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By
MURRAY HUBBARD
7 November 2011
Mitsubishi
has revealed its 2012 model year range, with buyers being offered
refreshed and upgraded versions of the current stable.
In addition Mitsubishi announced it wIll celebrate three decades
of officially being in Australia with 30th anniversary limited
edition models, about 300 in the passenger car range and 600 4WD
Pajeros. No pricing for these models is available yet, but
Mitsubishi stated they would be available at driveaway pricing on
a national basis.
CHALLENGER
One
of the major changes to Mitsubishi’s product range in Australia
is the inclusion of a 2WD Challenger SUV which retains a towing
rate of 3000 kg. The company says the addition of this model to
the Challenger 4WD range is in response to those towing caravans
that may not require 4WD. Mitsubishi Australia feel there is a
niche market for people wanting a 4WD-like vehicle for
practicality, but without 4WD capability. Challenger 2WD retains
the same ride height as its 4WD counterparts.
"Two
wheel drive is becoming increasingly popular with customers
wanting a versatile vehicle that also offers economy," said
MMAL President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina. This model also comes
with the option of a reversing camera as part of a convenience
pack that includes side and curtain airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels,
fog lamps, rain and light sensors. The interior gets a leather
bound steering wheel with audio controls, privacy glass and
six-speaker sound system. The convenience pack adds $3540 to the
entry level price of $36,990.
The
2WD Mitsubishi Challenger has a 2.5-litre common rail diesel
engine linked to either a five speed manual or auto transmission.
Mitsubishi claims fuel consumption of 8.2 litres/100 km from the
manual and 9.6 litres/100 km from the auto. Without the weight of
the 4WD system the 2WD variant is 115 kg lighter than the 4WD
which assists reduced fuel consumption.
Reversing
camera is standard on 4WD LS and XLS Challengers. The camera
monitor is included in the electro-chromatic interior rear view
mirror when reverse gear is engaged. This technology is carried
through to other models in the same way. In other upgrades, the LS
and XLS Challenger models get a USB port while seven-seat models
have improved air-conditioning. Colours for the 2WD Challenger
include charcoal, silver, tessa rossa, dark blue, white and black.
Challenger
prices range from $36,990 for a manual 2WD to $57,190 for an
automatic XLS 4WD.
LANCER
Mitsubishi's
current Lancer – the most successful Lancer ever, with sales
averaging 1500 a month, now has a reversing camera system standard
on VR, VRX, Aspire and Ralliart models. The system is also
available on the entry-level ES model via the $970 convenience
pack that also includes reversing sensors, Bluetooth,
leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
Lancer
has also been given various interior and exterior upgrades to
trim. Across the range where trim levels have been upgraded the
vehicles have a softer, less hard-plastic feel and appearance.
Fuel consumption has been cut slightly to 6.8 litres per 100 km
for the manual and 7.2 L/100 km for the CVT automatic.
Lancer
prices start at $21,690 for a manual ES 2.0-litre sedan or hatch
and peak at $44,490 for a 2.4-litre Ralliart sedan or hatch. The
high performance Lancer Evolution models range in price from
$62,390 to $74,890.
ASX
The
small ASX SUV, launched in August 2010, now has a reversing camera
available across the range. Other upgrades include new seat trims,
new rear centre armrest with cupholders and a new 'softer'
interior look thanks to different finishes. The 2WD ASX dominates
sales with 70 per cent of all ASX only driving the front wheels.
To
give buyers the availability of upgrading this package Mitsubishi
is offering two option packs, Convenience and Luxury. The
Convenience Pack includes reversing sensors, Bluetooth with
steering wheel controls and steering wheel audio controls, for
$500. The Luxury Pack includes 17 inch alloys, Bluetooth, rear
view camera, foglamps and a chrome exterior pack the same as that
on top-of-the-line Aspire for $3700.
Prices
for the 2012 ASX start at $25,990 for the 2.0-litre petrol 2WD
variant with manual gearbox to $36,990 for the Aspire with either
2.0-litre petrol (automatic) or 1.8-litre diesel (manual).
OUTLANDER
Outlander
2WD and 4WD have taken on various upgrades but no change under the
bonnet to the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine or the 3.0-litre V6.
All models have reversing camera standard or as an option at entry
level LS 2WD/4WD costing from $550 to $1000 and including
reversing sensors, reverse camera, Bluetooth and steering wheel
controls.
Outlander
prices range from $29,340 (five-seat LS 2.4-litre 2WD manual) to
$52,990 (seven-seat VRX 3.0-litre 4WD automatic).
TRITON
AND PAJERO
Two
new models have been added to the Triton range, a 4X2 GLX-R double
cab based on the 4x4 sibling, and retaining the 3.0 tonne towing
ability. The second addition is a 4x4 GL-R Club Cab based on the
2012 GLX. The popular, but aging, Pajero 4WD gets standard reverse
camera to GLX, GLS and VRX models along with new, softer trim.
Pajero's
front gets a restyle with a new front bumper and grille to all
variants with a new design alloy wheel on VRX and Exceed models.
Triton
prices start at $20,990 for the 4x2 GL Cab Chassis to $44,490 for
the GLX Double Cab 4WD utility while Pajeros range from $50,590
(GL 3.2-litre diesel manual) to $77,690 (Exceed 3.2-litre diesel
automatic).
All
prices listed above do not include government or dealer charges.
Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for driveaway prices.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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