Most improved award for Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has been recognised as the ‘most improved’ at the recent Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) Manufacturer of the Year Awards (MOTY).

Even though the majority of new vehicle sales are recorded as Dealer Sales, the vast majority of the money comes from corporate purchasing either directly as fleet pool vehicles or as company cars and car allowances – making fleet business a high riority for all manufacturers and importer.

Mitsubishi has expanded its fleet focused product offering with the launch of the Diamond fleet club, which offers members enhanced aftersales support and service.

Performance based

The SAVRALA MOTY awards are purely performance based and are determined through two surveys conducted by Lightstone with 37 car rental and leasing companies in South Africa, covering rental and leasing performance. These surveys gauge fleet customers interactions with the manufacturers they frequently deal with and whose vehicles are part of their fleets.

Most importantly, participating rental and leasing companies are required to involve all the relevant people in their operations who are knowledgeable about each of the criterion to complete the various sections of the surveys, resulting in a very accurate set of results.

“In more recent years Mitsubishi Motors SA set a number of goals with the aim of taking the brand to new heights. These goals included a clear strategy on becoming the mobility partner of choice to businesses of all sizes. This saw us refine our commercial vehicle offering and the aftersales value proposition for fleet clients.

“To be rewarded by SAVRALA as the most improved manufacturer shows that Mitsubishi Motors SA are making great strides in these areas,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager: Sales at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). 

In the rental category of the competition, manufacturers are judged on criteria including communication, support, maintenance, value, theft prevention and B-BBEE and Mitsubishi improved considerably in all these categories resulting in an overall improvement, across all categories of 12,0%.

Some of Mitsubishi’s biggest improvements recorded were in categories such as the availability of parts and the waiting time for a service.

In the leasing category Mitsubishi improved in many of the sub sectors of the scoring criteria which include communication, technical support, financial categories, dealer performance and B-BBEE.

Judging criteria

“SAVRALA shares detailed results of the annual survey with participating manufacturers and these scores across the variety of judging criteria have been a great tool in assisting Mitsubishi to improve our operations related to the rental and leasing customer journey,” says Campbell.

“Mitsubishi are always innovating with the goal of giving all our customers, whether they are walking into a dealership and new to the brand or have a long-standing relationship with us, as many of our fleet and leasing customers do, the best possible experience when interacting with our brand throughout the ownership journey,” adds Campbell.

Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS

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Colin-on-Cars - Triton single cab starts a facelift rollout

Mitsubishi Motors launches the start of the facelifted Triton range rollout in the form of the single cab workhorse to the South African market.

The modernised single cab Triton GL, gets a black grille, black door handles, mirror, tailgate handle, black rear bumper and black side steps. The interior of GLS double cab models boast rear air vents, auto headlamps and auto wipers.

The new entry-level Single Cab Triton provides the fleet owner with quality, reliability, durability and fuel efficiency to make a bold, but a reliable statement.

“The launch of the Single Cab is firmly directed at the fleet and small business market and aimed to provide a cost-effective solution in the face of the steadily rising price of fuel and the recent repo rates hike,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

“Offering a more versatile commercial vehicle range is a clear indication of MMSA’s consumer-centric approach of listening to and acting on the needs of customers.”

Powerful engine and transmission

The Mitsubishi Triton 4x2 Single Cab is powered by Mitsubishi’s proven DOHC intercooled turbo-diesel engine, with 100 kW of power and 324 Nm of peak torque on tap.

An overall fuel consumption average of 8,0 l/100 km will give fleet owners some comfort and relief from the high fuel prices. The 75-litre fuel tank will ensure that economical long distance-travel is matched with the shorter workhorse power of the eager 2,4-litre diesel engine.

The new Single Cab is exclusively available as a 4x2 with a six-speed manual transmission.

It features a limited-slip differential, which along with the weight saved by the 4x4 gear, improves performance and fuel economy. The limited-slip differential provides effective, well-proven traction when one wheel slips and controlled power is transmitted to all the driving wheels, redistributing the engine's torque to the wheels with the most grip.

“In some situations the limited slip diff will perform as good as a 4WD vehicle with open differentials”, it offers more control over power delivery, explains Jeffrey Allison.

Robust, dependable, and versatile to the core

Underneath the head-turning styling is a rigid ladder chassis, designed to provide the best possible handling and ride comfort, irrespective of the road surface.

The suspension setup consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabiliser bar up front, while the rugged above-the-axle leaf spring rear suspension provides outstanding traction and load-carrying capacity of up to 1-ton.

The single handle on the tailgate enables one-handed operation, while four integrated cargo hooks mean that loads can be secured safely and with ease.

Practical, yet durable 205R16C steel wheels are fitted. Seats are covered in high-grade, tough, vinyl for dust-beating practicality.

Innovative safety and features

Says Allison: “Some of the Triton’s most striking exterior features include Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design, which incorporates a high hood line and beefy-looking front view. At the same time sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines, extended wheel flares and bright accents exude strength.

“Add to this halogen headlamps and, it is obvious this bakkie is slated to be a trusty workhorse.”

Warranty and service

Cost of ownership is low, as the Single Cab is priced R75 000 cheaper than it’s Double Cab sibling and will set you back only R409 995,00. Replacement of common parts in the case of accidents or other damages were also carefully considered to lower the ownership cost.

The entire commercial vehicle line-up – including the Triton Double Cab GL – is covered by a three-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty as standard, along with a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance is also included. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km.

“Looking ahead for Triton range we should end the year off with more than 10 derivates so there’s still a lot to be excited about with a few more additions to the Triton range on the horizon,” says Allison.

“This forms part of our 2023 product offensive, adding to Triton Xtreme 4x2 introduction, GL Double cab and a wider range of ASX Aspire, ASX ES and Pajero Sport Aspire.”

https://bit.ly/3SYFPlV

Colin-on-Cars - Kudos for new Outlander

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander – due for local release later this year – has won the iF Design Awards 2022 as well as the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model racking up a Five Star Award in the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP).

“The all-new Outlander model is Mitsubishi Motors' flagship model which brings together the best in electrification and all-wheel control technologies, while also utilising a new-generation platform and an array of advanced technologies,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

Tensile

Featuring Mitsubishi Motors' RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the all-new Outlander incorporates ultra-high tensile strength steel around the passenger compartment. It achieves both passenger safety and weight reduction through a combination of a high impact-absorbing front body structure and a high-durability, low-deformation passenger compartment structure. 

Further, seven SRS crash bags are standard equipped on all vehicles.

Advanced

Active safety technologies are standard equipped on all vehicles, combining nine advanced driver assist features including the Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead (daytime only), automatically applies the brakes to avoid collisions, and assists in mitigating collision damage, as well as Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM) which detects obstacles such as walls, and when driving forward can also detect people and other cars.

The all-new Outlander comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlight (ALH), which deliver superior night visibility by detecting whether there are oncoming cars and cars driving ahead, and automatically switches the illumination range and brightness of the headlights.

Help

The all-new Outlander is equipped with SOS Emergency Assistance with Automatic Collision Notification to connect with HELPNET operation centre at the press of a button during a medical emergency or when seemingly in danger (SOS Emergency Assistance is a service provided by Japan Mayday Service Co – a pity a similar service is not yet in South Africa.

The leap forward with new Outlander symbolises the recent strides MMSA has made in sales as well as the expansion of our footprint in South Africa to 50 dealerships. Watch this space to see what we have planned for the new and exciting Outlander in South Africa,” Allison adds.
https://bit.ly/3uYmya3

Colin-on-Cars: Road Review - Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0

You know that kid. The one leaping up and down in the crowd yelling “pick me! Pick me” but is always the last one to be selected for any team games.

That is kind of the situation for Mitsubishi in South Africa but yet, when picked, turns out to be a much better player than expected.

The latest version of the Eclipse Cross sporting the 2,0-litre powerplant logically comes up against the Mazda CX-3 2.0, Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GLX and the soon-to-be-launched Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid and, while pricier than all of them, does offer some standard features some, or all, do not.

If you add in the individual cost of each item to the opposition list, the price factor evens out quite significantly, making the value for money proposition on the Eclipse much better than a first glance at the price tag would suggest.

Now in its second generation, the latest version has vibrant styling that expresses a fresh sportiness and stylishness – a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of a SUV.

With an increased length of 140 mm, the Eclipse Cross offers improved interior room and the rear has evolved from the previous shape and the split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass.

The rear lamps now have a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design, and extend upward and inward to follow the shape of the outside of the tailgate glass.

Not only was the SUV redesigned but it gained features such as electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors with indicator light, projector LED headlights with levelling device, daytime running lights (DRL), dusk-sensing headlamps, front fog lamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear park distance control, rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp, front bumper skid plate, 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.

On the inside, the longer length of the body also means a larger boot capacity of 437 litres, increasing to 1 074 litres with the rear seats folded flat without compromising on the spare wheel tyre size.

Luxury and convenience interior fittings include smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA), new premium Mitsubishi power sound system, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control, paddle shifts, power windows front and rear, central locking with auto door lock, full automatic air-conditioning with rear passenger vent duct, leather seats, electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger, heated seats up front, 60/40 split rear seats and accessory sockets and USB ports.

In short, pretty much everything any driver needs.

The 2,0-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine uses a multipoint fuel injection system and offers 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 198 Nm at 4 200 r/min.

Coupled to this engine is Mitsubishi’s six-step INVECS-III CVT. I still dislike CVT gearboxes but at least this one does a lot less whining as it searches for a suitable ratio. With the paddle shifts the driver regains control and can manually ‘select’ a gear, making the process of moving more briskly or overtaking more positive.

Of its peers, the Mitsubishi is not the most economical and my test average came in at 8,3 l/100 km (7,9 claimed by Mitsubishi). However, it is bigger than those peers so size and space need to be weighed up against the fuel figures and how the vehicle is going to be utilised.

Out on the road, though, the suitably high seating position provides a commanding view of the world at large and the power seat adjustment allows for fine-tuning of the seat position for maximum comfort on both long and short haul journeys.

Mitsubishi, for me, has always to build in a comforting sense of solidity to its vehicles and the Eclipse Cross sits firmly on the tarmac, yet is still nimble enough to pedal quickly when the occasion arises. It stays firmly fixed even through rapid directional changes and is more than happy to take on lesser travelled dirt roads without faltering.

In terms of safety, it comes fully kitted with Mitsubishi’s reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction, seven crash bags, side-impact protection bars, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking with brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), active yaw control, hill start assist (HAS), active stability and traction control (ASCT) and a rear-view camera on the list.

Enhancing the value proposition is a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

https://bit.ly/3lcIWYm

 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ups its game

Incredibly silly puns keep leaping into my head as I’m busy trying to write this piece about the updated and refreshed Mitsubishi Eclipse (yes, the new one eclipses the outgoing model) that gets a revised exterior design along with enhanced technology and connectivity features. 

“Through dynamic performance, spirited design and progressive technology, the new Eclipse Cross is crafted to ignite passion. It will inspire customers to be bold and to break away from the norm,” explains Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The new model’s styling is a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of a SUV. With an increased length of 140 mm, the Eclipse Cross has evolved from being “muscularly agile” to “sleekly athletic”. 

The rear has evolved from the previous shape and the split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass. The rear boot end has also undergone a styling change, boasting a sportier look. The rear lamps now have a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design, and extend upward and inward elegantly to follow the shape of the outside of the tailgate glass. 

Additional exterior features include electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors with indicator light, projector LED headlights with levelling device, daytime running lights (DRL), dusk-sensing headlamps, front fog lamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear park distance control.

 

“Spaciousness is one of the greatest strengths of the new Eclipse Cross. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to electric seat adjustment, now standard for both the driver and passenger seats, whilst maintaining plenty of head and leg room for all occupants,” says Campbell. 

The longer length of the body also means a larger boot capacity of 437 litres, increasing to 1 074 litres with the rear seats folded flat without compromising on the spare wheel tyre size. 

Interior highlights include a Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) featuring Android Auto and Apple Car Play mirroring, trip information, fuel consumption data, vehicle health indicators and air-conditioning comfort display settings.

 

The new Eclipse Cross will be offered in two derivatives. Both are front-wheel drive and feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

There are two engine options, the first being Mitsubishi’s latest 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine offering 110 kW at 5 500 r/min with 250 Nm of peak torque on tap between 2 000 r/min to 3 500 r/min. 

This powerplant is coupled with an eight-step automatic INVECS-III CVT gearbox. 

The second engine option is the 2,0-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that uses a multipoint fuel injection system and offers 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 198 Nm at 4 200 r/min. 

Coupled to this engine is Mitsubishi’s six-step INVECS-III CVT. 

Safety features include reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction, seven crash bags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), active yaw control, hill start assist (HAS), active stability and traction control (ASCT) and rear view camera on the list.

 

The new Eclipse Cross range is priced from R459 995 for the 2.0 GLS derivative and R499 995 for the 1.5t GLS offering. 

“When one considers the Eclipse Cross has a strong SUV heritage and represents all the best attributes of the Mitsubishi brand, this makes it stand out amongst vehicles that offer affordability and very little else. Here you have a unique, high-quality vehicle that is packed with standard features and offers exceptional value for money too,” Campbell enthuses. 

It has a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

 Road Review: Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 Auto

There is really nothing wrong with being spoilt for choice and when it comes to the automotive marketplace, South Africans have a staggering array of options, especially considering how small this market is in world terms. 

It does mean, however, there is a vehicle out there that should satisfy your particular need. 

Adapting and changing to meet market needs and trends means automakers are regularly reconfiguring and updating product choices – and the Mitsubishi Xpander is just one such example, slotting into a niche in the framework where it is both a SUV and an MPV. 

In the peer comparison it is only the Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Avanza that fall into the frame, with the Mitsubishi edging slightly on standard specification, but also slightly more expensive than both the others. All are powered by a 1,5-litre petrol engine and all are automatic (manual is an option).

The Xpander is the largest of the three with an overall length of 4 475 mm and a width of 1 750 mm, translating into significantly enhanced rear seat passenger space, while not compromising on the actual carrying capacity that expands (see what I did there) from 781 litres to 1 608 litres with the seats folded. 

The flexible seating can be configured to suit a variety of needs, ranging from carrying passengers and luggage to transporting lifestyle-focused items. The second and third-row seats have a 60/40 split, while the seats of the third row can be folded completely flat and stowed to create additional space in the cargo area. The latter also features a floor box with lid for safe storage of smaller items.

With a turning circle of 5,2 metres, the Xpander handles with the agility of a much smaller vehicle and the suspension in the Xpander has been solidly reinforced, which enhances the driving comfort. 

The Xpander can fulfil multiple roles, not the least of which would be personnel transport for hotel guests and the like so comfort is an important aspect. Even though its primary role would be as an urban runabout, my time in the Xpander would easily have been comfy enough on a really long-haul trip. 

As the newest of the three vehicles, the Xpander also has the lead in terms of looks, the slightly edgy styling coming from Mitsubishi’s so-called Dynamic Shield Design, which is intended to express not only performance, but also protection. 

Front-face configurations of past-generation Mitsubishi models served to protect both the occupants and the vehicle. The new face with its black central area builds on this approach, but enhances it by adding a hint of sportiness and performance.

With sporty alloy wheels –16-inch of the automatic derivative – and wide flared fenders, the Xpander has clear headlights, daytime running lights and L-illuminated LED taillights that extend onto the tailgate add to the overall look. 

Fully automatic air-conditioning with a manual rear overhead cooler, power windows all round, USB port in the front, 120-Watt power sockets to supply every row of seating and storage compartments under the seats come as standard. 

Driver comfort is ensured through a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel that features Bluetooth voice control for hands-free communication and a multi-information display. The rear-view camera has a high resolution that delivers optimal visibility and a wide field of vision. 

The 1,5-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium block engine features Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and ECI multipoint fuel injection and pushes out 77 kW at 6 000 r/min, with 141 Nm of peak torque on tap at 4 000 r/min. 

Safety features include crash bags for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), as well as an impact-absorbing structure at the front-end of the vehicle. Additional safety for young occupants is provided through ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

The Xpander also benefits from an advanced all-direction collision reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction with side impact bars. Coming-home and welcome lights enhance the overall safety, security and practicality. 

With a lot to like about the Xpander, fuel consumption is not one of them. Try as I might, I could not get the overall average on several runs through the cycle to below 7,9 l/100 km. Admittedly, this was a very new car with few kilometres on the clock and consumption may improve with a few more added. 

However, Mitsubishi claims 7,0 l/100 compared to 6,2 l/100 for the Suzuki and 6,7 l/100 km for the Toyota so it does acknowledge its engine is a bit thirstier (and the Xpander is 60 kg heavier than the others). 

Even with that, it is hard to be too critical – the Xpander is a pleasure to drive and the engine response to throttle input is quick and positive. Steering is nice and precise and the reverse camera makes parking a breeze. 

The new Mitsubishi Xpander is covered by a 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. The price also includes 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km/1 Year whichever comes first.

 Mitsubishi Xpander revamped

Two models feature in the revised Mitsubishi Xpander range in South Africa – both powered by the same 1,5-litre engine with the option of manual or automatic. 

“As the name suggests, the Xpander is all about broadening one’s horizons, whether that be in terms of lifestyle choices, or family dynamics,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). 

“With the introduction of this very exciting addition to our line-up, we hope to strengthen our positions in both the MPV and compact SUV segments of the local market.” 

The interior of the new Xpander might be all MPV, but the exterior is SUV, so it’s equally well suited to everyday commuting, family road trips and leisure activities. 

With a turning circle of 5,2 metres, the Xpander handles with the agility of a much smaller vehicle. The suspension in the Xpander has been solidly reinforced, which enhances the driving comfort. 

At the heart of the look is Mitsubishi’s so-called Dynamic Shield Design, which is intended to express not only performance, but also protection. Front-face configurations of past-generation Mitsubishi models served to protect both the occupants and the vehicle. The new face with its black central area builds on this approach, but enhances it by adding a hint of sportiness and performance. 

With sporty alloy wheels – 15-inch on the manual model and 16-inch of the automatic derivative – and wide flared fenders, the Xpander has clear headlights, daytime running lights and L-illuminated LED taillights that extend onto the tailgate add to the overall look. 

Inside, the flexible seating can be configured to suit a variety of needs, ranging from carrying passengers and luggage to transporting lifestyle-focused items. The second and third-row seats have a 60/40 split, while the seats of the third row can be folded completely flat and stowed to create additional space in the cargo area. The latter also features a floor box with lid for safe storage of smaller items. 

Full automatic air-conditioning with a manual rear overhead cooler, power windows all round, USB port in the front, 120 Watt power sockets to supply every row of seating and storage compartments under the seats come as standard. 

Driver comfort is ensured through a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel that features Bluetooth voice control for hands-free communication and a multi-information display. The rear-view camera has a high resolution that delivers optimal visibility and a wide field of vision.  

The 1,5-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium block engine features Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and ECI multipoint fuel injection and pushes out 77 kW at 6 000 r/min, with 141 Nm of peak torque on tap at 4 000 r/min. 

Safety feature include crash bags for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), as well as an impact-absorbing structure at the front-end of the vehicle. Additional safety for young occupants is provided through ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

The Xpander also benefits from an advanced all-direction collision reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction with side impact bars. Coming-home and welcome lights enhance the overall safety, security and practicality. 

The new Mitsubishi Xpander is covered by a 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. The price also includes 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km/1 Year whichever comes first. 

Pricing

Xpander 1.5L M/T: R299 995

Xpander 1.5L A/T: R319 995