Test Drive Mitsubishi Grandis since 2004 Minivan

Mitsubishi Grandis Sport Gear Car Test

In May of the past, 2005 The Mitsubishi Grandis model range has undergone a partial update. During this low modernization, significant changes were made to the appearance and in the interior of this car. In addition, the model range replenished with a new variety of machine, which began to be denoted by the phrase Sport Gear. Our journalist performed a test check in this new.
 
The car began to look more vigorously.
As you know, the debut of the Mitsubishi Grandis car took place in 2003, so that his small modernization was performed exactly on time, after two years since the occurrence of the market. The content of modernization is such: the adjustment of some components of the car was made, and in addition, a new modification is released - Sport Gear. The characteristic features of the new version of the machine: a specially designed design of the front grid of the radiator, decorative lining, which frame the edges of the wings embedded in the roof decorative longitudinal strips and a number of other less noticeable details. In addition, it should be noted that compared to the basic model, the road clearance has become more than 15 mm. If we talk about how to classify a new car, then, apparently, you need to start with the fact that this is an explicit attempt to cross the minivan from the SUV discharge machine. It has already been checked repeatedly that it is only possible to pronounce the phrase car discharge car SUV Mitsubishi brand, as is immediately associated with the Mitsubishi Pajero model. But is such a monopoly to face a serious manufacturer, who is undoubtedly Mitsubishi? Apparently, they counted there that it is time to make some diversity and make another SUV, but to make it somewhat differently.
 
There is such a concept: family minivan. As a rule, such a car is distinguished very calm features of the exterior. And what if you do so that it becomes a little more aggressive? While leave aside the question as far as it may like or not please buyers. The main thing here is that in such a guise of the car will become more noticeable, isn't it? So, probably, the designers of Mitsubishi were reasoned when the new Grandis Sport Gear project was discussed.
 
It is clear that when developing a sports version of the machine (and the Sport Gear model is this) I had to translate it into tires of increased passability (M + S), then, according to the generally accepted rule, install longitudinal planks on the roof, as well as slightly lift the body over the road . All this, of course, is good, but only this kind of change turned into a decrease in comfort in the new car. And this is an indisputable fact. In particular, it is worth only to be for several minutes in the salon of a moving machine, then you immediately pay attention to the increased level of road noise. In other words, everything, it seems, it looks worthily, however, for those who strive to ride comfortably, I would still recommend the basic model, and not its sports version.
General information about the car.
The Mitsubishi Grandis model is a car that has become the next stage in the development of those ideas that have once found their embodiment in the Mitsubishi Chariot car. Remember, he was born in the distance in 1983, it was also called the people's vehicle (People Mover). According to admission, by the way, he was a prototype of modern minivan. It is easy to guess that his distant descendant model Grandis is the most typical minivan. The word Grandis itself appeared in the automotive resource when it came to release the third generation Chariot car. Then, I remember, a transition to the body of the 3rd size group was performed, and the car received during the transformation began to be called not just Chariot, but Chariot Grandis.
Then in May 2003, the period of the next complete replacement of this model range came up. It was then, in the 4th generation of this car family from the model name, the word Chariot was thrown out, and the car began to be referred to simply - Mitsubishi Grandis. However, such a change in the title is not just a game of words. It had very good reasons for it. The fact is that the design of this car was engaged in Olivier Bure, who, as you know, was seconded to Japan by Daimler / Chrysler. So, he immediately stated that it would form an appearance of a car, which is called, with a clean sheet. So what turned out in the end the car began to be perceived by a completely new model. That is why the traditional word Chariot from his name was decided to remove.
 
It should be noted that in the 4th generation the car began to leave both with 6 and 7-seater salon. In the first case, separate chairs were installed in the salon, and in the second seating of the sofa type. As for the power unit and transmission, there is no diversity. The engine equipped with a MIVEC system is installed on the machine, the operating volume of the motor is 2.4 liters, it is a 4-cylinder type SOHC with a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism. The motor comes in combination with a 4-speed automatic transmission, in which the sports driving mode is provided (this is the INVECS-II system). As for the drive, there is two types of it: the front and complete, which is controlled by the electronics and in which three operating modes are provided: 2WD, 4WD and blocking all wheels through differential (Differential Lock). As for the features of the cabin, the front passenger's seat draws attention to itself, whose seat can be lifted up, if there is a need to load into the salon the oblongable piece of luggage. And also, the beds have an adjustable tilt (three fixed positions), and in the seats of the second row there is a relaxation mode. And finally, the sequence of the third row can be removed in parts, and to be removed underground.
After making a small upgrade, all the modifications of the machine existing before this time turned out to be a modified front part design. Plus, the model range has replenished the new Sport Gear modification. This machine has become standard to be equipped with the following systems: MultiSelect 4WD (in case of full-wheel drive), and an electronic system that combines ASC and Traction Control. The bumper began to be equipped with a special overlay, which externally reminds the protection of the engine crankcase. Road clearance has become more than 15 mm, which should also make the car similar to the SUV discharge car. Wheels of the machine shoes in the tires of increased MUD & SNOW, their size is 17 inches. You can choose both the 6-Metric and 7-seater of the interior, the type of actuator (2wd or 4wd) varies in the same way.
The volume of the cabin and the capacity of the luggage compartment.
In the course of the current low modernization, the front panel became two-color, which, of course, made it more spectacular. The form and location of the control handles, however, remained unchanged. True, there is one shortcomings: if you sit behind the wheel after a long break, you will not immediately and you don't understand where.
 
The backlight of the devices can be enabled in a separate switch. It is necessary in order to make devices more distinguishable during the daytime. When you turn on the backlight, the devices begin to glow reddish. This illumination control system is called High Contrast Meter. Speedometer, which is located in the dashboard center, and a tachometer that stands on the left - with large dials, so their readings are read easily.
The front seats installed in the Sport Gear salon are standardly a fabric coating, as is customary in SUV discharge machines. Side back calipers are abruptly, but their hugs are not too close. A stroke cloth is inserted between the calipers, and when the driver's spin starts to put pressure on the calipers, they are moving away and stretch insert. Thanks to this, the body acquires solid support. A retractable table is provided between the front seats, and if it turns out to be in a fully removed position, then the possibility of free movement from the front row of the chair back and forth. Due to the fact that the transmission control knob is made on the front panel, and the parking brake is included with the help of the pedal, the driver can be transferred to the front passenger chair and vice versa. Actually, I did not open anything new for myself, but it turns out to use the front chairs easily and simply.
To perform a test trip, I was offered a machine with a 6-seater salon. This, in particular, means that the seats of the second row were separately type. One of the important advantages of such seats is that there is a lot of free space between them. And this in turn, makes more accessible to the seats of the third row. Those. In the rear of the salon you can get sway, without even moving the seats of the second row. And yet, having such a type of chairs in the cabin, it is easier to put an extra armor for a child. When the passengers occupy the second, and the third row of seats, then, by moving the chairs of the second row along the cabin, you can choose the option of their location for both sides. In total, the rails that are moving sled seats, have five fixed positions. So, starting with the second, if you consider from the driver's seating, even an adult can fit in the chair. However, in order to accommodate for this comfortable, it is required to move the chairs at least than until the 4th position. It is in such a position at the level of the legs, and at the level of the head will become really free.
As for the seats of the third row, they are not moving anywhere, but their backs can be rejected back. If the seasures of the second row become the 4th position, then the rear passengers are a special close at the level of the legs do not threaten. However, for a more equitable distribution of the Salon Square, it is desirable that passengers of the second row remained on the 3rd position. However, in addition to the distance between the seats, there is another limitation. The fact is that the sequence of the third row is located at a short distance from the floor, and therefore, if an adult will be at the back, then his knees will be in an unnatural position. And this can be very tired, especially if the trip is long.
If all three rows of seats are in the working position, the length of the luggage compartment turns out to be 40 centimeters. It is unlikely that it will be sufficient if all 6 seats in the car will be occupied, and each of the 6 people will take with him at least on the suitcase, as is usually done when the night will have the night. But you can fully or partially remove the seat of the third row (separately left and right parts), and then the length of the trunk will increase to 120 cm. At the same time, as already mentioned, the floor of the luggage compartment will be completely even. Well, finally, if it seems not enough, then you need to raise the seats of the second row, move them as much as possible, and then the trunk will acquire the maximum volume.
 
It should also be noted that the described Sport Gear model is standardly equipped with an automatic (electric) lift of the rear door luggage compartment. This lift is powered by both the cabin and the remote switch.
What is the car on the go?
Despite the small modernization and on the appearance of a new modification of the Sport Gear in the model range, the engine remains all the same. And still one-only 4G69 model, a 2.4-liter working volume, a 4-cylinder with an inline cylinder arrangement, one camshaft and 16-valve gas distribution mechanism. In the same way, the transmission is still a 4-step automaton, which provides for a sports mode. But since the engine work volume is large enough for such a small weight of the machine, it turns out to be quite powerful in small and medium-sized turns. Although the peak of the torque occurs not immediately, for this you need to catch up with an engine up to 4000 rpm. So, with a normal ride, it is not much difficult to disperse the machine with a lowest transfer to high speed, everything seems to be in order.
As already noted, the new car turned out to be slightly raised over the road, and on its wheels they had a tire of high-pass MUD & SNOW. This led to the fact that the car turned out to be more prone to rocking, but it should be noted that the movement along the usual high-speed highway with a fairly high speed to enhanced swinging did not lead, the body was kept smoothly, almost at the same level. When the car overcame the joint in the road surface, the inevitable push was almost not transmitted to me, which makes it possible to estimate the properties of the suspension high enough. True, when sites with some waviness were found on the way, then the tires, which are pretty heavy (size 215/55/17), has happened, beat about the road with a noticeable noise.
Of course, the enlarged road clearance, it goes without saying, was to make the car more prone to the roll. However, honestly, for some reason I did not notice this on the turns of the manifestation. In all likelihood, one of the items of these shortest changes in the course of small modernization was an increase in sustainability. In fact, the Grandis model was originally distinguished by stability., But the steering mechanism was finalized to keep the steering wheel when driving it was even easier. I think it should like those who are used to use the car for long distances.
 
 
Technical characteristics of the Grandis Sport Gear model:
Length 4775 mm x Width 1835 mm x Height 1685 mm.
Wheel base: 2830 mm.
Machine weight: 1690 kg.
Drive: Front
Engine: 2.4 -LTER, 4-cylinder, developed power 165 hp at 6000 rpm, the highest torque is 22.1 kg / m at 4000 rpm.
Basic car price: 2 million 667 thousand yen
Price of the car on which the test trip was performed:
3 million 26.25 thousand yen.
Test Results:
Common mileage at the time of testing: 8821 km.
Tires: And ahead, and behind the tire of the same size 215/55/17 brand Yokohama Zealander
List of options included in the machine:
- DVD-MMCS with a multi-purpose liquid crystal 7-inch screen + AM / FM radio with a built-in mini-disk player and a 6-disk-substitute + audio system with 6 columns + television antenna 357 thousand yen; 7-inch liquid crystal screen over rear seats 105 thousand yen; dual monitor of a circular review of 99.75 thousand yen; A set of measures to prepare a machine to operate in winter conditions 31.5 thousand yen.
Test Purpose: Getting a general idea of \u200b\u200bthe behavior of the machine on the go
Test location: urban trait (30%) Speed \u200b\u200bhighway (40%) Mountain road (30%).
Mileage during testing: 305.8 km
Actual fuel consumption: 38.4 liters
Middle fuel consumption: one liter for every 8.0 km of way
 

A source: WebCG.net.