Quartet aims to get over the bumps

Mitsubishi is introducing new models of the Triton (above); Challenger and Outlander. Photo / Supplied

Battered by the recession and currency fluctuations, and a decision to leave the rental car market, stifled by a lack of interesting new products and hammered by consumer resistance to price increases, Mitsubishi's trip through 2009 has been on a rocky road.

Sales are way down and last month the unthinkable happened, Korea's Kia Motors moved ahead of the Japanese triple-diamond brand in New Zealand.

But now Mitsubishi's fighting back with a quartet of new models, including its hero Outlander and a package of other measures including what the company reckons to be the best new-vehicle warranty in the business.

"God knows, we need something to put a bit of bounce back into our business," lamented Peter Wilkins, Mitsubishi's general manager of sales and marketing, frustrated by months of disappointing spreadsheets.

"These models are just what we want. We've been waiting a long time for them to come," he said at the midweek introduction.

Joining Outlander with its new Evo-type nose is a new Triton ute with traction control and stability control, new engine and larger tray. In February, a new version of the Triton-based Challenger SUV joins the lineup. And the interesting looking CX compact crossover that slots in under the Outlander will join the fleet mid-year.

It's not just Mitsubishi that needs a boost. All but a few brands have hurt during the year and new-vehicle sales to the end of December are likely to be down by about 35 per cent to around 65,000. The forecast for 2010 is growth of about 5 or 6 per cent.

Wilkins said that, compared to October 2008, car sales were down 26 per cent last month, light commercials down 34 per cent and heavy commercials 40 per cent. "These are massive changes for the industry to cope with."

Mitsubishi got off to a bad start of its financial year, selling fewer than 200 vehicles in April and May. "We never thought we'd be so deliriously happy with 300 or 400 units a month in August and September," said Wilkins.

The company's short-term fortunes were not helped by a decision to withdraw from the buy-back rental car market in which cars are sold to rental companies at a guaranteed buy-back price. "We had to commit to a selling price three to six months in advance of delivery and we had to commit to a buy-back price 12 or 18 months later," said Wilkins. "If you want to think about crystal ball gazing, about predicting exchange rates and predicting the market, one thing's for sure - you're going to get one of those wrong, and if you get it wrong you pay. We've never made any money out of the rental business."

The decision cost 1000 to 1200 vehicles a year - up to 1 per cent of its market share. Mitsubishi will still sell to rental companies, but not with a guaranteed buyback.

On the product front, 4WD Tritons get a 2.5 litre motor producing 133kW and 407Nm of torque (manual) or 356Nm (automatic) that has more power and lower fuel consumption than the previous 3.2-litre unit.

All but four workhorse variants have, for the first time in a Japanese 4WD ute, car-like stability and traction control as part of the Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology (MATT) package.

Top GLS versions also have Super Select transmission, long used on Pajeros, so they can be driven in four-wheel drive all the time. GL-spec workhorses lack the advanced drivetrain but continue to have the worthwhile rear-differential lock.

Two automatics are offered. The GLS uses a five-speed automatic with Sports Mode that lets drivers select and hold gears and the others have a four-speed from the previous model with Mitsubishi's Easy Select 4WD transfer.

Answering criticism of the previous model's carrying capacity, the wellside has been extended by 180mm and deepened by 55mm. Unfortunately, the extra length reduces the departure angle to 21 degrees from the previous 29 degrees, possibly a reason for the number of bumpers damaged during an off-road drive in the Wairarapa.

Pricing for the 4WD range begins at $41,990; 2WDs start at $33,990. The top 4WD GLS double cab auto costs $54,990.

The Outlander is easily recognised by its "jet fighter" grille reminiscent of Mitsubishi's performance cars. Engineering changes include Hill Start Assist and, on V6s, Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC).

Engines are carried over - there's no diesel in sight. The 2.4-litre four produces 127kW and 230Nm of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Sports Mode. The 3.0 V6 has some engineering changes and now produces 172kW of power with 296Nm of torque.

Interior changes embrace new seat, door and dash trims, a "leather look" on premium models, double stitching, chrome accents, USB inputs for audio connectivity, and a new instrument cluster. Prices start at $41,990 for the 2.4LS five-seater and top out at $54,990 for the 3.0L V6 VRX seven-seater.

In February, a front-wheel-drive seven-seat Outlander will join the range at $37,990, positioned as an alternative to conventional wagons like the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6.

A sole Challenger was displayed at the launch. Based on the Triton's chassis and using its powertrain, including MATT and a rear diff-lock, the GLS will cost $56,990 and the Exceed, $61,990. Like the ute, it's built in Thailand.

Meanwhile a new warranty covers five years or 130,000km, backed with a 10-year or 160,000km powertrain warranty. Five years' roadside assistance is included, but there's no free servicing, offered by some companies. Nor is it transferable after three years. The most common new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 100,000km.