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Mitsubishi Mirage to make its debut in Tokyo

November 10, 2011 at 11:12 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Mitsubishi

It’s the return of the Mirage name to the fold – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is set to debut its new Mirage at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. The name was of course first used for the Mirage series developed for resource/energy/space-saving and high-performance in a compact package, which made its debut in Japan in March 1978.

The new Mirage, the company says, inherits the essence of that first series – cleverly getting the most performance and function out of a limited space. The five-door compact hatch measures in at 3.7 metres long, 1.66 metres wide and 1.49 metres tall, and will be powered by a 1.0 litre three-cylinder MIVEC block, with Auto Stop & Go.

The design focuses on compactness, affordability, and high fuel efficiency, and Mitsu is looking at the global model to fit the needs of emerging markets as an affordable entry-level model as well as needs of advanced markets for fuel efficiency and low-CO2 emission.

The five-seater will come equipped with a CVT gearbox, wear 14-inch wheels and 165/65 series rubbers, and has a targeted top-of-class fuel efficiency (at least for the Japan domestic version) of 30 km per litre. The new Mirage will make its market debut in Thailand in March 2012 before entering other global markets.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia: delivery of Triton and Pajero Sport affected by Thai flood situation

November 3, 2011 at 7:15 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi

Another Japanese car company affected by the floods in Thailand – this time it’s Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, who have just announced that it will be temporarily halting the delivery of the Pajero Sport and Triton due to a disruption in parts supply to Mitsubishi’s Thai plant.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s plant in the Laem Chabang Industrial Estates has suspended production of the Pajero Sport and the Triton due to difficulties in procuring the required parts for production.

Customers who have made bookings for the Pajero Sport and Triton may anticipate delays in the delivery of their vehicles, but MMM says selected Triton variants have adequate existing stock to fulfill market demand. Japanese CBU units such as the ASX, Lancer GT, Lancer Sportback, Grandis and Pajero are not affected.

“We apologise for the delay on vehicle deliveries, especially the Triton and Pajero Sport. Our commitment to our customers remains our top priority and we are monitoring closely on the situation in Thailand,” said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO Tetsuya Oda. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has also taken the decision to donate RM20 for every car registered from November 2011 to December 2011 to help those who have suffered as a result of the flood situation and to contribute to the rebuilding of affected areas.

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2012 Mitsubishi Pajero minor facelift in Japan/Europe

November 2, 2011 at 1:30 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has given the Pajero a small facelift for the Japanese and European markets, so this updated version should be introduced in our market soon enough. The updates are not very major – just a little nip and tuck here and there, such as the slightly resculpted front bumper and the small revision to the front grille. The Pajero goes for about RM290k in Malaysia and comes with a 250 PS 3.8 litre V6 mated to a five-speed auto, in its Exceed equipment level trim.

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VGT Test Drive Report from Sabah

October 30, 2011 at 1:38 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Mitsubishi, Test Drive Reviews

We’ve wanted it since Thailand had it earlier this year, and Mitsubishi’s Variable Geometric Turbo (VGT) engine is now here, packaged within the Pajero Sport SUV body. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) launched the new variant last month.

With the addition of VGT, the 2.5-litre DI-D commonrail diesel unit puts out 178 PS and 350 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. It’s quite a substantial increase from the non-VGT engine’s 136 PS and 314 Nm. Better still, the benefits stretch at both ends – the Pajero Sport VGT is claimed by MMM to be 12% more fuel effiicient that before.

We recently got to drive the Pajero Sport VGT on the beautiful mountain roads of Sabah. Read the full report after the jump.
[Read more...]

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Mitsubishi i-MiEV becomes first EV to be registered in the country – vehicle to be used to promote EV awareness

October 25, 2011 at 7:43 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently registered the first fully electric car in the country; the unit, an i-MiEV, will be used in a suite of activities to promote public awareness on EVs. The car’s public debut was at a special showcase at One Utama that took place on October 19–23, where visitors to the event had an opportunity to ride in the i-MiEV.

“Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is pleased to be the first to bring in a mass-produced full-electric car to Malaysia to promote the awareness of zero-emission electric vehicles among the Malaysian public,” said MMM CEO Tetsuya Oda.

“Malaysians will get to know more about the innovative technology behind the i-MiEV, and experience for themselves the benefits of an electric vehicle, as test drives will be available for the first i-MiEV in Malaysia,” he added.

The i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) is powered solely by electricity, and can be recharged from a regular home socket. The four-seater, which has 49 kW and 180 Nm for output figures, has a top speed of 130 km/h and an operating range of up to 160 kilometres, after an eight-hour charge at 230 volts. Wonder how they calculated the road tax on this one though.

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Mitsubishi debuts new 4J10 MIVEC engine in ASX, Lancer

October 21, 2011 at 1:40 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced a new engine. The ’4J10′ is a lightweight and compact 1.8-litre petrol engine incorporating a new version of the company’s MIVEC variable valve timing system and the latest version of Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) tech.

The new 4J10 engine/AS&G combination will power the Japan-market RVR (ASX to us), Galant Fortis sedan (Lancer) and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback). MMC says that with the 4J10, the three models show 12% improved fuel efficiency in the Japanese 10-15 mode.

MMC says that the new MIVEC system together with improved combustion stability and reduction in piston friction provide better economy without any loss in engine performance over the existing 4B10 MIVEC engine. Used in overseas Lancers and the Proton Inspira 1.8, the 4B10 is a 1.8-litre, inline-4, 16-valve engine. It has DOHC instead of the new engine’s SOHC. Compared to the 4B10, the new 4J10 has just 1kW and 5 Nm less, so it’s a good trade for the 12% better economy.

MMC first applied MIVEC in 1992, and there have been two types so far – in one, the system switches between different valve lifts and valve opening durations according to engine speed, while in the other (as in the 4B10) the system varies the valve opening timing on a continuous basis.

The new MIVEC system in the 4J10 can do what the previous two systems could do “but at the same time, all the time”. This is thanks to a single mechanism that mechanically couples intake valve lift, opening duration and timing, allowing all three parameters to be varied simultaneously and continuously. The result is ideal valve operation control and the reduction of pumping losses.

AS&G is nothing new for MMC – it’s already being used in manual cars for Europe – but this latest version has been tailored for cars running continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The addition of a new control unit means that the new AS&G is integrally controlled along with the engine, CVT, Active Stability Control (ASC) and climate control.

Other changes include the use of a more durable 12V battery and a DC/DC converter. These are to prevent breaks in audio sound and to prevent the sat nav from rebooting when the engine restarts.

These developments are part of the Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015, which targets 25% reduction in on-road CO2 emission of new vehicles compared to the 2005 global weighted average.

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Mitsubishi Delica D:3 – rebadged Nissan NV200 goes on sale in Japan beginning end-October

October 7, 2011 at 2:19 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is set to launch its Delica D:3 passenger minivan, as well as the commercial version called the Delica Van, at the end of October in Japan. As is already known, the new Delica (which gets its name from Delivery Car, with the number 3 chosen by the company to denote a vehicle of minivan size) is a rebadged Nissan NV 200, one of the models supplied to MMC by Nissan on an OEM basis.

In the case of the passenger version, two trim levels are available, these being a G version, which seats seven in three rows, and a M variant, which is a two-row, five-seater.

The Delica D:3 is powered by a 1.6 litre engine, mated to an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission; a manual transmission is available, but only with the commercial version, which also comes in two trim levels, DX and GX, the latter with a more passenger-focused trim.

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Mitsubishi ASX Special Edition – another limited run

October 5, 2011 at 7:16 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi

‘Tis the season for special editions, it seems. Joining the let’s-do-a-limited-run party is Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, which has announced the arrival of the ASX Special Edition, which will see a 50-unit run of the variant.

Launched to commemorate the ASX’s first year anniversary here, the ASX Special Edition adds on a sportier external accessory package, with items such as window visors, front under cover, a rear garnish and an exclusive body sticker being the bits.

No changes to the 2.0 litre mill and its 150 PS output, though there’s a built-in GPS system with Bluetooth functionality as well as iPhone and iPod USB connectivity on the ‘new’ list. Also on is race-inspired, redesigned leather seats, with contrasting red stitching, no less.

Available in two colours, White Pearl and Mica Black, going the SE route for the ASX will set you back RM142,980, and this is on-the-road inclusive of insurance.

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Peugeot 4008 – French Mitsu ASX, with the lion badge

October 5, 2011 at 6:56 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi, Peugeot

Remember last week’s post on the Citroen C4 Aircross? That French take on the Mitsubishi ASX is part of a collaboration between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen, where the former provides its models for the French to restyle and sell under their own brands. Such an arrangement is also in place for Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV electric car and Outlander SUV. This is “Peugeot’s ASX”, named 4008.

Like the Citroen C4 Aircross, the 4008 wears distinct Peugeot styling. But this isn’t the “big mouth” look of 308 era, but the sleeker look of the 508, which was first previewed by the SR1 showcar from Geneva 2010. Present are the floating grille, feline design of the lamp units and three red claws in the rear lamps.

The off roader image is emphasised by a vertical grille design and the inclusion of sill protectors and wheel arch protection trim. The almost-horizontal bonnet grooves and the ASX style line – which extends to the rear wing where it descends again crossing the lamp – are distinctive features.

Petrol engine options include a 116 hp/152 Nm 1.6L (5-speed manual) and a 2.0L engine with 150 hp and 198 Nm. The latter can be had with a CVT, from Mitsubishi. The diesels will be more popular, and there are two choices – 1.6L HDi FAP with 112 hp/ 270-280 Nm with overboost, or a 1.8L HDi FAP with 150 hp and 300 Nm. The diesels will be mated to a six-speed manual.

The 4008 will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and will go on sale from Q2 2012. Do you prefer the looks of this, the Citroen C4 Aircross or the original Mitsubishi ASX?

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Citroen C4 Aircross – the French Mitsubishi ASX

September 30, 2011 at 5:40 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Citroën, Mitsubishi

Here’s a Citroen for C-segment hatchback buyers that want some SUV looks and a taller ride height. The Citroen C4 Aircross will hit the market in the first half of next year as a rival to the Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Qashqai. Like the Mitsubishi Outlander based Citroen C-Crosser, this C4 Aircross is a French take on a Mitsubishi, in this case the ASX compact crossover.

Although the ASX’s compact proportions and that signature profile line remain, there’s no mistaking the C4 Aircross for anything but a Citroen. The Aircross’ light signature, visible by day and at night, is formed by the LEDs at the front, which are vertically aligned in the aerodynamic vents. The shape of the 18-inch wheels and the rear lights, directly inspired by the Hypnos concept car, has been reworked for optimal air flow.

Measuring 4,340 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,630 mm high, the five seater Aircross has a 442 litre boot. A good portion of the roof is made up of a large panoramic glass. At night, the roof is lit up by the LED light guides built into it.

The C4 Aircross will come with PSA’s HDi 110 engine, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Citroen says that this model will be one of the front-runners in its segment in terms of CO2 emissions. More performance comes in the form of the HDi 150 engine. Both are available in 2WD or 4WD form. It won’t be popular, but a 115 hp 1.6L petrol engine with 2WD and a 5-speed manual is also available.

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