Mitsubishi

We have driven Mitsubishi's latest high-built hybrid models with 4-wheel drive. These are cars that are made for Norwegian roads.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Posted 16/12/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

It doesn't win any beauty contests, nor any range tests, - and the luggage capacity is not much to brag about. But it has a fantastically good four-wheel drive that makes it a proper Norwegian car.

All-wheel drive can save your day

The freezing cold in Eastern Norway makes for slippery roads. I see cars sliding out at the roundabouts and spinning at the traffic lights. All-wheel drive can save your day. When the car skids, all you have to do is step on the gas and the four-wheel drive intervenes and gets the car back on track. The slippery and slippery roads provide opportunities to familiarize yourself with how the four-wheel drive works. I know a section of road, a T-junction where the surface is mirror-smooth and wrongly dosed - a place where you can put the car wide into the bend, step on the gas and feel yourself being pulled out by the four-wheel system. Just as much fun every time.

This is where Mitsubishi's four-wheel drive impresses. It does more than ensure traction. The S-AWC system contains something Mitsubishi calls Activate Yaw Control (AYC) which actively controls traction and braking force between the left and right wheels based on steering angle, gear speed, traction, brake pressure and wheel speed. That way, the car can correct when it is understeering or oversteering.

eclipsecross — The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a facelift with a new front in 2020.

The car's greatest strength

The S-AWC system is also used in the Mitsubishi Outlander. When I previously took it out on a long trip on winter roads, I thought the good stability was due to the Gislaved tyres. I had trouble provoking the situations where the four-wheel drive could save me. The system acts proactively. You don't need spinal reflexes to keep the car on the road smoothly. This is Mitsubishi's greatest strength.

Small room for luggage

But it wasn't the four-wheel drive that made me pick up a Mitsubishi Eclipse from Hyre - I needed to transport a chair. It wasn't about any big chair, just an L-shaped package of 76x76x76 cm. The problem was the height. The slanted rear window steals height. So does the drivetrain underneath. In the brochure, Mitsubishi says that there is room for three large golf bags in the boot. But if you're going to transport something that sticks out over about 50 cm in height, you have to fold down one or two rear seats. The problem is that the folded seats steal additional height space. This is the car's biggest weakness.

The furniture was placed upright in a transverse V-shape.

Golf bags and armchair

Without stigmatizing golfers, I imagine that those who need to transport golf bags would rather choose cars made in Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. With its fantastic four-wheel drive system, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is an ideal car to send family members on a trip even in the winter, but families with young children may unfortunately experience a lack of space for luggage. Fortunately, I managed to place my L-shaped package in a transverse V shape. Miraculously, it worked.

Hybrid benefits

The hybrid solution in the Eclipse Cross is the same as in the Outlander. Stated range is 45 km on electricity, while real range will be close to 30 km. For many, it will be sufficient for daily driving. But the hybrid solution is not only to be able to drive in EV mode, it is also necessary for the advanced four-wheel drive system. In addition, it contributes to increased driving pleasure through extra engine power and a very pleasant sound level. The car runs on electricity when it is not being pushed.

Summary

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is ideal for anyone who has to drive in demanding winter conditions. The "Crossover Coupé" body style is not particularly successful either in terms of luggage space or appearance. Never mind that the model starts appearing in frivolous articles about the world's ugliest SUVs and crossovers – it sends sympathetic signals about being unsnobbish. Maybe something for golfers who want to snob down.

Firm in the stop, but comfortable chairs.

Plenty of room in the back seat. The right backrests are set in an upright position to provide more luggage space.

Facts about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Weights and Measures
External dimensions – L, W, H: 455 x 181 x 169 cm
Wheelbase: 267 cm
Net weight: 1900 kg (without driver)
Payload: 450 kg
Total weight: 2425 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1500 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: 50 kg

Drivetrain
Petrol engine: 2,4 litres, 4 cyl MIVEC, "Atkinson"
Power: 98 HP @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 193 Nm @ 2500 revs
Electric motor 1: Front, 82 HP, 137 Nm
Electric motor 2: Rear, 95 HP, 195 Nm
Total power: 224 HP
Gearbox: Stepless
S-AWC four-wheel drive based on electronic control of the electric motors. The system has its own programs for driving on snow, gravel and asphalt.

Performances
Top speed: 162 km/h
0-100: 11 seconds

Electric car characteristics
Battery pack: 13,8 kw from GS Yuasa (Japan)
Battery cooling: Air
WLTP: 45 km (combined)
Charging (10A socket): 5,5 hours
Quick charging (ChaDeMo): 25 minutes

consumption
WLTP: 0,20 litres/mile
Own measurements not carried out

Luggage compartment
As a five-seater*: 359 litres
*Can be increased by placing the rear seat backs in the vertical position.
As a two-seater: 1108 litres

About the car
Place of manufacture: Okazaki, Japan
Equipment grade: Instyle+
Price: NOK 565
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2022
Mileage: 7400
Source: Mitsubishi.no, Vegvesen.no

mitsubishi eclipse — It was quite cozy with the "teddy" chair in place? The packaging is on the back.

Seems to hold more luggage than it actually does

See

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

It has been among the top 10 best-selling cars in the past year. It is well done for a model that has been on the market for 7 years. The first plug-in hybrid SUV. Is the Outlander PHEV still around?

car blog — Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

It has been among the top 10 best-selling cars in the past year. It is well done for a model that has been on the market for 7 years. The first plug-in hybrid SUV. Is the Outlander PHEV still around?

Mitsubishi-motors.no
How we test the cars

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Posted 29/01/2021 by Terje Bjørnstad

It has been among the top 10 best-selling cars in the past year. It is well done for a model that has been on the market for 7 years. Is the Outlander PHEV still around?

"- Nice SUV - Suitable for those who live a bit rural", my son commented when I dropped him off outside his apartment on Skillebekk in Oslo. The Outlander did fine on narrow city streets, but I imagine this is an ideal car for long distances on icy winter roads. Cold weather was still reported. We had intended to explore some nice country roads.

Dynamic front

I can't make sense of the design of the front party. Mitsubishi calls it "Dynamic Front" or something like that. It should reduce drag by 7%. To me it looks like there is a front mounted winch in the matte black area between the "bumper horns". Maybe it is the which makes us associate the Outlander PHEV with rural surroundings.

look and feel

"There were good seats!" exclaimed my wife. I totally agreed. I also sat very well. Alcantara in the seating surfaces surrounded by artificial leather works well. I found a right upright sitting position. Lots of space and a good overview. The steering wheel felt a bit thin - and actually reminded me of the steering wheel on the Land Rover Discovery. I spent some time getting to know myself. The gear lever shifts "by wire" where the gear selectors are fan-shaped. The Park button is hidden behind the gear lever.

Pleasant sound level

Interior sound level is in premium class. No audible noise from road and chassis. We drove on fairly soft 17-inch winter tires. The drive is very quiet. You have to look at the tachometer to see if the petrol engine is running. Interior acoustics are also very good. It is possible to have a muffled conversation at 110 km/h. But in the middle of this silence I could hear a faint buzz somewhere around 60-70 km/h. The buzzing seemed connected to the drivetrain, but was not in sync with the tachometer - not embarrassing either. Just wondering what made that sound?

On the road

Easy on the steering, but alright steering feel. There are different driving modes, such as sport, snow and off-road. I chose "normal". I prefer comfort over sport when sitting high and driving an SUV. The comfort is in premium class – in the city, on the motorway – and on country roads. There is plenty of power to allow you to slip into a busy road with your shoulders down and take the occasional pass. The road grip was superb, even on rural roads with icy sections. The Gislaved tires kept the car very effectively on track. So effective that we were only able to test the 4-wheel drive at launch.

mitsubishi outlander phev — A short stop on our village tour – Bettumveien in Våle

consumption

The official consumption figures for hybrid cars do not match reality. This is not Mitsubishi's fault. It is the measurement procedures. WLTP – mixed driving – gives a consumption of only 0,2 liters/mile. On long-distance driving, the consumption figures are different. We achieved 0,53 on a quiet country road down Bispeveien in Vestfold in 70 and 80 zones. On the motorway, we ended up with a consumption of 0,72. The paddles on the steering wheel make it possible to turn on regenerative engine braking. Down the Lierbakkene hills, the instruments showed that the battery range was increased. But don't forget to turn off the engine brake when you are down on flat ground. When driving with the engine brake on, fuel consumption can increase.

Range and charging

Rechargeable hybrids make it possible to drive to and from work on electricity, while driving a hybrid on long journeys. The range of the batteries according to WLTP - mixed driving - is stated to be 45 km. Charging from a plug takes 5,5 hours. From your own wall charger, you need a Type 1 cable. We didn't have that, so we couldn't charge. We could have fast-charged with ChaDeMo, but according to Mitsubishi it should take 25 minutes to fast-charge up to 80% or 36 km. Waste of time, considering that charging will then cost more than petrol. However, in order to check the power consumption in EV mode, we put the car in "Charge" mode to charge the batteries while driving. Based on 45% charge on the batteries, we could calculate a total real range of 37 km with a warm car at -6 degrees, with driving in densely built-up areas. In practice, most people should manage 30+ km under most conditions. This is completely in line with what most hybrid cars can do.

The drive

After the closure of the liquor stores in Oslo, we thought of driving to a pole far out in the country and hoarding. The Outlander has plenty of storage space. But then all the liquor stores opened again. We still took a trip to Revetal in inner Vestfold. There they have the Re-centre which luckily was open. They also have Poles. I knew Revetal well in the 70s. I went to secondary school there. Strange to sit on the second floor Burger King by the new BIBLIOTEKET and look at the traffic outside. Before, it was just a crossroads with one BP station and the shop to Inherit Spruce. On the other side of the crossing I remember that truck owner Johan Stranges beautiful muzzleloaders were lined up at the apartment building. Today, Revetal is a small town. A city that certainly looks like something that could have been built in the Midwest in the USA, - but the same...

Fox count — Parked in generous parking pockets in front of the Re-torvet shopping center at Revetal.

Place

One of my tests for space is whether I can fit my bike with the rear seats folded down. I got that without any problems. The trunk is nice to use. There is no loading edge, and you have recesses on the side for such things as a carrier bag, rucksack and helmet. Under the floor there is room for charging cables. The rear seat backs have two positions - vertical and inclined. Vertically, you can load a large square parcel and still be able to use the rear seats on short journeys. There is plenty of room for 5 adults in the compartment.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was tested by NCAP in 2013. It then got good results in a side crash with a ram and damage extent "Marginal" in the pillar test from the side. No dolls suffered neck injuries when hit from behind. In a frontal collision, driver "Marginal" suffered damage to his right knee. The overall score was a decent 88%, but both cars and test procedures have been upgraded since 2013.

mitsubishi phev — Pleasant interior in alcantara and synthetic leather (rear seats in upright position).

Is the Outlander PHEV still around?

It's not best in class in some areas, but its range is no worse than the hybrid versions of the Audi Q5, Jeep Compass and Mercedes-Benz GLE. It has super comfort and is very quiet - better than the arch-rival Toyota RAV4 Plug-in. But the Toyota has both more power and better range and costs the same. The Toyota is also a newer model, but does not appear to be more "hi-tech" than the Mitsubishi. In terms of technology, the Outlander is certainly in line with other rechargeable SUVs. Mitsubishi's new Eclipse Cross PHEV comes with the same drivetrain, but does not offer as much space as its "grandfather" Outlander. The model will probably disappear from the model program shortly, although it could have withstood another round - at least in Norway.

Facts about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 470 x 180 x 171 cm
Wheelbase: 267 cm
Net weight: 1890 kg (without driver)
Payload: 425 kg
Total weight: 2390 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1500 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: 80 kg

Drivetrain
Petrol engine: 2,4 liter (4 cyl) MIVEC
Power: 135 HP @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 211 Nm @ 4500 revs
Electric motor 1: Front, 82 HP, 137 Nm
Electric motor 2: Rear, 95 HP, 195 Nm
Total power: 230 HP
Gearbox: Stepless
S-AWC four-wheel drive based on electronic control of electric motors

Performances
Top speed: 170 km/h
0-100: 10,5 seconds

Electric car characteristics
Battery pack: 13,8 kw from GS Yuasa (Japan)
Battery cooling: Air
WLTP: 45 km (combined)
Own measurement: 37 km
Charging (10A socket): 5,5 hours
Quick charging (ChaDeMo): 25 minutes

consumption
WLTP: 0,20 litres/mile
Own measurement 70-80 km/h: 0,53 litres/mile
Own measurement 110 km/h: 0,72 litres/mile

Luggage compartment
As a five-seater*: 463 litres
*Can be increased by placing the rear seat backs in the vertical position.
As a two-seater: 1602 litres

Tires
Dimension: 225/65R17 102 T
Type: Spikeless winter
Brand: Gislaved Soft Frost

About the car
Place of manufacture: Okazaki, Japan
Colour: Titanium Grey
Equipment level: Instyle
Price: NOK 505
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2020
Mileage: 1623
Km driven: 200
Source: Mitsubishi.no, Vegvesen.no

Pictures of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

See

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

It doesn't win any beauty contests, nor any range tests, - and the luggage capacity is not much to brag about. But it has a fantastically good four-wheel drive. **See more**

How much petrol does a plug-in hybrid use?

A Galant world car

Posted 24/06/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

1980 Mitsubishi Galant Sigma (A123)

A completely new design that would characterize Mistsubishi for many years. It naturally ended up high on the sales charts alongside family cars such as the Mazda 626, Honda Accord, Nissan 180B and Toyota Carina – all more or less gone today.

The Mitsubishi Galant was a big seller in the eighties and nineties, - and was introduced in Norway in 1976. The introduction model was then an outdated model that did not go down very well. It was only the following year, when the successor arrived, that Galant sales really took off. It is the the model pictured here. The Galant was considered a large family car in 1980, but is no more than 8 cm longer than today's Golf.

In the US and Australia, the Galant was sold as the Chrysler. Norwegian cars rolled around with European spec, most with a 1,6 liter engine with 86 HP, - the rest with a 2 liter with 105 HP.

I realize that we are unlikely to see many Galants at car shows in the future. Not because they were bad cars, but because none of the models created much enthusiasm among their owners. Today, there have been nine generations - and countless facelifts - of the world car Mitsubishi Galant. World class cars made for the USA, Australia and the Far East are not always popular here at home. It is actually this model presented here, which is the most beautiful of them all.

That's why I stopped and took the pictures.

Source:: www.automobile-catalog.com — Notice that both cars lack exterior mirrors, - and the message? Flight cabin crew prefer Galant… Source: **www.automobile-catalog.com**

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mitsubishi.no
Mitsubishi galant

L300 veteran camper

Posted 26/04/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

Small and cozy

I came across this little prankster the other day. It was in relatively good shape, with the flags hanging outside despite the sun having set. It stood outside Økern Bilauksjon in Fornebu. I had fun making a postcard where the car is virtually "photoshopped" into more beautiful surroundings. At least it was better than the space in front of the demolition-ready mass of buildings where the terminus of the Fornebu tram will one day stand.

I'm sure the little camper is good for many more trips if it gets some Tender Love and Care.

With a length of 4,5 metres, you can park like a normal car. The width of the "closet" is 2,11 and means that you can sleep across. The camping superstructure appears to be German made Hymer. In the tiny area, you get a seating area/double bed, kitchen, combined bucket cupboard and Portapotti, as well as a loft above the cab. In addition, there is plenty of cupboard space. I think there is more space in this Mitsubishi L300 than in its competitor from the same era, namely the classic Volkswagen T3 Camper Westfalia.

The petrol engine in the L300 is 1,6 liters and 65 HP (4G32) is a proper "potato engine" that was used in almost all Mitsubishi models, as well as a couple of Hyundais and Mazdas. There are plenty of spare parts to buy, not just here at home, but all over the world. Search Ebay and you will find all parts that can be sent by post.

Because in the end, part of the point of owning a vintage car is that you make a little noise yourself before you go on a trip. Unfortunately, many vintage cars end up dying because the owners never get time to drive them, or more correctly, - they never get time to drive them door. And that is the which is the advantage of a veteran camper. It is used because it fulfills practical needs, not just aimless trips.

Do not expect the greatest driving pleasure in this vehicle.

Rather, be happy that you arrive and can enjoy real retro camping.

l300 Not the biggest wagon on the campsite. — Not the biggest wagon on the campsite.

l300 Nevertheless, many will probably turn to it. — Nevertheless, many will probably turn to it.

l300 The troll has left the camper. — The troll has left the camper.

l300 At 4,5 meters long, it is shorter than the Golf station wagon. — At 4,5 metres, it is shorter than the Golf station wagon.

Well-equipped trolley with flags, dice and cup holders.

Have included a picture of the loft from the corresponding car.

With a total width of 2,11 metres, you can sleep across.

Another copy

Mitsubishi L300 with superstructure from Koch Dragoner

The picture was taken on Snarøya outside Oslo in 2022.

Click on an image for a larger format.
Click on a picture to enlarge.
Click on a photo to enlarge.

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2013 Mitsubishi Space Star

Posted 26/06/2013 by Terje Bjørnstad

With the new Space Star, the Mitsubishi A-class enters with a small wonder of space. Environmentally friendly engines contribute to low prices. This car scores in terms of space, environment and price.

The previous Space Star went out of production in the middle of the last decade. The model name was applied to models that offered a lot of space on modest external dimensions. Mitsubishi in Scandinavia has probably brought up this name again to signal good use of space.

At first glance, the Space Star doesn't appear to be a space wonder at all, with quite a lot of overhang both front and rear. However, the wheelbase is a whopping 245 cm! That's as much as the Volkswagen Golf had twenty years ago or what today's Polo in the class above has today. The Space Star belongs to the A class, but can compete with cars in the class above in terms of space.

The engines have low CO2 emissions, which has a favorable effect on the one-off tax to the state. In addition, the consumption figures are very low. That means good finances.

It is therefore in terms of space, environment and price that Space Star scores the highest. European motor journalists report on completely ordinary driving characteristics. The interior does not leave a particularly good impression either in terms of design or feeling of quality.

You can order your Space Star with Mitsubishi's advanced CVT-based automatic transmission solution, INVECS-III. This is a stepless and intelligent gearbox that adapts to the driver's driving pattern, far more advanced than the other automatic transmission solutions in this class. The only drawback is that automatic transmission is only available for cars with the highest level of equipment. It would have been desirable to be able to choose an automatic transmission in a lower level of equipment.

My choice

City car and automatic transmission belong together, and the variant with Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission system is my choice here.

There is little that distinguishes the various model variants from each other in terms of appearance. However, I would like to highlight the stylish rear window spoiler available from the Invite trim level. I'm not usually overly excited about such plastic effects, but I think that the Space Star, which is basically not the coolest car in its class, actually suits such a visual effect.

2013 Suzuki Alto

As a basis for comparison, I suggest the Suzuki Alto. It was developed in Japan, but is produced in India on the same assembly line as the Nissan Pixo, which is not imported to Norway. The Alto is a smaller car than the Space Star – a full 21 cm shorter and with 4 seats it has one less seat than the Space Star. Alto is delivered with one engine choice, 1 litres, 72 horses and 3 cylinders. This corresponds to the smallest engine in the Space Star series. Alto's biggest advantage is a comprehensive equipment package.