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SEEMINGLY perpetual advances in both the SUV (sport
utility vehicle) and MPV (multipurpose vehicle) markets
mean that to pause is to lose potential buyers. With
that in mind, Mitsubishi introduced new variants of its
Grandis MPV, and Pajero and Outlander SUVs.
Right on
the heels of its surprisingly—and wildly—successful
Outlander AWD is a new Outlander variant in 4x2 flavor.
Billed as the Outlander 2.4L 4x2 GLX, the SUV retains
the six-speed Invecs CVT from its AWD sibling. This
time, the Outlander’s CVT has a manual mode (known as
Sportshift), and one can shift gears using
magnesium-alloy paddle shifters behind the steering
wheel. Also, the 4x2 Outlander totes enhanced outside
aesthetics—18-inch rims, LED (light emitting diode)
taillights, a two-piece flap-type tailgate and
multireflector halogen headlights with manual lever.
This new Outlander variant is deemed by Mitsubishi
Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) as crucial to its
compact SUV sales “because 4x2 versions comprise 75
percent of our market, and we at MMPC saw fit to
upgrade—or present new changes to—the Outlander,” said
Mel Dizon, MMPC executive vice president.
The
Grandis also sports significant changes. It now comes
with HID headlights for easier view at night, plus
three-eye parking sensors (rear) and two-eye parking
sensors (front) to aid parking maneuverability. Chrome
interior inserts and a glass-printed antenna provide
better interior aesthetics, while the antitrapping
power-assisted windows prevent limbs and extremities
from getting caught between metal and glass. The
16-valve inline four-cylinder 2.4L engine is retained,
this time sporting 163 hp and 217 Nm of torque.
The
seven-seater Grandis was designed to create “modern
living space,” providing maximum enjoyment for all
occupants. The front seats have adjustable headrests, as
well as slide and recline functions so that occupants
can sit however they choose. They can be folded flat
along with the second-row seats to create a full-length
bed. The third-row 50:50-split seats can be reclined,
tilted backward with the tailgate open for use during
rest stops or folded up and stowed away under the floor,
creating larger cargo space.
Last,
the SUV icon known as the Pajero has a new variant which
MMPC calls the Pajero Special Edition. This new flavor
has a black/beige leather interior (with wood/silver
panel inserts) and fully automatic climate control for
supreme riding comfort. The hood is now aluminum, saving
weight and providing better fuel economy. The side
mirror with defogger also functions as a turn-signal
indicator and as an approach lamp as courtesy to
passengers boarding the vehicle. Cat’s-eye HID
headlights and newly designed rear fog lamps aid in
better visibility at night. Both front seats have
power-assisted seat movement—10-way for the driver,
eight-way for the shotgun passenger—for easier seat
adjustment. Mitsubishi Active Skid and Traction Control
(M-ASTC)—which controls engine power and brakes to
prevent understeer or oversteer—couples with ABS,
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, four-piston front
disc brakes and rear disc brakes to create supreme
stopping and cornering ability. “This is a test to see
if there is market demand for our Pajero Special
Edition. We’re just trying it out,” said Dizon.
These
new variants come on the heels of MMPC’s recent
achievement—reaching the 500,000-cumulative-units-sold
plateau. “We are very proud of this sales achievement.
Looking back, we are so very thankful to our customers
who have bestowed confidence to the Mitsubishi brand.
This achievement also inspires us and encourages us to
be passionate, committed, and aggressive to ensure that
we maintain our dominant position in this market,
especially now that we look forward to a resurgent
Philippine automotive industry,” said MMPC president and
CEO Masahiko Ueki.
The
Grandis now sells at an introductory price of P1.258
million but will eventually be priced at P1.358 million.
The Pajero Special Edition 3.8L Mivec is being
introduced at P2.488 million but will soon be priced at
P 2.608 million. The Pajero Special Edition 3.2L Di-D
comes with an initial price tag of P2.588 million, which
will be raised to P2.708 million after the introductory
period. The Outlander 2.4 DOHC Mivec 2WD GLX is
currently available at P1.15 million but its regular
price will be P1.248 million. |
