• Mitsubishi Motors SA has been recognised for exceptional aftersales performance for the third consecutive year.
• Mitsubishi are on the brink of an extensive product rollout over the next 12 months.
• Thanks to a close collaboration with its dealer network MMSA have been able to excel at customer satisfaction throughout the consumer life cycle.

JOHANNESBURG – In the last five years Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) have put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that their customer service, customer retention and positive brand image have been improved from their already high levels.

The result is that MMSA has been recognised as one of the star performers by Mitsubishi Motors Middle East & Africa (MMMEA) with a Platinum award, which is the highest award given to any distributor for the period under review. This accolade is awarded to countries competing in the parent company’s After Sales Business Excellence Program, which is conducted annually and represents service excellence by MMSA and its dealer network relative to other regions.

“Mitsubishi Motors SA aim to offer an extremely high-quality retail and ownership experience that dovetails perfectly with the premium and robust reputation that our range of vehicles are known for,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

This latest achievement is a result of exceeding targets in After-Sales, which includes sub-categories such as Customer Satisfaction and Retention Improvement programs as well as Spare Parts and Accessory performance. The rewards process saw Mitsubishi Motors SA judged on a 1000-point system that is incredibly robust and sets the good apart from the great.

In 2021, in their first year of participation, MMSA achieved Bronze, this was followed by Gold in 2022 and now Platinum. Such rapid improvement in a short period of time is testament to MMSA’s approach to  ‘Lifetime Customer Loyalty’ and the extraordinary growth that MMSA has achieved over the last few years.

Consistently high levels of performance in key areas such as Business Revenue, Business Development, Customer Experience and Operational Excellence saw MMSA improve once again and walk away with the Platinum award in 2023.

“Mitsubishi Motors SA’s strategy for continuous improvement includes high levels of Dealer Operating Standards within the dealer network and empowering them continue to deliver on high CSI standards. Our continual improvement in the last three years is testament to the collective effort of our Aftersales staff and the dealer network who truly embody the spirit of continuous improvement,” says Steven Terblans, General Manager: Aftersales at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). 

Mitsubishi are entering an extremely exciting phase. The all-new Outlander has just been launched in South Africa and locally Mitsubishi are on the brink of an extensive product rollout that will see the brand refresh their entire line up in the next 12 months.

“Despite this latest achievement MMSA will most certainly not rest on our laurels and will continue to innovate in order to give our customers the best possible experience when interacting with our brand while offering them an extremely competitive product line-up,” concludes Allison.

Caption:

Left to right: Ms. Smitha Kamath – Data Analyst – MMMEA, Mr. Takahiro Moteki – General Manager Middle East, Africa & South Asia Division – MMC, Mr. Peter Frangos – General Manager – After Sales Marketing – MMMEA, Mr. Yano Yutaka – President MMMEA, Steven Terblans – General Manager Aftersales – MMSA, Nic Campbell – General Manager Sales – MMSA, Jeffrey Allison – General Manager Marketing – MMSA. 

Mitsubishi drives towards growth

Mitsubishi Motors SA looks forward to continuing their growth momentum.

A variety of initiatives have been put in place to assist the Mitsubishi dealer network.

The brand will launch a number of new and updated models during 2023.

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa is looking ahead to a successful 2023 and have several strategies in place to take the brand to new heights. This includes a renewed focus on the dealer network and customers as well as the launch of a variety of new models, with the aim of increasing sales and market share. 

The continued success of the brand can be attributed to a rollout of new and updated models during 2022 including updates to the popular ASX, Pajero Sport Aspire, Xpander, Triton Heritage Edition as well as the rollout of single cab Triton models. This product offensive is set to continue into 2023 ensuring that the entire Mitsubishi range remains as fresh as possible. 

Globally, Mitsubishi’s current midterm plan focuses on steadily implementing structural reforms, enhancing growth and focusing on profitability with a target of selling 1.05 million cars during the 2022 financial year. 

Providing customers with reliable and attractive products by further advancing the genetic of 4WD and off-road performance which Mitsubishi vehicles are known for remains a key focus. 

A renewed focus on our dealer partners

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa remains committed to improving product competitiveness through product positioning and offering, will place renewed focus on building brand affinity and look forward to assisting their dealers by way of lead generation. 

“Mitsubishi understand that the dealer network is the heartbeat of the business and will be increasing the dealer network. A salesforce retention program is also in development to assist with attracting and retaining quality sales people,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). 

“In recognition of the significance of our dealer network we have improved the contribution to dealer income and strive to offer a stable and consistent stock supply across our range. As a celebration of our dealer network, we will re-introduce the dealer of the year and diamond club,” adds Allison. 

Plans for growth in a challenging environment

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa understand the importance of doing business with big business and are developing a commercial vehicle range as well as increasing throughput through cross border, fleet and rental channels. 

During 2022 Mitsubishi Motors South Africa retailed 4315 new models with the Pajero Sport, Triton and Xpander responsible for the bulk of those sales.  Mitsubishi believe that several trends will impact the new car market this year. Improvements in production output and lower logistics costs will most likely lead to an oversupply of vehicles in the SA market while rising fuel prices, increased raw material costs and current dollar strength will lead to increased vehicle prices. 

The rising cost of living is eroding middle class disposable income while low GDP growth will impact business to business buying power,” says Allison. In the regulatory environment automotive aftermarket guidelines, Financial Intelligence Centre changes as well as the move towards cleaner fuels and Euro 5 engines. 

A renewed focus on customers will see Mitsubishi Motors South Africa launch customer loyalty programs as well as a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction. 

“Despite these challenges Mitsubishi Motors South Africa believe that there is still room for growth in the segments that we compete in and will continue to offer our customers the latest in terms of product, while sticking true to the values that make Mitsubishi products what they are,” concludes Allison

• Two models with new ES specification level added to ASX line-up
• One engine option and a choice of manual transmission or CV
• TEnhanced value proposition with an extensive list of standard comfort and safety features from just R369 995
• Additional top-of-the range Aspire model expected to arrive late March 2022

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is making its range of sought-after vehicles accessible to a wider customer base with the introduction of a new ES specification level for the popular ASX. Slotting in below the two existing models, henceforth badged as LS variants, there are now two new ES derivatives in either manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The ASX ES models cater to customers who put a high premium on value for money, but still demand a proven crossover SUV with the best possible combination of attractive design, advanced technology, spaciousness, fuel economy and competitive pricing.

“The ASX was first introduced in South Africa in 2011 and since its launch, over 9300 units have been sold in South Africa, making it the most successful model for the brand in the last decade. The ASX has also opened the Mitsubishi brand to younger families seeking access to the legendary Mitsubishi way of life. The addition of the two ES models with revised specification levels now places this lifestyle within reach of buyers for whom affordability is a greater consideration,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

Apart from featuring the same powertrain combinations as the LS models, the ES additions to the range also boast the same striking exterior styling, spacious interior, upgraded seats and advanced mechanics.

Exterior

Key exterior features include LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL), as well as LED fog lamps and electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors. At the rear, ES models have LED brake lights, LED taillights, LED reverse lights and a rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp.

Interior

Standout interior features of ES-specced models include electric windows all round, fabric upholstery and manual air-conditioning. A radio/CD player is standard, while a touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available as an option. USB and accessory sockets are provided, as is Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control. Driver comfort is enhanced by the inclusion of cruise control.
The rear seats have a 60:40 split, and boot space is a respectable 406 litres with all seats in place. However, this can be expanded to 1 206 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Performance

The new ES models use the same engine as their LS siblings, this being Mitsubishi’s 2.0L MIVEC aluminium powerplant, offering 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 197 Nm at 4 200 r/min.
As with the LS specification level, the ES is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.
Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III six-step CVT offers a good combination of performance and fuel efficiency.
The ASX boasts a towing capacity of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked), making it a great getaway partner for families who seek adventure outside of the city.

Safety

As with all Mitsubishi products, safety features abound in ASX ES models. These include hill start assist (HSA) and active stability and traction control (ASTC), as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BAS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, which provides superior all-direction collision safety design, is supplemented by side impact protection beams, a collapsible steering column, brake pedal recession protection and whiplash injury reduction seats to ensure optimal occupant safety. Driver, passenger and knee airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also standard as part of the package.
ASX ES models also boast rear park distance control and a keyless operating system with a unique smart key that works within a 70 cm radius from the vehicle for easy locking and unlocking. Once inside, the driver can start the engine with the simple touch of a button.

Warranty and service

The ASX range is covered by Mitsubishi’s three-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, a three-year /60 000 km service plan and three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km or once a year.
“The ASX has proven itself to be a youthful, urbanised crossover SUV for those who appreciate quality, capability, practicality and versatility in a vehicle. With the introduction of the ES models, more South Africans will now be able to benefit from Mitsubishi’s impressive SUV heritage and unrivalled reputation, while enjoying enhanced affordability and value for money,” added Allison.
“Following the 2021 introduction of the Xpander, this is the next step in MMSA’s strategy to bring the brand to more local buyers by offering a wider range. It also marks the beginning of an extremely compelling product offensive in 2022 where we look to enhance our entire model range.”
MMSA has also confirmed the expected arrival of the limited edition ASX Aspire, which will feature refreshed exterior and interior styling.
”The Aspire nomenclature will be introduced across the Mitsubishi passenger vehicle range and will complement the Exceed derivatives. Aspire models will, however, be focused more on technology and styling enhancements,” Allison concluded.

Pricing

• The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has received a number of additional awards.
• To date the Outlander PHEV has won awards in all markets in which it has been launched.
• The Outlander is due to be launched in South Africa in 2023.

JOHANNESBURG – The Outlander, which is due to be launched in South Africa in 2023, continues to add to its long list of awards in markets across the world.

The latest accolade saw the Outlander PHEV win the Clean Car PHEV category in the New Zealand Car of the Year competition.

Mitsubishi Outlander award winner

2023 Family Green Car of the Year and top segment performer as part of the Green Car Journals 2023 Green Car Awards. 

In Japan, the Outlander PHEV managed to secure first place in the PHEV sales race, with 10 749 units sold in the first half of 2022.

2022 iF Design Award 2022 

Technology Car of the Year in the 2021-2022 Japanese Car of the Year competition thanks to its innovative technologies, eco-friendliness and safety credentials.

2022 Australian Good Design Award in the Product Design.

Five Star Award in the Vehicle Safety Performance 2021 car assessment by Japan New Car Assessment Program.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a clean and fully electric range of up to 60 kilometres, the ease of refuelling and convenience of a petrol engine, unique styling and three rows of seats.

“We feel that the award winning Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the perfect first step in cleaner motoring, without any of the drawbacks of a fully electric vehicle, while still maintaining the legendary Mitsubishi reliability, styling and capability,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The Outlander combines the efficiency of an electric vehicle with the utility of a crossover and the surefootedness that the standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system offers. This system utilises the PHEV’s unique twin electric motor configuration to allow for maximum performance and superior traction and safety across all road conditions.

“The Outlander brings together a modern design, the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating arrangement for seven passengers in three rows and we believe that this model range will be a fitting flagship when it is launched locally in 2023,” concludes Allison.

L-R – Thato Magasa (Managing Director for Mitsubishi Motors SA); Dr Mathews Phosa.

1. The first Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition has been delivered to its owner.
2. This special edition model is limited to 50 units.
3. The Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition provide owners with exclusive experiences.

JOHANNESBURG – The very first production version of the Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition has been handed over to its new owner, Dr Matthews Phosa, an avid game breeder from the Nelspruit area.

“It is an honour to hand over the keys of the first Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition to a person that has played such a big part in South Africa’s heritage and who will use the vehicle to protect our heritage with his successful game breeding operation,” says Thato Magasa, Managing Director: Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The physical hand over took place at Mitsubishi Sandton where Dr Phosa also received the limited edition owners case that contains a number of unique offerings and experiences reserved for the 50 Triton Heritage Edition owners.

The Triton Heritage Edition model was announced during heritage month and saw a number of special features added to the top of the range double cab 4×4.

This special edition is limited to 50 units, all of which are individually numbered and the purchase also includes a number of exclusive experiences at no additional charge.

The exterior of Heritage Edition model has been enhanced by a variety of black trim pieces including blacked out lower scuff plate, grille, wheel arch cladding and roof bars. The front fenders are adorned with numbered Heritage badges, solidifying its special edition status.

Additional standard equipment includes a sleekly integrated tow bar, a rubberised load bin that has been fitted with a black Keko roll bar and enclosed by a black tonneau cover.

The interior, which combines modern, high-quality materials on tough surfaces also features a numbered plaque as an extra reminder of its special edition status.

Under the bonnet is Mitsubishi’s tried and tested 2.4L MIVEC turbodiesel engine that offers 133kW at 3 500 r/min and 430Nm at 2 500 r/min, and has been mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission featuring Intelligent Shift Control.

Along with the purchase of the Triton Heritage model, buyers receive a bespoke limited edition owners case incorporating the limited-edition number, space for two keys and a host of experiential benefits.

Inside the box is also an invitation to join a bespoke 4×4 club, who’s first activity will be an experience that will allow owners to get to know their vehicle intimately under the guidance of expert instructors. This exclusive and specially curated off-roading experience, will allow these owners to experience the beauty and heritage of South Africa from the comfort of their own vehicles.

Also included in the purchase of a Heritage Edition is a card that allows access to a bespoke Heritage Edition portal where owners will be treated to VIP customer support. This VIP online portal will give Triton Heritage customers access to a direct communication line with trained Mitsubishi Motors Heritage specialists who will not only offer aftersales support but also a variety of concierge services such as personalised service bookings, latest upgrade offerings, service plan extensions and many more personalised experiences.

Tokyo, October 20, 2022 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the total sales of the Outlander PHEV model, its flagship crossover SUV, won the first place in the PHEV sales ranking1 in Japan with 10,749 units2 sold in first half of fiscal 2022. In addition, the PHEV model of the Eclipse Cross crossover SUV sold 2,430 units as second place in the PHEV category. With total sales of 13,179 units for both PHEV models, Mitsubishi Motors took the lead in the PHEV category of Japanese market with approximately 65% of total shares.

1. April to September 2022; Survey by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA)

2. Total sales of the previous generation and current generation model which launched in December 2021.

The Outlander PHEV model is Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model which brings together the best in electrification and all-wheel control technologies. Launched in Japan in December 2021, it has been highly acclaimed by customers for its bold exterior design based on the product concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” or authentic and majestic in Japanese; its convenient seating arrangement for seven passengers in three rows; and the smooth and powerful acceleration of a twin-motor 4WD. Mitsubishi Motors launched the new model in Australia and New Zealand this year and will start the sales in North America in November 2022.

The Outlander PHEV is the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV, and the all-new Outlander PHEV combines everything that has made the gasoline-powered 2022 Outlander so successful: bold styling, advanced vehicle architecture, award-winning2 interior, seven-passenger convenience and legendary Mitsubishi SUV capability. To this, the PHEV model adds an all-new version of Mitsubishi Motors’ plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain, boasting more power and torque, greater all-electric range and the latest and most sophisticated version of Mitsubishi’s confidence-inspiring Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)3 all-wheel drive system.

The seven-passenger 2023 Outlander PHEV offers up to 38 miles of all-electric range, up to 420 miles of overall range4 and is the only plug-in hybrid on the market with available DC fast-charging capability (SEL and above models), which can fill the 20kWh battery pack to 80% capacity in just 38 minutes.The 2023 Outlander PHEV also features Mitsubishi’s new “Innovative Pedal” technology, which allows near-one-pedal acceleration and deceleration, similar to full battery electric vehicles. This system further differentiates the Outlander PHEV from other plug-in hybrids, and highlights the vehicle’s electric-first design philosophy.

Outlander PHEV Line-up and Trim Level

ES

Standard equipment: 7-Passenger Seating, 18-inch Alloy Wheels, 12.3-inch Full LCD Meter Cluster Display, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW & LDP), Driver Attention Alert, Automatic High Beam (AHB), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB), Rear Parking Sensor, Push Button Start, Apple CarPlay™ And Android Auto™, Front USB Ports, 8″ Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) – SiriusXM® with 3-Month All Access Trial, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services and 24-Month Trial (+EV Features including battery capacity)

SE

All ES equipment, plus: 20-Inch Two-Tone Alloy Wheels, Heated Front Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) With Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), 9-inch Smartphone-Link Display, Audio w/ Navigation – SiriusXM® with 3-Month All Access Trial, HD Radio®, Auto Up/Down Windows for Passenger/Rear Seats, Led Front Fog Lights, Heated Door Mirrors, Front Rain-Sensing Wipers, Hands-Free Remote Power Liftgate, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob, Synthetic Leather Seating Surfaces, Multi-View Camera System, Front Parking Sensor, Smartphone Wireless Charging, Rear USB Ports, Front Heated Seats, Electric Folding Mirrors

SE w/ Tech Package

All SE equipment, plus: Power-Panoramic Sunroof, Auto-Dimming Rear-view Mirror, Bose™ Premium Audio w/ Nine Speakers

SEL

All SE equipment, plus: Leather Appointed Seating Surfaces, Key-Linked Driver Position Memory, System Including Mirrors, Reverse Auto Tilt Mirrors, Roof Rails, 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Auto-Dimming Rear-view Mirror, Heated Rear Seats, DC Fast Charging, Rear Door Pull-Up, Sunshade, Rear Seat 1500W Outlet Trunk, 1500W Outlet Passenger, 8-Way Memory Seat

SEL Touring

All SEL equipment, plus: Power Panoramic Sunroof, Heated Steering Wheel, Head-Up Display, Bose Premium Audio w/ Nine Speakers, Pull-Up Rear Window Shades

SEL Premium

All SEL Touring equipment, plus: Semi-Aniline Premium Leather Seats, Black Roof, Massage Function Driver & Passenger Seat40th Anniversary Edition

All SEL Premium equipment, plus: Black Diamond Paint w/ Bronze Roof, Limited

40th Anniversary Badges

As a result of its research and development of electrified vehicles since 1964, Mitsubishi Motors launched the i-MiEV – the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle – in 2009. The company then introduced the Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV – in 2013, and added the Eclipse Cross PHEV model to the line-up in 2020. The company has been taking the lead in the PHEV category with approximately 310,000 units of Outlander PHEV sold in more than 60 countries around the world. With these solutions, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to contribute to solving climate change and energy-related problems and achieve carbon neutrality.

“The multi-award winning Mitsubishi Outlander’s body style has surpassed the conventional sedan in popularity, mostly because of functionality. This makes the spacious, but stylish Outlander a perfect fit for our local SA launch early in 2023,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) today held the world premiere of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept, a compact SUV concept car, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The car will be on display at Vietnam Motor Show 2022 to be held from October 26 to 30.

With the concept of being the “best-suited buddy for an exciting life,” the Mitsubishi XFC Concept is a next-generation compact SUV that offers the powerful and imposing design of an SUV. The XFC promotes ease of handling and ample cargo space, comfort, including class-leading interior space and safety, secure road and rough surface handling even on wet slippery surfaces.

“The launch of the new compact SUV will be sequentially in the ASEAN markets including Vietnam in 2023*,” said Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). “An electrified variant to the lineup is also planned and to also roll it out in regions outside ASEAN. We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle which will include South Africa, making it a core model like our sales-leading Xpander crossover MPV.”

The Mitsubishi XFC Concept complements Mitsubishi Motors’ wide range of products tailored to the ASEAN market — the Triton pickup truck and its derivative, the Pajero Sport midsize SUV; the Outlander and Outlander PHEV midsize SUVs; the Xpander and Xpander Cross crossover MPVs.

Powerful and imposing design  

In line with Mitsubishi Motors’ design philosophy of Robust & Ingeniousness, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept combines a compact yet powerful and imposing aura of an SUV with a sleek surface that forms one continuous flow, starting from the three-diamond emblem on the front and extending to the sides and rear. This gives it a stylish and sporty profile to match the cityscapes. In addition, with enhanced road handling on rough surfaces thanks to ample ground clearance and large-diameter wheels, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept expresses both toughness and agility while featuring an authentic SUV styling that stands out in outdoor scenes.

At the front, the Dynamic Shield concept, which expresses both performance and protection, has evolved in line with the concept. The L-shaped headlight in the headlight unit’s upper portion combines with the louver-like daytime running lights (DRL) below to light up in an iconic T-shape, which shows a sense of broadness. The sides of the body are composed of rich, muscular surfaces, with sculpted front and rear fender flares and character lines expressing the power and dynamism of an SUV. Like the front, the rear also features T-shaped tail lights to create a rear styling that accentuates wideness and stability.

The interior offers ease of operation and comfort – essential for an SUV. The instrument panel has a horizontally themed design, making it easier to sense changes in the vehicle’s posture when driving on rough surfaces while also improving forward visibility. Meanwhile, the dynamic design extending from the instrument panel to the door trim, along with a series of soft padding, give a sense of enclosure and protection to create a secure and comfortable interior. 

Utility provided by ease of handling and ample cargo space

 The Mitsubishi XFC Concept is designed for ease of operation, providing good forward visibility, easy perception of the vehicle’s dimensions, and smooth handling. The instrument panel features a large display panel integrating a full digital driver display and a centre display that can show three separate information layouts, such as navigation, road surface conditions, and other information necessary for driving. The screen assists in providing a safe and comfortable driving environment while also expressing a sense of advanced design. Despite its compact body size, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept is also designed for utility with ample cargo space.

Comfort provided by class-leading interior space

 Although it is a compact SUV, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept comes with a spacious cabin area, generous legroom in the rear seats and offers top-level comfort in its class. Moreover, everyone on board can feel safe and reassured, with vehicle stability control in slippery road conditions and high-quality ride comfort.

Safe and reliable driving on rough and flooded roads

 With plenty of ground clearance and four drive modes — Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud — the Mitsubishi XFC Concept offers a fun, safe and secure ride in various weather and road conditions. The Wet mode, introduced for the first time in a Mitsubishi vehicle, is designed with use in ASEAN countries in mind, such as enabling safe driving even on roads flooded by sudden showers

• Outlander PHEV recognised for its innovation, eco-friendliness and safety credentials
• A leader in the PHEV market with 290 000 cumulative sales
• Third consecutive year of recognition in prestigious Japanese awards

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced that the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative of the all-new Outlander crossover SUV has been crowned as the Technology Car of the Year in the 2021-2022 Car of the Year Japan Awards for its innovative technologies, eco-friendliness and safety credentials.

The awards jury were unanimous in their praise for the revamped PHEV system of the all-new Outlander, which has increased the output of the front and rear motors, as well as for the extended total driving range made possible by increasing the battery and fuel tank capacity. The Outlander PHEV model was also recognised for its evolved Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system. Based on twin-motor 4WD, it allows nimble handling that is not normally associated with an SUV.

The all-new Outlander PHEV model is Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model, bringing together the company’s expertise in electrification and all-wheel control technologies, while also incorporating a newly developed platform and an array of advanced technologies. Based on the product concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” – or authentic and majestic in Japanese – the all-new model has been given significant upgrades all over, from the body and chassis to the powertrain. After its launch in 2013, the previous-generation Outlander PHEV was rolled out in global markets including Japan, Europe, Oceania, North America and ASEAN, and has been a leader in the PHEV category with more than 290 000 total units sold thus far.

About the 2021-2022 Car of the Year Japan

The 42nd Car of the Year Japan Awards were given to models that premiered or went on sale in the Japanese market between November 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021. This year, the 10 Best Cars were selected on November 5, and after the 10 Best Test Drive on November 24, the jury voted for each award. The results were announced on December 10, and winners were selected for the 2021-2022 Car of the Year, Import Car of the Year, Design Car of the Year, Technology Car of the Year, Performance Car of the Year, and K Car of the Year.

This marks the third consecutive year that Mitsubishi Motors has been recognised in the prestigious Car of the Year Japan awards. In 2018 the eK X (pronounced eK cross) and eK wagon won the Small Mobility award in 2019, and in 2020 the eK X space and eK space which were named K Car of the Year.

“This is but the latest of many awards for the Outlander PHEV,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. “In October this year it won a Good Design Award in Japan, where the panel of judges praised Mitsubishi for creating a plug-in hybrid mid-sized SUV that also offers a third row of seats.”

The 2022 Outlander also earned Mitsubishi its first-ever Wards 10 Best Interiors trophy on the strength of is distinctive design, advanced technology and outstanding value. Judges commented on its premium and luxurious design and finish, which one would normally expect to find on much more expensive vehicles.

“The Outlander PHEV is the ultimate SUV, combining all the versatility of a large family car with the ultra-low carbon footprint that’s possible with a plug-in hybrid. Being recognised with these accolades in the Car of the Year Awards is further proof that Mitsubishi continues to be at the forefront of advances in mobility and speaks to the brand’s commitment to creating vehicles that are both trendsetting and highly desirable,” concludes Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.