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Mitsubishi Motors’ stand at the Australian International Motor Show shows off the marque’s recently released new model blitz.

Centre stage will be Colt. Colt is a small car that thinks it is a big car. A car with substance, Colt comes in two variants – the entry model LS, and the sporty XLS. Both are equipped with a 1.5 litre DOHC engine with variable valve timing coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

Making its debut at the show will be the new Lancer Sportswagon. Powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0 litre SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, Sportswagon features the same global styling that was introduced into the sedan range late last year. It also comes in two variants – the LS that will undoubtedly find favour with fleets, and the aggressively styled VR-X that will attract private buyers with its body kit, 16” alloy wheels and sporty interior trim.

Also on show will be the updated TW Magna and KW Verada range. One of the stars of this range will be the new Verada GTVi AWD, a combination of the former Verada GTVi and Verada AWD models. Subtle styling and paint changes enhance the look of the overall range, and make Magna and Verada an ever better value-for-money refined motoring package.

Not to be outdone, ’05 m/y Pajero will be amongst the most popular vehicles on the stand with its new in-car entertainment system that incorporates AM/FM/CD premium audio, MP3 player, DVD/VCD player, TV tuner, Rear Reversing camera, and hard disc drive Satellite Navigation (with off-road GPS mode).

When added to the Grandis Active Recreational Tourer, and the upgraded 2.4 litre MIVEC Outlander AWD wagon the stand has a fresh new look this year brought about by the cars on the floor.

However, last year two cars on the stand had a continuous line-up of people waiting to see them, and they will be back by popular demand again this year. The two Lancer Evolution rally simulators will provide hours of fun and excitement to show-goers while at the same time helping to reinforce Mitsubishi’s commitment to motorsport, and rallying in particular.

At a time when there is excitement within and about the Australian automotive market, Mitsubishi will be displaying its newly released range that will take it forward into the future.

MAGNA AND VERADA MODEL LINE-UP REVISED AND REFRESHENED WITH ‘SERIES II’
Verada models combined, exterior look enhanced, Magna LS sedan discontinued

The final chapter of the ’04 model year changes to the Magna and Verada range occur with the release of the Verada GTVi AWD ‘QuadTec’ model, and the general freshening up of the remainder of the range in October. This began with the rationalisation of the Magna sports range in July, when the VR models were discontinued, and the VR-X 2WD and AWD models became the sporty models in the Magna range.

Similarly, the Verada model line-up has undergone a similar reduction with the combining of the Verada GTVi (2WD) and Verada AWD models, to create the Verada GTVi AWD ‘QuadTec’. The complete Verada range is now Ei, GTVi AWD, and Xi.

All Verada models now have larger and more distinctive front and rear bumper bars that provide significant model differentiation from Magna models, while other external design changes include new design 10-spoke and multi-spoke 16” x 6” alloys on both the Ei and Xi models respectively. The GTVi AWD gets new design 7-spoke 16’ x 7” alloys. Tyres fitted to all models are 215/60R 16; the Ei and Xi get Turanzas, while the GTVi AWD gets the performance Grid II tyres.

The front grille for Verada Ei and Xi is argent with bright tips and border, and the lower grille is body coloured. At the rear a ‘Series II’ badge is located beneath the model name on the trunk lid.

Inside, a leather-wrapped handbrake lever is added, to complement the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, and steering wheel audio controls are added to the Verada Ei and GTVi AWD (they were already standard on Xi).

The GTVi AWD gets all the standard features of the Verada Ei, but also boasts the 159Kw high-performance engine, larger ventilated disc brakes all round with twin-pot calipers on the front (as per the previous Ralliart Magna and VR-X AWD models), GTVi badging remains on the right-hand side of the lower edge of the trunk lid, ‘AWD QuadTec’ badging is added on the left-hand side of the lower trunk lid, and ‘AWD’ badging is added on the lower edge of the two rear doors. The front grille is argent with a bright border, the fog lamp surrounds are darkened (rather than bright in the other Verada models), and the rear lamps have a darkened, more sportier look.

Inside, the GTVi has a full black dash, black carpet, and black embossed leather-wrapped steering wheel. Seats and door trims are black leather, with perforated inserts, and the armrest console lid is also stitched black leather. The floor console, HVAC panel and power window switch panels feature a mid-grey metallic look finish to round out the sports luxury looking interior.

The following changes have also been made to the Magna range:

ES

• Body coloured headlamp bezels,
• ‘Series II’ badge added beneath the model name on the rear trunk lid,

LS (wagon only, 2WD sedan deleted from the range,)

• Body coloured headlamp bezels,
• ‘Series II’ badge added beneath the model name on the rear trunk lid,
• Changed seat trim sew pattern

LS AWD (2WD sedan deleted from range, Magna AWD becomes LS AWD)

• Body coloured headlamp bezels,
• ‘Series II’ badge added beneath the model name on the rear trunk lid,
• Changed trim materials and sew pattern,
• 16” x 6” sparkling silver new design alloy wheels,
• ‘AWD’ badge fitted to lower edge of rear doors,
• ‘AWD QuadTec’ badge fitted to left-hand side of lower edge of trunk lid,
• ‘LS’ badge fitted to lower right-hand side of the trunk lid,
• the ‘V6’ front fender badge is deleted,
• the ‘AWD’ logo is added to the instrument cluster,
• two speakers added to the audio system, to make eight speakers (in lieu of six),
• colour-coded protective mouldings,
• colour-coded exterior mirrors.

Added to the existing extensive list of standard features that includes, power steering, power windows on all windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, climate control air conditioning with rear seat ducting, driver and passenger air bags, side air bags, power assisted disc brakes, fully independent suspension, ABS (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and remote keyless entry with engine immobilisation and panic alarm and Magna is fully equipped with all the desirable convenience and safety features demanded by today’s consumer.

Magna and Verada continue to be powered by the same silky smooth 3.5 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 petrol engine that develops 155kW of power at 5250 rpm and 316Nm of torque at 4000 rpm in the ES, LS and Verada Ei and Xi models. The high-output version of the engine in VR-X AWD and Verada GTVi AWD develops 159kW of power at 5500 rpm and 318Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, and 163kW of power at 5200 rpm and 317Nm of torque at 4500 rpm in the 2WD Magna VR-X version.

Transmission is still a five-speed manual on ES, LS wagon and VR-X (2WD), and the acclaimed INVECS II intelligent automatic transmission with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting function on all models. The automatic is four-speed on the ES and LS wagon, and five-speed on LS AWD, VR-X and VR-X AWD, Verada Ei, GTVi AWD and Xi.

No change has been made to the suspension of the 2WD models, although the LS AWD and GTVi AWD have unique settings to deliver a more sporty, all-wheel drive experience . The front suspension is a MacPherson Strut and coil system, while the standard independent rear suspension for the sedan range is a mult-link and coil system. A front and rear stabiliser bar is fitted to enhance ride and handling. The rear suspension on wagons is a five-link rigid axle system that is ideal for carrying heavy loads.

The new colours – Platinum, Zen and Fusion – that were launched at the time of the VR-X AWD introduction in mid-year are now available on other models, so that the full range is now:

Mawson White	– all models,
Starlight (p)	– ES, LS, Ei, Xi,
Platinum (m)	– all models,
Kashmir (p)	- ES, LS, Ei, Xi,
Tanami (m)	- ES, LS, Ei, Xi,
Zen (p)	– VR-X, GTVi AWD,
Flame Red	– all models,
Sapphire Blue (p)	– all models,
Daintree Green (p)	– ES, LS, Ei, Xi,
Fusion (m)	– VR-X, VR wagon,
Grange (p)	– ES, LS, Ei, GTVi AWD, Xi,
Sable (p)	- all models

Prices are:

		M/T	A/T
Magna	ES sedan	$32,210	$35,110
	ES wagon	N/A	$36,820
	LS wagon	N/A	$40,700
	LS AWD	N/A	$38,990
	VR wagon	N/A	$42,290
	VR-X 2WD	$37,990	$39,990
	VR-X AWD	N/A	$42,490
Verada	Ei Sedan	N/A	$42,950
	Ei wagon	N/A	$45,590
	GTVi	N/A	$46,990
	Xi	N/A	$52,180

The current TL series Magna ES is recognised as one of the best value-for-money new car purchases currently on the Australian market, as it has a long list of standard features that are optional on other marques. That value story continues unabated with the new TW series as pricing is unaltered.

Both the Ei and GTVi AWD Verada models also represent even better value for money, with a number of big ticket items added without a price increase. For example, the Ei gets the larger front and rear bumpers and other external styling changes, leather-wrapped handbrake lever, and steering wheel audio controls added without a change to the recommended retail price of $42,950.

Similarly, the GTVi AWD picks up the external Verada styling changes, leather-wrapped handbrake lever, steering wheel audio controls and the all-important ‘QuadTec’ all-wheel drive system without a change from the current KL Verada GTVi 2WD recommended retail price of $46,990.

The revised TW Magna and KW Verada ‘Series II’ range goes on sale at Mitsubishi dealerships from mid October 2004.

MITSUBISHI LAUNCHES NEW LANCER SPORTSWAGON

Mitsubishi Motors’ newly released CH Lancer Sportswagon will make its first public appearance at the Australian International Motor Show at Darling Harbour in October.

Sporting the same frontal styling as the popular CH Lancer sedan – a swoopy bonnet with its trademark lines at its outer edges, and a central raised section that leads directly to the point of the prominent, large chrome three diamonds symbol in the middle of the divided grille. The straightforward side and rear panels, aggressively cut roofline to create a flat tailgate, and tall rear combination lamps all combine with the front to present a smooth, clean look that projects functional elegance and refinement.

Coming in two specification levels, the entry model ES Lancer Sportswagon has narrow diagonal lines in its upper grille, full-size wheel covers on 15” steel wheels and a body-coloured rear roof spoiler with high mounted stop lamp. The radio antenna is a bee-sting type.

Inside, the ES gets a comprehensive list of standard equipment that includes: driver and passenger air bags, air conditioning, power steering, remote keyless central locking, engine immobiliser, electric door mirrors, white-faced instrument cluster, driver’s seat height adjuster, 60:40 split fold rear seat, rear centre arm rest with cupholders, a floor console, front cupholders, driver and passenger door pockets, variable intermittent 2-speed windshield wiper and washer, intermittent rear wiper and washer, rear window demister, day/night rearview mirror, tilt steering column, front lamp with map lamp, personal lamp for the rear seat, cargo area lamp, digital clock, remote fuel lid opener, cargo blind and AM/FM radio/single CD audio unit with four speakers.

The sporty VR-X model has wider, bolder and more aggressive diagonal lines in the upper grille, black headlamp extensions, a front airdam with projector fog lamps, side air dam, body coloured exterior mirrors, privacy glass, lowered sports suspension and aggressive looking 16” alloy rims fitted with low profile tyres.

Safety has not been forgotten for the occupants of Lancer Sportswagon. Driver and passenger air bags are fitted as standard, as are height adjustable lap sash seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the two front positions, lap sash seat belts for all second row seating positions, child proof door locks and side door impact bars. Side and curtain air bags are available as an option (but not if sunroof is also optioned).

On top of this impressive list of equipment the VR-X gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever, carbon print panel on the centre instrument panel, titanium-look shift lever and heater control panels, gearshift boot ring on manual models, a lidded floor console, front and rear power windows and rear ash tray.

Powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0 litre SOHC MPI 16-valve four-cylinder Euro 2 compatible engine that develops 92kW of power at 5500 rpm, and 173Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, Lancer wagon has ample power to carry a full load of people and their luggage.

The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission, or four-speed INVECS II intelligent automatic transmission.

The four-speed auto on both models is the ‘Sports Mode’ sequential automatic transmission that allows the driver to operate in ordinary automatic mode, or use it like a manual by pushing the lever across to the left. The leather-wrapped steering wheel on VR-X auto models also has steering wheel-mounted ‘Easy Shift’ shift controls to allow quick and easy manual shifting.

Drive is put to the ground through the front MacPherson strut and coil over suspension, that combines superbly with the rear trailing arm-type multi-link set-up that has been optimised for wagon use, and front and rear stabiliser bars, to provide a sporty and comfortable ride. The handling of the VR-X is enhanced even further through its lowered sports suspension, and front strut tower brace that provide a firmer, flatter and more taut handling package.

The ES model comes standard with 15” x 5.5” steel rims fitted with 195/55R15 84V radial tyres, while the VR-X’s 16” x 6.0” alloy rims are fitted with 195/50R16 84V radials. The spare tyre is full size.

Front ventilated discs, and rear solid discs provide safe and fade-free stopping power for both models, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is available as an option.

The capacious and flexible rear cargo area is further enhanced by the 28 litre underfloor luggage box that will store a multitude of items out of view. The cargo area holds 591 litres with the second row seat in its normal position, and 1079 litres when the seat is folded forward to provide a 1650 mm flat area.

The colour palette – Cool Silver Metallic, Wine Red Metallic, Deep Blue Mica, Black Mica, White Solid and Yellow Solid (on VR-X only) – gives a wide range of colours to satisfy the requirements of all consumers.

Pricing of Lancer Sportswagon is:

-	ES	$21,990
-	VR-X	$28,440

Options
Metallic / pearlescent paint	$240
ABS with EBD	$1,000
Side and curtain air bags	$1,500
Side and curtain air bags / ABS	$2,500
Electric slide / tilt sunroof	$1,600 (VR-X only)

The Lancer Sportswagon represents great value for money in the Small Car Wagon market.

PAJERO NOW FULLY EQUIPPED FOR SERIOUS ADVENTURE
Exceed gets new class leading in car multi media system, GLS new interior look

Mitsubishi’s popular large 4WD wagon, Pajero, has received significant additional specification for its ’05 model year upgrade. In addition, the 3.8 litre petrol engine, with its fly-by-wire throttle is now available on manual models (it was previously only available on automatic variants).

The “flagship” Exceed gets a new multi media entertainment system, as well as new bold six-spoke 17 X 7.5JJ alloy wheels fitted with 265/65R17 tyres, heated front seats, “Exceed” embroidered car floor mats, and privacy glass from the rear door widows back.

The in-dash multi-media system is the result of extensive local development and engineering through MRDAus and is fully ADR compliant. It incorporates the following features:

• AM/FM/CD premium audio
• MP3 player
• DVD / VCD player
• TV tuner
• Rear reversing camera
• Hard disc drive Satellite navigation (with off road GPS guidance mode)

In addition to this front mounted system, a rear roof mounted DVD/CD/MP3 player with infra red headphones is also available on Exceed, GLS and GLX as a dealer fitted accessory. The complete system (front and rear unit) is a unique offering in the Australian marketplace today, by allowing rear seat passengers to watch TV when the vehicle is on the move via use of an auxiliary feed from the front unit to the rear. This gives the best of both worlds by being both a stand-alone unit (creating multiple entertainment zones) and an integrated system offering all the visual functionality of the front unit to rear seat passengers when the vehicle is in motion.

These changes set Exceed apart as one of the truly luxurious, value-for-money full-size 4WD wagons available on the Australian market. It now has a range of features only seen on premium luxury SUVs that cost many tens of thousand dollars more.

The mid-range GLS model picks up new 16” alloy wheels, body colour / chrome radiator grille, charcoal headlamp extensions, body colour door handles and silver front skid plate. Inside, titanium-look dash panels, shift panels, power window switch panels and inside door handles, as well as leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter (with titanium accent), 4WD transfer and parking brake levers.

The entry GLX model receives dual airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners as standard, and sporty white-faced instruments replace the former black-faced instruments on all models.

Interior trims materials remain unchanged, but Black Mica has replaced Black Solid and Gunmetal is added as a new colour.

The full colour palette is:

• Cool Silver Metallic
• Green Mica
• Medium Red Mica
• Beige Metallic
• Deep Blue Metallic
• White Solid
• Black Mica
• Red Solid
• Gunmetal
• White Pearl
• Deep Blue Metallic / Medium Grey Metallic
• Green Mica / Medium Grey Metallic
• Cool Silver Metallic / Medium Grey Metallic
• Black Mica / Medium Grey Metallic
• Medium Red Mica / Medium Grey Metallic
• White Solid / Medium Grey Metallic

Pajero power is provided by the 3.8 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 petrol engine, or the most powerful diesel in the medium SUV segment, the 3.2 litre Direct Injection DOHC 16-valve intercooled turbocharged diesel engine. It is put to the ground through a five-speed manual, or five-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic transmission with its ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shift change. When combined with Mitsubishi’s acclaimed ‘Super Select’ II 4WD system, Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control with Engine Brake Assist Control, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce, the complete Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology (MATT) package inspires on and off-road confidence in all drivers.

With fully independent suspension – front is double wishbone with coil spring and stabiliser bar, while the rear is multi-link with coil spring and stabiliser bar – and a monocoque body with integrated frame, Pajero is the most car-like large 4WD wagon on the market today. It is able to deliver great on-road comfort while still providing the off-road performance that has been honed through years of success (9 times outright winner) in the legendary and brutal Paris-Dakar Rally.

Pajero has always had the reputation as a leader and innovator in the Australian 4WD marketplace. With the new 05 Model Year package, now more than ever, Pajero is fully equipped for any serious adventure.

PAJERO TO PROVE ITS TOUGHNESS AND TECHNOLOGY IN LATEST ADVENTURE
Expedition sets out to re-discover Patience Well

Mitsubishi Motors, in conjunction with Overlander 4WD magazine, will drive three NP diesel Pajeros into the heart of the Gibson Desert in central Western Australia in an attempt to re-discover Patience Well.

Using Pajero’s new in-car multi-media system that incorporates a satellite navigation system with an off-road mode, the expedition will attempt to re-discover the well, a native soak that saved the life of explorer the Honourable David Carnegie.

Carnegie was shown the soak by the local aborigines when he undertook an expedition to find a stock route between the northern cattle stations and the southern goldfields of Western Australia in 1896. Although there have been a handful of attempts to rediscover Patience Well over the ensuing years, all have been unsuccessful to date.

Carnegie’s travels took him through some of the harshest country on our continent. Endless sand ridges and seas of spinifex typified an environment where water was, and still is, infinitely more precious than anything else on earth.

The intention of the expedition is to:

• Re-discover and accurately plot Patience Well using Pajero’s off-road navigation capability,
• Raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and awareness of the remote locations it serves, and
• Showcase Pajero’s toughness, as well as its inherent leading edge technology.

During the expedition Mitsubishi expects to test Pajero’s toughness and technology to the limit. However, given Pajero’s testing laboratory is normally the bone shaking, suspension shattering, body battering tortorous Dakar Rally, the Company is confident that the car will come through this horrific test unscathed, and with its reputation intact.

Pajero’s MATT (Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology) 4WD system, with its multi-mode Anti-lock Braking System (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Active Stability Control with Engine Brake Assist Control, and ‘Super Select II’ four-wheel drive is standard on all models, and will undergo the harshest test over the two week expedition.

Pajero’s class-leading 3.2 litre 16-valve Direct Injection Diesel intercooled, turbocharged engine will be ideal to power the heavily loaded cars across the gibber plains and vast lines of sand dunes, because of its tremendous low down torque.

The expedition left Adelaide on Monday, October 4, expects to arrive in the Patience Well area on Thursday, October 14, and return to Adelaide on Thursday, October 21.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS STIMULATES MOTOR SHOW VISITORS

One of the star attractions at recent motor shows has been Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution rally simulators. They have attracted huge interest, with resulting ever-present long lines of show-goers eager to test their rallying skills.

Using cutting edge technology developed in Australia, Mitsubishi Motors have linked two Lancers with simulator programs to enable the vehicles to race against each other using the Sony Play Station game Grand Turismo 3 .

Sitting behind the driver’s wheel gives players a virtual reality experience of being on a rally stage. Each car features moving seats and an explosive Sony sound system to re-create the experience of being in a real rally car as you race against a fellow competitor and the clock.

Players with the best times from each day will be invited back to the Mitsubishi Motors stand on the final day of the Australian Motor Show to compete in a Race-Off in an effort to win a host of great prizes.

The grand prize is a ride with one of the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart rally drivers in one of the famous Lancer Evolution rally cars. Other prizes include a brand-new Play Station 2 console and genuine Ralliart merchandise.

To experience the Mitsubishi Rally Simulator, register for free at the Mitsubishi Motors stand at the Australian International Motor Show.