Category: Mitsubishi Cars
Battle Of The MPVs: Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Avanza
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 21 Nov 2022
MPV Battle: Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Avanza
The MPV segment doesn’t always get the attention it deserves but the seven-seater segment is more competitive than you may think. This brings us to the Mitsubishi Xpander and how it might compare to the Toyota Avanza since both are among the more popular people carriers.
So, if you’re looking for a family car that can seat seven people in relative comfort with space to boot, here’s a closer look at some of the features, driveability and performance of the Mitsubishi Xpander with some comparisons to the Toyota Avanza.
How Practical Is The Mitsubishi Xpander?
With a family in mind, choosing your next car is not only a matter of personal taste but also the practicality factor. When it comes to the Mitsubishi Xpander, the cabin is just that with various cubbyholes and pockets to help keep your things in order. While the third row of seats might be a little tight for taller adults, the second row offers more room and comfort for three people without any hassle.
As for boot space, the Xpander has a competitive offer of 223 litres with all seven seats in place. However, with the second and third rows of seats folded down, you benefit from up to 1608 litres which is ideal for school bags, groceries, sporting equipment and luggage for those family weekends away. In comparison, the Toyota Avanza offers 128 litres of boot space with all the seats in place and 1,424 litres of boot space with the seats folded down.
What About The Xpander’s Styling?
Since the focus for MPVs and other people carriers is mostly on practicality rather than design, they aren’t always overly flattering. That said, the front and rear of the Mitsubishi Xpander are easily recognisable, especially if you’ve seen the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport; fielding the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” to make it stand out from the Avanza and similar vehicles in its class.
While the Avanza follows a more traditional design approach, it still looks good but it’s not as distinctive as the Mitsubishi Xpander. You have to give the Mitsubishi designers credit for continuing with the Dynamic Shield concept which has featured even more in 2022. This, together with the T-shaped LED headlights, gives Mitsubishi Xpander a unique appearance; a rare quality in the MPV segment.
As for the rest of the body, everything is tidy with better-integrated side sills and a sleek tailgate and rear bumpers. Sitting on stylish 16-inch allow wheels with a ground clearance of 225mm, compared to 195mm on the Avanza, it looks more like an SUV than an MPV.
A Closer Look At The Interior
The interior follows Mitsubishi’s principle of “Omotenashi” which roughly translates to giving more attention to detail and anticipating the needs of their customers.
While the interior consists of hard plastic, it looks classy and well put together, unlike the Avanza which lacks the same refinement. The dashboard and door panels get faux stitching which emulates a leather stitching pattern for a more premium feel. The fabric seats are comfortable and the interior is likely to withstand the rigours of everyday use without a hitch.
The combination of analogue dials with a central digital display tells you everything you need to know, while the Bluetooth and voice-controlled infotainment system is easy to operate. There’s also a USB port inside the glovebox which is not the norm in modern cars but it works.
What Safety Features Are Included On The Mitsubishi Xpander?
The Mitsubishi Xpander comes standard with several safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS and EBD (electronic brake force distribution) as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also has a front-end impact-absorbing structure further boosted by Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction with side impact bars. The Avanza also gets ABS and EBD but it lacks the same reinforced body construction of the Xpander.
What Is The Performance Like On The Mitsubishi Xpander?
In South Africa, the Mitsubishi Xpander is available in two derivatives, both front-wheel drive with a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine delivering 77kW and 141Nm of torque. However, one is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox (with 15-inch wheels) while the other is fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Avanza, on the other hand, has two different petrol engine options in a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre. Both are equipped with VVT-i pushing out 67kW, 113Nm and 76kW and 136Nm respectively, a slight drop in performance compared to the Xpander.
In terms of driveability, the Xpander offers a somewhat more refined drive with the automatic offering a smoother driving experience. The engine is also quite responsive even when accelerating from low revs, making it relatively easy to get up to speed on highways but where it shines most is on urban roads.
When it comes to fuel economy, both vehicles offer relatively good numbers but the Mitsubishi edges the Avanza with 7.0 l/100km compared to 7.7 l/100km.
Final Verdict
Overall the Mitsubishi Xpander is a solid choice as a family car with a distinctive design, a practical and spacious interior and an efficient engine delivering respectable performance and decent fuel economy for an MPV. All new Xpander models come with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 2-year/30 000km Service plan.
If you’d like to find out more about the Mitsubishi Xpander or book a test drive, visit our showroom in Kuilsriver and Stellenbosch or simply give us a call.
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A Double Cab Bakkie Under R500K – Mitsubishi Triton GL
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 20 Apr 2022
The Mitsubishi Triton GL double cab bakkie
The Mitsubishi Triton lives in the high end of the market in terms of what it offers, but its pricing has always been aggressively affordable. Now Mitsubishi has thrown down a very serious gauntlet with the GL M/T 4×2 priced R115K lower than the next trim level.
This new Triton seems to be aimed at fleet owners, SMEs and those looking for a double cab lifestyle at a very good price.
We all know features add to the price, especially in the double cab space. Mitsubishi did some careful cutting to reach this exceptional price, but the GL is by no means a box on wheels.
The most noticeable difference is the engine. While still the familiar 2.4-litre intercooled turbo-diesel, it produces 100kW and 324 Nm versus the 133 kW and 430 Nm of the more expensive models. Power is transmitted via a six-speed manual through a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels.
You get a touchscreen sound system that can be upgraded to Apple/Android connectivity, electric windows and side mirrors. You also get auto air conditioning.
The standard leather upholstery has been replaced with quite good looking dark grey fabric. There is a centre armrest with a cup holder, a four-spoke urethane steering wheel, a USB port and a 12v accessory socket. The GL rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.
On the safety side, it is also full service, with front airbags, ABS, EBD and brake override system, DRL lamp on the bumper and ISOFIX child seat anchors in the back.
Like all Triton models, the GL comes with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
Priced at well under R500K, starting at only R480 995, the GL fills a very prominent gap in the demanding double cab market. If you can live with fabric upholstery and rear-wheel drive only, the GL offers you the ride and build quality of a Mitsubishi Triton at a great price. We suspect the compelling combination of price and features will attract smaller businesses and a large chunk of lifestyle buyers who up to now had to settle for less appealing options.
Why not book a test drive of the new Mitsubishi GL M/T 4×2 and see if this brand new package hits your motoring sweet spot?
The post A Double Cab Bakkie Under R500K – Mitsubishi Triton GL appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Limited Edition Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire Now Here
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 21 Mar 2022
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire
Aspire – Mitsubishi’s two new limited edition badged Pajero Sport trim models come with the full set of luxury features, enhanced by stylish black trim all around. This was done to further enhance the major facelift the Pajero Sport received just over a year ago.
The Aspire models feature a black Dynamic Shield grille, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and a choice of White Diamond and Jet Black two-tone colours. This matches nicely with the seven black leather seats, steering wheel and dashboard inside.
The two newcomers are the Aspire 4×2 AT and the Aspire 4×4 AT. Both come with the 2.4-litre MIVET turbodiesel that gives you 133 kW and seriously punchy 430 Nm at 2500 rpm, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive gives you the SuperSelect II system, Hill Decent Control and four off-road modes for gravel, sand, mud/snow and rock.
The new Pajeros come with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment that will talk to either Apple or Android phones, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, cruise control, driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, the excellent Pajero multi-function steering wheel, reverse camera and parking sensors, auto LED headlights with high beam assist, cruise control and trailer stability control and rain sensing wipers.
Mitsubishi is serious about safety in all its vehicles, and the Pajero Sport Aspire does not disappoint. It has reinforced impact safety measures, ABS and electronic brake distribution, seven airbags and ISOFIX anchors, active stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start assist and dusk-sensing headlights.
The Aspire is priced from just above the 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4×2 to just under the Exceed 4×4. It has the standard three-year/100 000km warranty and five year/90 000 km service plan included in the purchase price.
Limited edition models mean just that: Mitsubishi will only make a certain number of the striking Aspire models and then stop. No more. If you want one of these rare beasts, don’t delay. Request a call today. And remember, we will deliver your new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire Limited Edition to your doorstep, no matter where in South Africa you live.
The post Limited Edition Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire Now Here appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Bakkie Buffs Rate The Mitsubishi Triton – Here’s Why
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 18 Jan 2022
The Mitsubishi Triton bakkie
The popularity of cars, and especially bakkies, is often driven by herd behaviour. “He drives one, and she, and they, so I had better drive one as well.” Some say a bakkie is a bakkie, but they are wrong. Those who truly know bakkies, and know what is important in a top-range one, rate the Mitsubishi Triton very highly indeed. Why? Let’s look at a couple of standout attributes.
The Blend Of Stylish And Practical Design
The Triton looks like it should be streaked with mud, even brand new on the showroom floor. The Dynamic Shield design gives it a robust, bundu-ready appearance. But it is not just the looks – the huge 18-inch wheels and high mounted headlamps and fog lights immediately suggest serious off-road capability.
Yet the Triton is a premium twin cab and needs to take you on- or off-road in comfort. Features not found, or optional extras on other bakkies, come standard with the Triton. These include tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column with a multi-function leather steering wheel that has audio and cruise control, voice control Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment, dual-zone aircon, electric windows, USB and accessory plugs, leather seats, chromatic rearview mirror and electrically adjustable driver seat.
As Safe As You Can Make A Bakkie
Not all South African drivers always drive safely, to put it mildly. Vehicle safety, therefore, rates as one of the most important areas drivers consider. Consider the safety features of the Triton.
The whole range comes with RISE – Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution, seven airbags, side-impact bars, ISOFIX for child seats, active stability and traction control, ABS and EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, DRL, auto door lock, rear camera, keyless operating and high brake light on the tailgate.
A Choice Of 4×2 And 4×4 Models
The Mitsubishi Triton double cab comes in both manual and 6 speed auto for both 4×2 and 4×4 versions, but there is more. You know that neighbour who recently bought a bakkie that looks like it was used in the last Mad Max movie? You can now cruise past in your new Triton Xtreme 4×4 Auto and give him a friendly smile…
Power, Torque And Great Mileage
All Mitsubishi Triton models come with the exceptional 2.4-litre turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection. The low compression offers very low fuel consumption without sacrificing either power or torque – 133kW at 3500rpm and 430Nm at 2500rpm.
Peace Of Mind
You will get a 3 year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty, unlimited mileage roadside assistance for five years and a 5 year/90 000km service plan. You can enjoy driving your Triton and not worry about a thing.
Have A Look
Why not have a look at the five models of the Mitsubishi Triton available, and book a test drive of the one you like?
The post Bakkie Buffs Rate The Mitsubishi Triton – Here’s Why appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Two Awards In Two Countries For The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 07 Dec 2021
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
Car awards are a dime a dozen. Almost every car ever has won some award – I can think of a couple that did not, but let’s not go there. But when the same car wins two awards, on different sides of the earth, for different reasons, there is something there.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has just won AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the States, while over in Japan the evolved plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) systems of the Eclipse Cross won the RJC Technology of the Year. RJC is the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan, which is a mouthful and probably why they just call it RJC.
Let’s look at the American award first. This award is for the car that is most satisfying to drive – so pretty straightforward. The Eclipse Cross got the highest score in the Compact Crossover SUV category, beating a strong field that included the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Crosstrek.
This award has 36 categories, of which the Eclipse Cross either equalled or beat the other contenders in 32. Areas that stood out was the stylish interior and exterior design, driver’s seat comfort and good visibility, ease of getting in and out of the vehicle and the generous factory warranties. The Cross was found to have a high-quality build and of course the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating.
The Japanese reward is more technical and speaks to the specific attributes of the evolved plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC).
The PHEV Eclipse Cross uses the same groundbreaking optimised twin-motor 4WD from the revolutionary Outlander. This combines a quiet drive with powerful, stable driving, smooth acceleration and nimble handling. The electrification and all-wheel control give the driver a combination of safety, peace of mind and comfort.
This is the fifth time Mitsubishi has won the RTC Technology of year, having first done so back in ’93 with the (flashback) Galant and a model called the Eterna.
The Eclipse Cross is available in five trim levels in South Africa, and there is currently a very hot promotion on the go.
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Electric Cars Need Not Be Boring – Enter Mitsubishi Outlander
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 19 Nov 2021
The NEW Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
We all know electric and hybrid and hydrogen will be the drivers of our future cars. The costs of renewables are plummeting, while the ease of using them is improving rapidly, and in the background, Mother Nature has folded her arms and is tapping one foot in an increasingly menacing way. So we are all doomed to drive things that look like the Prius in future? Actually, no. Have a look at this if you think future motoring is going to be quiet and well behaved and really boring.
It is a race open to women only, with only compasses, maps and so allowed for navigation. A gruelling 2000km of rough desert from Nevada to California. So two women, a Sergeant Major and a Master Sargent in the US military entered the challenging challenge in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – an SUV, plug-in hybrid. Their vehicle was modified, but the standard Outlander has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and two electric motors that together give you 142kW and 186Nm of torque.
And they came third. How boring is that in the greater scheme of things? Sure, they were allowed time to charge their batteries, but that does not detract from their ability. The sheer motoring grunt required to get a podium finish against “normal” cars shines a bright light on the electrified cars of the future.
Topline EVs will demolish everything, including superbikes, on a standing quarter mile. In the States, hybrid and full EV Ford F250s will power your house or business if weather knocks out the power. In China and India cheap EVs are helping fight the scourge of air pollution while transporting entire families and selected domestic and agricultural livestock over great distances.
Vehicles electrified in some way or the other will be the shape of our motoring future. Like all internal combustion cars of today, they will come in a range, from cheap and nasty to really wow. The Outlander has just shown how wow wow can be.
But most of us will never enter a rally and will demand that our car does what we want it to do as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. And that, dear readers, describes the Mitsubishi Outlander in a nutshell.
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