Outlander Business gets 2017 upgrade

Mitsubishi has given its 2-seater Outlander Business commercial vehicle an upgrade for 2017, writes Trish Whelan.

The upgrade includes safety features such as reversing camera and rear parking sensors, as well as new convenience features like touchscreen audio display, rain sensor wipers and interior quality upgrades.

Exterior styling now includes shark fin antennae and chrome beltline mouldings, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric heated & folding door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, auto wipers, silver roof rails, privacy glass, rear mudguards and a space saver spare wheel.

The interior comes packed with features a multi-functional leather steering wheel, front armrest, power windows, remote central locking with keyless entry, a touch screen audio display which incorporates radio, CD, USB and Bluetooth; cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth hands free with, USB port/iPod connectivity, dual zone air con, a height adjustable driver's seat, and a drive mode selector.

Additional features which also work in conjunction with the audio display are the reverse camera and rear park sensors, making parking and trailer connecting easier than before.

On the safety side, the standard list includes ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution & Brake Assist, Active Stability Control with Traction Control which makes for smooth accelerating and handling; Emergency Stop Signal System, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, multi-select 4WD (on-demand 4WD Eco & 4WD lock modes), seven airbags, and a tyre pressure warning system.

Outlander has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, thanks to the new adjustable speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, driver's knee airbag along with front, side and curtain airbags.

There are over 2,000 litres of storage space onboard, and the cargo area capacity to the seat back is 1341 litres.

This is an efficient 4x4, 6-speed manual, 2.2 clean diesel with 150bhp and 380Nm of torque which returns up to 5.3 L/100kms (53.2mpg) and can still tow up to 2,000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.

To achieve the 5.3 L/100kms, the Outlander's Auto Stop & Go technology called Cleartec and a new Eco driving mode engage features across the car that save on fuel consumption. The fuel tank can hold 60 litres.

The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds, has an overall length of 4695mm; GVW is 2260kg,

The upgraded Business Up-Grade pack includes leather heated front seats (€1,350), and 18-inch alloy wheels (€1,575) and tyres, as per the 7-seat 4WD Outlander. If both are ordered, the combined cost is reduced to €2,850.

VRT on the Outlander Business is €200, annual road tax €333 and it qualifies for low BIK.

Outlander Business 2.2 DI-D 6MT 2-seater commercial is available from €26,260 ex Vat or from €32,260 inc Vat, and comes with Mitsubishi Motors Ireland's 5-Year Commercial Warranty.

Mitsubishi to show ’Compact SUV’ at Geneva

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will have the world premiere of its new ‘Compact SUV’, the first of a new generation of Mitsubishi Motors cars, writes Trish Whelan.

It is a striking all-new car that will allow MMC to broaden its customer base next to ASX and Outlander with a sporty coupe-like SUV.

This ‘Compact SUV’ will also represent a further step towards MMC’s gradual repositioning as a (near) pure SUV player in Europe.

Sharper in its expression than a conventional coupe, this new ‘Compact SUV’ will feature highly chamfered contours with a wedge-shaped belt line, a distinctive V-line in the near quarter stemming from the forward-slanted C-pillar or chunky muscular rear fenders.

We’ll bring you more details when we have them.

Mitsubishi new SUV for Geneva reveal

A new and more sporty SUV from Mitsubishi is slated to be revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March, writes Brian Byrne.

Teaser pictures of the vehicle, which will slot below the Outlander, have been released by the company.

The car may have a more coupe style than current offerings from the brand, with cues from the XR-PHEV concept shown in 2013.

Given the plug-in hybrid powertrain already a successful part of the Outlander's engine systems, it is likely that the new SUV will also feature PHEV.

More plug-ins from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi plans to have plug-in hybrid versions of all its models in the medium term, writes Brian Byrne.

The company will be showcasing its latest direction with its GT-PHEV Concept which will feature on its stand at the Paris Motor Show starting later this week.

The Concept will have a hybrid powertrain with a 120km range on electric power only, well ahead of current PHEV vehicles from various makers, including Mitsubishi’s own Outlander PHEV.

The styling of the Concept shows an evolution of the ‘curved blade’ front end treatment used on the current Outlander.

Outlander change in New York

This is the revamped Mitsubishi Outlander which debuted at the New York Auto Show this writes Brian Byrne.
week,

The front styling is a bit more substantial ... MORE

Mitsubishi reveals 5th generation L200

Mitsubishi is introducing a brand new L200 pickup at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show which will include a new 2.4 diesel engine, writes Brian Byrne.

The outgoing model has been around for nine years and has sold 1.3m units worldwide.

Although main style features have been retained for this 5th generation of the L200, sheetmetal changes have resulted in a significantly better aerodynamic performance, with consequent lower fuel consumption.

Dynamic elements include faster steering, a stronger chassis, and improved driving stability on roads.

The vehicle will reach RHD markets in Europe in mid-summer.

Is Marai the FC future that never comes?

With Toyota rolling out its production Mirai fuel cell car this year — the name is Japanese for 'Future' — are we seeing the real start to a long promised 'car of the future' finally arriving?, writes Brian Byrne.

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe it's still a 'sometime' thing. The truth is, part of the reason for the Mirai's rollout is auto-political. It will initially only be available in California, which has 'zero tailpipe emissions' legislation that penalises any carmaker who doesn't have at least one model available with no emissions. Toyota hasn't gone the pure EV route, so this is its 'zero' candidate. That it costs some $30,000 more than an equivalent gasoline powered sedan doesn't really matter.

But the Mirai's arrival is a pointer to the ongoing search for a real alternative to petrol or diesel as the energy source for our car travelling. And prompts me to look again at the situation in Ireland.

Sportier Outlander look for Paris

A concept based on the Outlander PHEV recently launched in Ireland will front the Mitsubishi lineup at the Paris Motor Show next week, writes Brian Byrne.

Showing a more aggressive front end treatment, the Outlander PHEV Concept-S will preview a special design package for the vehicle under a 'sporty and sophisticated' theme.

The interior will follow this theme, to include wood grain trim and leather.

It will be one of five vehicles on the company's stand for the press days of the show.

Mitsubishi to produce Fiat pickup

The next generation of the Mitsubishi L200 pickup will have a Fiat-badged version, writes Brian Byrne.

This follows a deal designed to strengthen the Italian brand's commercial vehicle lineup, and it will also provide extra production for Mitsubishi at its Thailand plant, currently working under capacity.

The Fiat version will begin production in 2016, while the redesigned Mitsubishi on which it will be based is slated to begin production soon.

The Fiat Professional variant will also be sold in Latin America.

Road Test: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Let's not get too bogged down in technicalities, but the new plug-in hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander is a major upshift in car powertrains, writes Brian Byrne.

We're all pretty well used to the hybrid concept by now, electric motors and normal engines combining to provide more efficiency, sometimes more power, depending on the driving conditions. Toyota has and deserves the credit for sticking with development of the systems until everybody else had to tag along in some form or other.

Then we've had, not nearly as quickly as the makers would like, some level of acceptance of pure electric cars, mainly as suburban commuting vehicles. Still a long way off mainstream, though.

Outlander PHEV is first plug-in hybrid here

Mitsubishi Ireland has launched the first plug-in hybrid car on the Irish market, the Outlander PHEV, writes Brian Byrne.

Priced from €41,950, the car offers full EV usage for more than 50km, at up to 120km/h, on a charge costing as low as €1.20. With an overall efficiency rating of 44g/km CO2 and 1.9L/100km (148mpg), it has the potential to be the most efficient large car on the market, depending on how it is used.

The Outlander PHEV comes in two grades, has full AWD capability, and will have a commercial version soon.

We'll have a full First Drive impression later.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here in June

The new Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi Motors will launch here in Ireland next month, writes Trish Whelan.

It will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle available for Irish motorists and will offer the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional vehicle, and the on and off-road performance of an SUV. It will be powered by a 2.0 petrol engine outputting 121hp. 60kW electric motors are located on the front and rear axles. The vehicle will have a total combined range of 824km.

Two versions are offered: Intense+ and Instyle. Both are in Tax Band A1 of €170 per year in annual road tax. The Intense+ is priced from €41,950 with the Instyle from €47,450. The retail price includes the €5,000 SEAI grant and Government VRT relief for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (currently in place until 31 December 2014). The price is also inclusive of batteries.

Comparing favourably with the equivalent diesel version in the current Outlander line-up that retails at €39,950, the PHEV version presents an alternative for families and business users alike seeking to reduce the cost of motoring without compromising on performance or function.

For small business owners as well as commercial fleets the ultra-low running costs of the Outlander PHEV are a key advantage over traditional petrol and diesel cars. In addition, under the ACA scheme - Accelerated Capital Allowance - operated by the SEAI, companies can write off 100 percent of the purchase value of 'qualifying energy efficient equipment' including a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle against their profit in the year of purchase.

Ownership benefits include €1.20 to charge the electric drive battery at home for a cruising range of 52km; the super low 1.9 L/100km combined fuel economy, a 5-year battery warranty, low service and maintenance costs, the low A1 tax band, zero exhaust emissions in EV mode, and free home charging point installation for the first 2,000 electric car owners.

The Outlander PHEV provides clean, highly efficient performance in a robust and spacious SUV body with advanced safety protection including 4WD control.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, front foglights with Daytime Running Lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Navigation system including Rearview Camera for Reversing (Instyle), 7 airbags including a driver's knee one, cruise control, Bluetooth with voice control, parking sensors, electric sunroof (Instyle).

The Outlander PHEV has been awarded a maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Outlander PHEV will offer extraordinary economy

A plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi's current Outlander due to arrive in Ireland soon will offer an A1 CO2-based car tax band which will be very rare for a car of its size, writes Brian Byrne.

The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV and will offer the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional vehicle, and the on- and off-road performance of an SUV.

The vehicle gives automatic selection of three drive modes which provide CO2 emissions from as low as 44g/km from the combination of the 121hp 2.0 ICE engine and the electric drivetrain.

A full charge for the battery takes five hours from a standard home electricity supply, while 80 percent of capacity can be charged on a quick-charging point.

The EV cruising range is 52km and the combined cruising range is 824km.

Mitsubishi, Renault-Nissan, to extend cooperation

A new Mitisubishi compact car may result from an agreement to pool resources between the Japanese company and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, writes Brian Byrne.

The car, as well as a larger one for the North American market, both based on a Renault platform, is planned to be a global model, and so come to Europe.

The cooperation is also said to include development of electric cars in the city car segment. Mitsubishi and Nissan already cooperate on a new petrol minicar recently launched in Japan.

Mitsubishi car sales have suffered globally due to a shortage of models in key segments, particularly in sedan format.

The cooperation will help Renault in boosting production at its Renault Samsung car plant in Korea, currently running very much below capacity.

Q102 crossover to new Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Motors has teamed up with Dublin's Q102 to become the driving force behind the station's Blue Crew promotional team, writes Trish Whelan.

Diarmuid Gavin, Mitsubishi Brand Ambassador, and Aidan Cooney, Q102 presenter, were on hand to celebrate the new partnership.

As part of the link-up, the Q102 Blue Crew team took delivery of three new Mitsubishi ASXs which will be out and about across the city and county, seven days a week spreading a little fun, adventure and good will.

Diarmuid and Aidan are pictured above at the handover.

Maxwell Motors Athy joins Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has announced the appointment of Maxwell Motors of Athy as a new Main Mitsubishi Motors Dealer for Sales and Aftersales in Kildare, writes Trish Whelan.

Joint Dealer principal Louis Wynne says 'Mitsubishi is a brand on the move with a fast growing model range and an 8-year warranty, so it's a great fit for our business'.

The appointment brings to 25 the number of Main Mitsubishi Sales Dealers nationwide. It is their fourth new Dealer appointment this year.

Pictured are: Gerard Rice (Mitsubishi Motors), Michael Watchorn and Louis Wynne (both of Mazwell Motors), and Kim Kilduff (Mitsubishi Motors).

New Mitsubishi ASX Crossover

The new ASX arrives here with a heavily revised front and rear, increased levels of standard equipment, improved economy and a revised suspension, writes Trish Whelan.

It comes with a choice of two engines, a 1.6 117bhp petrol and a 1.8 116bhp diesel (both in Band B2 of €280 for annual road tax), top of class safety features and lots of room. The 1.6 has a fuel economy of 6.0 L/100km while the diesel returns 5.1 L/100kms. It also comes with an 8-year warranty as standard.

The 1.6 petrol is priced at €23,950 and the 1.8 diesel at €26,950.

Both models come with one well equipped trim level and over 40 safety, styling and comfort features as standard. They include cruise control, Bluetooth with voice control, remote audio controls, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, fog lights, electric/heated door mirrors, hill start assist and a tilt & telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

The outgoing ASX achieved a maximum 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and the new ASX aims to build on this class leading package.

Its arrival follows the recent launch of the all-new Outlander and Space Star, and is part of a comprehensive product plan from Mitsubishi Motors which will see four new passenger car models launched over 15 months.

Road Test: Mitsubishi Outlander

There were many in Ireland who thought the SUV would die with the demise of the Celtic Tiger but such obituaries proved very premature, writes Trish Whelan. In what is one of the growth segments of the Irish market, the SUV is now more important than the medium family saloon segment and is increasingly being considered to be the ideal family car.

Among the latest such arrivals here is Mitsubishi's new Outlander, which represents a big step up from the previous model in every way.

So let the credits roll ... this new car comes with more space, improved fuel economy and more standard equipment than previous generations of Outlanders. It boasts over 40 safety, comfort and styling features now offered as standard. Yet the car's footprint is smaller than that of most family estates.

This is a good sized SUV ideal for the school run, or to swallow a couple of mountain bikes whole if you fancy some more strenuous outdoor pedalling away from the suburbs.

Customers have a choice to make as Outlander comes in both 2WD and selectable 4WD versions.

Mitsubishi announces three new dealers

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has appointed three new main Mitsubishi Dealers, providing four new sales and service outlets writes Trish Whelan.

The appointment of Bill Sheehan & Sons Rathdown in Dublin, T Sheils & Company in Limerick and Ennis, and Simon Kavanagh Motors in Enniscorthy, brings to 24 the number of main Mitsubishi Dealers nationwide.

Two further high profile dealer appointments are imminent, while Westbrook Motors - a long standing Mitsubishi Dealer for over 25 years in Dublin - has moved to new premises in the landmark car showroom on Parkgate Street in Dublin City Centre.

Since January this year, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland is providing an 8-year warranty as standard on all passenger cars. There are three new models for 2013 with the recently launched new Outlander SUV (pictured) and new Space Star compact car, to be followed by the updated ASX compact SUV on sale from May. A new Outlander plug-in hybrid model is due later this year.

Lower price for Pajero Commercials

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has reduced the price for its Pajero Commercial range as well as now offering a 5-Year warranty as standard across its entire commercial vehicle range, writes Trish Whelan.

The Pajero SWB manual (pictured) has been reduced by €1,700 to €37,950 and the LWB manual is down by €1,000 to €40,950 - both prices include VAT and VRT. All Pajero Commercials remain in Band C with VRT of €200.

The Pajero now has a market leading 5-Year / 150,000km warranty which comes as standard on every new Mitsubishi Commercial vehicle, including the L200 Double Cab. This follows the recent announcement of an 8-Year warranty as standard on all Mitsubishi passenger cars in Ireland.

Over 15,000 Pajeros have been sold in Ireland over the last 25 years, with a strong following amongst commercial vehicle owners. With 4x4s now being used extensively for business and agricultural use, the Pajero meets the demands of owners at many different levels. The current model is the most powerful vehicle in its class with 200bhp and a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg for the Long Wheel Base and 3,000kg for the Short Wheel Base, while returning up to 36.2mpg.

Gerard Rice, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors Ireland says their commercial vehicles 'are among the most reliable and popular vehicles on Irish roads'.