Stephen Duff Mitsubishi Dunedin wins the Diamond Dealer award 2010
New entry-level specs for popular Mitsubishi models
28 January 2010
Three new entry-level specifications of popular Mitsubishi models have been launched this week, meeting the needs of a broadening customer base.
The 2WD 2.0 L LS Outlander and the ES Lancer sedan and hatch variants will slot in beneath the current offerings, providing another option for price-conscious buyers, said Mitsubishi Motors marketing communications manager Daniel Cook.
“Both Outlander and Lancer have enjoyed success with private and fleet buyers alike. Feedback we’ve received highlights that, for some, the highly specified current base model has features surplus to their needs and they would prefer a cost saving where possible,” said Mr Cook.
At $4,000 less than the next model, the 2.0 L 2WD Outlander provides compelling value. Complementing the engine is a 6-speed CVT transmission with sports mode that uses only 7.6 L / 100 km, delivering a respectable 111 kW and 200 Nm while producing only 176 g of CO2 / 100 km.
The new model retains Outlander’s impressive 5-star ANCAP rating with stability control, traction control and six airbags as standard. Also standard are two third-row seats, which increase seating to seven and, when not required, fold flat under the floor without compromising luggage space. A locally fitted audio system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and useful USB and auxiliary jack points for external devices.
“A number of our Outlander prospects have said they love the style and size of the car but don’t need 4WD,” said Mr Cook. “This new specification provides an excellent solution. In 2009 17% of new SUV sales were 2WD, so we know there is demand for this vehicle.”
Few frills have been shed from the ES Lancers to achieve a substantial saving and attractive entry-point package. Alloy wheels have been replaced by steel with wheel covers, the centre console is now lidless and, while side and curtain airbags are not present in this base model, the new Lancer’s safety features still include stability control, traction control, front driver, passenger and driver’s knee airbags.
“A major part of the small car segment is very price-point sensitive,” said Mr Cook. “Removing those four features has enabled us to reduce the price by $3,000, which will be very attractive for some buyers. While removing safety specification is not our preferred choice, the ES still has a strong safety package.”
“As with all our models, these new variants are covered by our industry-leading 10/5 Diamond Advantage New Car Warranty,” said Mr Cook. “None of our competitors are currently brave enough to back their power trains for 10 years* and the full vehicle for 5 years. It allows our customers two more years of worry-free motoring than they’d normally expect and they receive 5 years of free roadside assistance to go with it.”
Retail Pricing:
Outlander 2.0 L 2WD $37,990
Lancer ES manual $27,990
Lancer ES CVT auto $29,990
NB: Lancer sedan and hatch hold the same RRP for each respective variant
Challenger’s back – a perfect blend of toughness and style
21 December 2009
The hugely popular Challenger nameplate today makes a welcome return to the Mitsubishi Motors stable, promising to build up an even bigger fan club of owners than when it was last available in New Zealand.
Those fans will be taken aback by the advances the all-new 2010 model has made, from its high level of on-road comfort and driveability to its low-range four-wheel drive ability.
Exceptional performance and economy comes courtesy of Challenger’s new high-power 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbo-diesel. With automatic transmission, five- or seven-seat layouts and two specification levels, the midsize Challenger offers premium levels of power, versatility, safety and style. “Previously, owners of Challenger prized it for its four-wheel drive ability, rather than its on-road comfort”, said Mitsubishi’s sales and marketing general manager Peter Wilkins. “When Mitsubishi’s designers began work on the new model, their clear intent was to offer the best of both worlds – and we think they nailed it. This vehicle, completely new in every aspect, drives like a dream, on-road and off”
Challenger slots neatly into Mitsubishi’s renowned four-wheel drive range, competitively positioned between the compact crossover Outlander and the all-terrain Pajero.
Style-wise, Challenger is equally at home cruising city streets or mixing it in the rough. Its basic design premise was to deliver versatility and flexibility, blending tough with smart and muscle with comfort
One surprise will be the 133kW of power and the 356Nm of torque unleashed by Challenger’s new 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbo-diesel – making it an ideal vehicle for heavy-duty towing and off-road driving. The engine uses the latest clean diesel technology, with an optimised combustion chamber, improved injector specifications and a variable geometry turbocharger making big contributions to cleaner emissions. Despite its impressive power and torque output, Challenger is extremely fuel efficient for a vehicle in its class, using just 9.8 litres per 100 kms. Challenger’s strong, responsive diesel is mated to an INVECS II Smart Logic automatic transmission with Sports Mode, letting drivers make clutchless shifts if they choose.
Mitsubishi’s Pajero-style All Terrain Technology (MATT), readies Challenger for the hard stuff. Its class-leading off-road safety package: Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and rear diff lock can be worth its weight in gold in an unexpectedly sticky situation halfway up a mountain or halfway down an unbeaten track.
MATT’s exceptional four-wheel drive system is underpinned by the famed “Super Select” that lets the driver choose between these driving modes (the first three “on the fly”):
* 2H two-wheel drive high range, for fine-weather commuting or highway touring and frugal fuel use.
* 4H full-time four-wheel drive, for extra traction in bad weather or on coarse roads.
* 4HLC four-wheel drive high with locked centre differential, sharing power equally between all wheels to easily defeat most four-wheel drive tracks
* 4LLC four-wheel drive low with locked centre differential, for when the going gets really tough.
With its strong new ladder-frame chassis, Challenger has 50% more torsional rigidity than its predecessor. The vehicle’s well mannered too, displaying comfortable and controlled driving characteristics through its all-round coil-spring suspension: at the front, double wishbones; at the rear, a three-link design. Stabiliser bars control body roll, while four-wheel disc brakes provide optimal stopping power.
Challenger’s RISE body construction and its six bring added safety.
Braked towing capacity is a generous 2,500 kg.
As flexible and versatile as it is stylish and powerful, the new Challenger offers a choice of five or seven seats, with the seven-seater’s third row split 50/50. This gives the owner multiple seating and stowage combinations and lets all occupants travel in style and comfort. The upward opening rear door adds another level of convenience, allowing for ease of loading in urban environments where space might be at a premium.
Peter Wilkins says that pricing and specifications have been calibrated to offer the best possible value with the highest possible feature levels.
“With the option of five or seven seats, the new Challenger will appeal to active families, so we have made sure that all the bells and whistles that mum, dad and a couple of kids need are there, and at an affordable price”.
The five-seat Challenger GLS, priced at $56,990, boasts a host of functional styling, comfort and technology features. These include 17 inch alloy wheels (with a full-sized alloy spare), side steps and roof rails. Inside are steering-wheel mounted controls for cruise and audio, power windows with automatic up and down on the driver’s side, remote keyless entry and central locking, single CD player with six-speaker system, an MP3 jack, privacy glass and cargo blind.
The seven-seat Exceed, priced at $61,990, adds third-row seating with a 50/50 split, manually controlled rear air conditioning, and a collection of premium-style features inside and out: to name just a few leather-mounted steering wheel, leather seat trim, powered driver’s seat, eight-speaker sound system, headlamp washers, speed-sensitive wipers and reversing sensors.
Like every new Mitsubishi car and light commercial vehicle, Challenger is covered by the comprehensive Diamond Advantage Warranty, which gives owners a 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, 5-year/130,000 km new car warranty and a 5-year/130,000 km roadside assistance package.
Challenger Pricing
GLS - 5 seat $56,990
EXCEED - 7 seat $61,990
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