 Comment »

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