Mitsubishi RVR a competitively priced CUV
Auto Know BRIAN TURNER
and heater controls are uncluttered and easy to use and the instrument panel is free from unnecessary distraction and allows drivers to select their own auxiliary gauge or trip data to display in between the large analogue speedometer and tachometer. Rear leg and headroom is better than most CUV’s and cargo room is generous at 49.5 cubic feet behind the first row of seats and 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row. The 2.0 L engine won’t set any track records, but propels the RVR up to highway pace with little complaint. The CVT transmission has six-speed shifts programmed into its controller to provide the feel of a regular automatic and not the slushy ‘shifts’ of most variable speed gear-boxes. The ride is free from the chop and roll that can plague this CUV segment and braking and steering systems provide suitable handling and safety. Some automakers get a little too wrapped up in design and one of the first things this effects is outward visibility as artistic and future looking body lines seldom make for large clear windows. Mitsubishi has avoided this by putting function and safety above styling. But they still managed to come up with an attractive exterior package. Mitsubishi kept safety at the top of the standard equipment list with no less than 7 air-bags, an active stability control system, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and active front-seat head-rests just to name a few. Fuel economy ratings from NRCan peg the RVR AWD at 8.6 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway (32.9 mpg and 42.8 mpg). The EPA ratings in imperial gallons from the U.S. are 28.8 mpg and 34.8 mpg. Its 60 L fuel tank should deliver a 50/50 driving mix range of over 700 km and cost around $66 to fill at $1.20/L. On the maintenance side of the coin an air filter is priced at $36.95, front brake pads and rotors are $149 and $204 respectively and a dealer oil change with recommended synthetic oil will set you back $60. The P215/70R16 tires on my tester are available from a very large selection of makers ranging in price from $120-$250 each. The big story in value with Mitsubishi continues to be their industry-leading warranty. The RVR is backed by a 5 year/100,000 km base warranty and a 10 year/160,000 km power-train plan. This alone adds hundreds of dollars in value to an already competitively priced CUV. If you’re looking for a CUV or compact crossover with real AWD capability in an affordable package with solid performance, then the RVR deserves your consideration. Brian Turner
1101.R0021712032
EMC Lifestyle - The vehicles I road-test for these reviews come from two main sources: press fleets owned by the Canadian head offices of the manufacturers and local dealerships. I prefer to use dealership units whenever possible because they more closely represent the trim and equipment level that you or I shop for, whereas press fleets are made up of fully loaded higher-end models. If you are interested in learning more about any of these vehicles, check out the manufacturers’ websites or better yet, call your local dealership and speak to one of their knowledgeable staff. It’s the ultimate in interactive information gathering. The Mitsubishi RVR (Recreational Vehicle Runner) I enjoyed for this review came from the friendly folks at Canada’s newest Mitsubishi dealership: Rivington Mitsubishi in Carleton Place. While Mitsubishi may be only celebrating its first decade in Canada, in reality their vehicles have been on our roads for much longer. Cars like the Dodge Colt, or Summit Wagon were Mitsubishis’ with different nameplates and early Hyundai’s’ (remember the Pony and the Stellar?) ran on Mitsubishi power-trains. Their latest foray into the compact utility vehicle (CUV) market, the RVR was actually introduced in Asia in 1991 as the Colt Wagon and is currently sold in the U.S. as the Outlander Sport. This four-door front-wheel or all-wheel drive is priced from $19,998 to $32,998 and my SE AWD level unit came in at $25,698 (all prices before destination, dealer prep, licence, taxes, or current incentives). Power comes from a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine developing 148 hp and 145 lb/ ft of torque. The transmission is of the continually variable type which makes the most of the engine’s power input while still allowing for better than average fuel economy. The RVR comes with a surprising level of equipment for a mid $20K CUV with such items as tilt/ telescoping steering column, heated seats, 140 watt audio system, remote keyless entry, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a hands-free cell phone system just to name a few features (in fact the hands-free system comes standard on 3 out of the 4 trim levels of RVR). And for all-wheel drive users, the rotary control that takes the RVR from front-wheel to all-wheel drive includes a lock position that ensures predictable handling and traction on snow and ice covered roads. The RVR has one of the best laid-out interiors I’ve seen in this class and the seats are very supportive and easy to adjust to various body-types. Audio
THE EMC - 22 - Thursday, November 1, 2012