Mitsubishi's New SUV Can Handle The Rough
Launching its all-new mid-size 4WD, the Challenger, Mitsubishi is challenging buyers in this segment: 'Do you want tough, credentialed, real-world off-road ability in your new vehicle?'
Because unlike some crossovers - many call them soft-roaders - included in this segment, the Challenger is a genuine off-road performer with all models boasting a strong, ladder-frame chassis, low-range transfer case and rear differential lock.
Mitsubishi first launched the Challenger badge in Australia back in 1998, but the mid-size SUV has been absent since 2006. The 2010 model, priced from $44,490, shares some front bodywork with Mitsubishi's Triton ute, but is mostly all-new.
What You Get
Two model grades, five or seven seats, a towing capacity of 2,500 kgs and one 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine…the Challenger presents an all-round competitive package in the busy mid-size 4WD segment. Fitting between the competent Outlander and iconic Pajero, launch of the Challenger gives Mitsubishi a formidable lineup for consideration by buyers of compact, mid-size or large SUVs.
It's a good looker, drives well and the versatile interior will be appreciated by families and 'recreationalists'. So if you've shopped the segment stars - Kluger, Prado, Captiva and Territory - a visit to your local Mitsubishi dealer to check-out the all-new Challenger will surprise you.
Under The Hood
Challenger's powerplant is one of the Triton ute engines - Mitsubishi's new 'hi-power' four-cylinder 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbocharged unit. We liked this engine for its performance and refinement when it debuted in the Triton and it's definitely well-suited to the Challenger.
Maximum power is 131kW at 4,000rpm and peak torque is 400Nm at 2,000rpm (entry-level LS model with a five-speed manual transmission) or 350Nm at 1,800rpm for all other Challenger models (they're fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission). Combined cycle fuel economy is 8.3l/100kms (manual) or 9.8l/100kms (auto).
Drive is via Mitsubishi's comprehensively-developed Super Select four-wheel-drive system with four driver-select modes: 2H (economical everyday driving); 4H (AWD for wet roads); 4HLC (AWD with locked center differential for most off-road situations); 4LLC (Low Range AWD with locked center differential for extreme off-road, boatramps etc).
Challenger's safety package is also impressive and includes Mitsubishi's All Terrain Technology System (MATT) with Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
The Interior
The entry level LS model is only available as a five-seater but both LS and range-topping XLS models are sold with both five and seven seat capacities. Cleverly in seven seat models, the third row seat splits 50:50 which combines with the 60:40 split second row for extra load-carrying versatility.
As well, the second row seat has a recline and tumble fold function while the third row handily stows under the rear floor - ideal for quick swaps from passenger to cargo carrying.
XLS models also gain woodprint accent panels on the dashboard and door trims, leather interior trim, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) which includes Bluetooth handsfree telephone with steering wheel controls and a video input jack. The audio system is a CD/MP3 player with six speakers (LS model) or eight speakers (XLS models).
The three-spoke leather-bound steering wheel only adjusts for rake, however the electronic seat adjustment for the front seats in XLS models afforded a reasonable driving position. We also drove the LS model and found we could not adjust the seats to provide the amount of under-thigh support we would have liked for driving.
Instrumentation is conventional and we continue to like Mitsubishi's Satellite Navigation system with its large screen and excellent picture/graphics quality.
Exterior & Styling
The front-end styling and panels are shared with Mitsubishi's Triton ute, however range-topping Challengers are quickly distinguished by the substantial extra chrome around the trademark Mitsubishi front grille. Otherwise the five-door wagon is all-new and nicely styled in the current Mitsubishi trend.
Mitsubishi's mid-sizer is 4,695mm long and 1,815mm wide (very similar to the Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento). However, supporting its genuine off-road ability, the Challenger rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and offers a high ground clearance of 220mm - so its overall height is 1,840mm.
At the rear, the tail-lights are high mounted and the lift-up tailgate is handy for easy loading (the full-size spare wheel is mounted underneath, not on the rear door).
On The Road
Mitsubishi provided a variety of Challenger models for testing on the roads between Brisbane and the Gold Coast via the mountains of the Coast's beautiful hinterland. The drive from Brisbane Airport via The Gateway Arterial highlighted the refinement of that perky 2.5-litre turbo-diesel.
On the swoops and curves of the hinterland back roads, the Challenger displayed the merits of its double wishbone front/three-link rear all-round coil suspension. It soaked up the bumps very well and remained relatively flat even when tight, cambered corners appeared.
We headed through Beaudesert to the Scenic Rim Adventure Park's arduous variety of four-wheel-drive tracks. But before we drove them ourselves, Mitsubishi's dual Dakar Rally-winning driver Hiroshi Masuoka (now a full-time test driver for the company's engineering department) showed us how it's done - at sensationally high speeds.
Riding with Masuoka-San and our own subsequent testing in some very severe climbs and descents on the loose, slippery clay-based tracks confirmed the excellent off-road ability of the Challenger and its tough-as-nails ladder-frame chassis. Approach angle is 35.6 degrees, departure angle is 24.6 degrees and the breakover angle is 23.1 degrees.
Challenges
Apart from the previously mentioned lack of support in the LS model front seats, our only other criticism of the Challenger would be the slow-shifting five-speed manual transmission. A 'carryover' criticism from the same engine/transmission in the Triton, gear changes are accurate - just a tad slow and cumbersome.
Verdict
Like Japanese rivals Toyota and Nissan, Mitsubishi isn't new at this SUV caper, so it's no surprise the company's mid-sizer - to fit between its equally competent Outlander and Pajero - is nicely-styled, well-built, versatile, nice to drive and unquestionably capable off-road. Its 2,500kgs towing capacity is also just what the market demands.
While some in the segment have gone down the wagon road with two-wheel-drive versions of their SUV's, Mitsubishi has headed the other way with the Challenger offering low-range, a locked differential, ladder chassis and good ground clearance.
The Competition
Priced from $44,490 to $58,890, the Challenger is a little more pricey than Holden's Captiva but within the price range of Toyota's Kluger . Ford Territory's model undercuts the Challenger, but AWD models are about the same.
If the absolute off-road ability of the Challenger isn't a prime requirement for you, then the excellent new Kia Sorento definitely should be on your list.
Likes
Off-road ability; versatile cargo options; nice drive; looks good
DisLikes
LS model front seat lacks support; manual gearbox a tad cumbersome
