 The
new Mitsubishi Challenger arrives
6th December 2009
Mitsubishi has released their new mid-sized four-wheel drive wagon, the
Challenger, in Australia.
This week’s launch is not the first time
Mitsubishi has offered a Challenger model in the Australian market. Between
1998 and 2006 the vehicle built up a solid fan club of customers, achieving
sales exceeding 14,000 units across the period.
The all-new
Challenger slots neatly into Mitsubishi’s renowned four-wheel drive range,
competitively positioned between the compact crossover Outlander wagon and
the seriously capable off-road wagon, the Pajero.
The all-new
Challenger features a powerful and fuel efficient hi-power 2.5-litre common
rail intercooled turbo diesel engine, with optimised combustion chamber
shape and injector specifications, and variable geometry turbocharger.
Codenamed the 4D56HP, this is the same engine found in the recently released
Triton four-wheel drive SUV, where it received high praise for its
flexibility, responsiveness and economical performance.
Utilising the
latest in clean diesel technology, the engine produces 131kW of power @
4,000 rpm and 400Nm of torque @ 2,000 rpm when paired with a manual
transmission and 350Nm @ 1,800 rpm for automatic transmission. This
powerful, yet refined diesel engine is standard across the range and is
mated to a five-speed manual transmission on the LS model only, or INVECS II
Smart Logic automatic transmission with Sports Mode as an option on the LS
and as standard on XLS. Despite its impressive power output, the Challenger
is extremely fuel efficient for a vehicle in its class and returns combined
consumption figures of 8.3l/100kms (manual) and 9.81l/100kms (automatic).
The all-new Challenger body is built on a ladder-frame chassis and is
reinforced with the extensive use of light, yet extremely high-strength,
steel. The vehicle displays comfortable and controlled driving
characteristics through the application of coil-spring suspension all round:
front suspension is double wishbone type and the rear suspension a
three-link design utilising coil springs. Stabiliser bars are employed to
control body roll, while four-wheel disc brakes provide optimal stopping
power. Towing capacity for the Challenger is a generous 2500kg with ten per
cent ball load.
 With
a focus on safety, the all-new Challenger features a comprehensive range of
all-terrain driver aids, including Mitsubishi’s class-leading off-road
package, MATT (Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology system) which includes
Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and
diff lock. In addition, the all-new Challenger features Mitsubishi’s RISE
body construction for added occupant safety as well as driver and passenger
front and side SRS airbags and curtain SRS airbags – all standard equipment
on every variant in the range.
Underpinning the all-new Challenger’s
four-wheel drive ability is the company’s famed Super Select four-wheel
drive system which allows the driver to choose between four driving modes:
1. 2H two-wheel drive high range is the perfect option for general commuting
or highway touring in fine weather and promotes fuel economy.
2. 4H
full-time four-wheel drive provides added traction in inclement weather, or
when the road surface becomes rough.
3. 4HLC four-wheel drive high range
with locked centre differential delivering power equally to all four wheels
will ensure the Challenger easily defeats most four-wheel drive tracks
4. 4LLC four-wheel drive low range with locked centre differential is the
answer when the going gets really tough.
The first three driving modes
can be selected on the fly.
As flexible and versatile as it is
stylish and powerful, the new Challenger offers the option of five or seven
seats, with the third row of the seven-seater featuring a 50/50 split. This
gives the seating arrangements and/or storage area of the Challenger almost
endless flexibility and ensures all occupants travel in style and comfort,
no matter what the load requirements are.
 According
to Robert McEniry, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited
pricing and specifications of the all-new Challenger have been carefully
calibrated to offer the best possible value with the highest possible
feature levels.
“With the option of five or seven seats, the new
Challenger will specifically appeal to active families, so we have made sure
that all the bells and whistles that mum, dad, and a couple of kids need
have been included, and, at an affordable price,” McEniry said.
A
look at the specifications list verifies this statement with the entry level
five-seat LS Challenger boasting a host of functional styling, comfort and
technology features. These include 17 inch alloy wheels (with a full sized
alloy spare), side steps, chrome exterior door handles and mirrors, and roof
rails. Inside, the LS comes standard with automatic air-conditioning,
steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, power windows with
driver’s automatic up and down, remote keyless entry and central locking,
single CD player with 6 speaker system, leather bound steering wheel, gear
shift, park brake and transfer lever, colour centre display and an audio
jack for MP3 player connection.
With real four-wheel drive
capability the LS Challenger with manual transmission is priced at $44,490,
and, like all Challenger variants, comes standard with rear diff lock.
Challenger’s five-seat LS variant with automatic transmission is priced at
$46,990.
The seven seat variant of the Challenger LS features third
row seating with 50/50 split rear seat, manual rear seat air conditioning
controls, under-floor storage area and standard automatic transmission and
is priced at $48,890.
The luxurious five-seat Challenger XLS adds
numerous premium style features both inside and out, with a full chrome
grille, leather seat trim, power driver’s seat with slide, dual height and
recline movement, colour keyed side protection mouldings, privacy glass,
wood-trim console and centre panel, and cargo blind and cargo room net. With
additional technological features, the XLS includes Mitsubishi’s Power Sound
System with eight speakers for premium quality audio, Mitsubishi Multi
Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation, reverse camera and
video jack and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity. The XLS also features fog
lamps, headlamp washers and reversing sensors as standard.
 The
Challenger XLS five-seat variant comes standard with automatic transmission
and is priced at $56,990.
The Challenger XLS with seven-seat option
features third row seating with 50/50 split rear seat, manual rear seat
air-conditioning controls and under-floor storage area, with automatic
transmission as standard, and is priced at $58,890.
LS Models feature
black seat trim, with XLS receiving leather interior appointments. Dashboard
and door trims are a two-tone black/grey with silver accent panels.
Available in a range of colours, including White Solid and optional metallic
finishes of Charcoal Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, Platoon Pearlescent,
Terra Rossa Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Deep Blue Pearlescent and Black
Pearlescent.
The all-new Challenger is covered by Mitsubishi’s five
year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km
power-train warranty and a five year/130,000 kilometre roadside assistance
package.
Styling - Exterior
The design story behind the Mitsubishi
Challenger is based on blending seemingly contradictory elements to achieve
a vehicle that is truly versatile and flexible. Concepts such as cool and
hot, tough and smart, speed and comfort, and surprise and trust were
intermingled to form the basic premise underlying the design principles of
the vehicle, and were used to emphasise the theme that while the Challenger
is an extremely capable off-roader, it encapsulates premium occupant
amenities and comfort.
The exterior of the all-new Challenger clearly
delineates it as part of the acclaimed Mitsubishi four-wheel drive line-up,
sporting the same sleekly aggressive front face, muscular fenders and
sweeping bodylines as Mitsubishi’s other on- and off-road vehicles. High
suspension and large wheels give the vehicle an edge when covering rough
off-road terrain, while the attractive form, seamless construction, and
fluid lines make it a stand-out when driving downtown.
The front of
the all-new Challenger achieves a balance of toughness and energy, with a
design that allows high-speed off-roading by helping guard against rocks or
other flying debris. The energetic design continues along the sides, with
the front overfenders and rear blister fenders, high ground clearance and
confident profile styling giving the vehicle a particularly dynamic
appearance. From the rear, the high position of the sharp combination lamps
complete the ensemble, marking the all-new Challenger as leader of the new
generation of SUVs.
Each Mitsubishi Challenger bears a full array of
comfort-oriented interior appointments, with automatic air-conditioning,
power windows, remote keyless entry, six or eight speaker audio system and
MP3 connectivity.
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