Meet Mitsubishi’s new compact SUV, the Grandis

KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi has unveiled an all-new compact SUV for the European market, named Grandis. Sharing its platform and much of its design with the Renault Symbioz, the new Mitsubishi SUV will be sold in hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrain options. 

Does the name Grandis ring a bell? That’s because the automaker used it for a three-row MPV sold from 2003 to 2011. This time, however, it returns as a two-row SUV.

Mitsubishi Grandis: Key highlights

Exterior 

The SUV features the brand’s signature Dynamic Shield front design with a glossy black grille and satin silver accents, highlighting power and refined elegance. Adding to the dynamic styling is a flowing roofline and a striking pair of 19-inch alloy wheels.

At the rear, the new Mitsubishi Grandis boasts the Sculptural Hexagon design identity with a sculpted hexagonal motif and horizontally aligned rear combination lights.

Interior 

The 5-seater cabin focuses on ease of use and load capacity as the rear seats have a sliding function that allows up to 160 mm of forward and backward adjustment. These can be slid fully forward to expand the boot space from 434 litres to 566 litres. However, if you fold them flat, the total cargo capacity increases to 1,455 litres.

Adding to the convenience is a power remote tailgate that can be opened and closed with the switches mounted on the instrument panel and the tailgate itself, as well as a foot sensor placed under the rear bumper.

Another key highlight is the panoramic glass roof that features an electrochromic function for switching between transparency and shading and reducing glare and heat. 

In terms of digital and connectivity, the SUV gets the following hi-tech features - 

• A vertical 10.4-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system with Google built-in integration, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play store
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Four drive modes - Perso, Eco, Comfort, and Sport
• Mitsubishi Motors' mobile app for enhanced connectivity with a car finder and digital key functions 

Engine options

As mentioned, the Euro-spec Mitsubishi Grandis will be offered in hybrid and mild hybrid drivetrain options. The specs are as follows - 

Models	MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle)	HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Engine	1.3L turbocharged direct fuel-injection gasoline engine	1.8L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gasoline engine
Transmission	6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch	Smart multi-mode gearbox
Output	140 PS	108 PS (engine only) 156 PS combined system output
Electric motor	NA	49 PS drive motor + 20 PS generator
Battery	NA	1.4 kWh lithium-ion traction battery
EV modes	NA	EV Mode, Hybrid Mode, Regenerative Mode, E-Save Mode

Safety

The all-new Mitsubishi Grandis is equipped with the following driver assistance systems, including -

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Around View Monitor 
• MI-PILOT
• Automatic High Beam 
• Blind Spot Warning 
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
• Distance Warning
• Driver Attention Monitor 
• Emergency Lane Assist 
• Forward Collision Mitigation system 
• Intelligent Speed Assistance 
• Lane Centering Assist 
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Lane Keeping Assist 
• Occupant Safe Exit Assist 
• Park Assist 
• Parking sensors
• Rear Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert 

Upon launching the new SUV, Tatsuo Nakamura, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors said, “Following the launch of the Outlander PHEV last year, we are strengthening our lineup in the European market with the introduction of the all-new Grandis, featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield design.” 

“With an additional launch of the Eclipse Cross BEV model around the same time, we will offer a diverse range of electrified vehicles -HEV, PHEV, and BEV – to meet the varied needs of our customers,” he added.

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