Japanese importer Mitsubishi has just introduced a swag of limited-edition Platinum models to give a boost to new year sales.
Platinum variants embrace major sellers Lancer, Pajero, Outlander and ASX. In all cases, except the Pajero where Platinum specification adds $1,000, prices are identical to regular models.
Perhaps the most impressive value in the Platinum line-up is the ES-based Lancer version, which adds both reversing camera and reversing sensors, leather seat trim, heated front seats with power adjustment on the driver's side, leather-rimmed steering wheel with voice-activated Bluetooth and a body kit with side air dams and boot spoiler that is enhanced by 16-inch alloys and chrome exhaust tips.
Pre on-road pricing is identical to the regular entry-level ES on which it based, at $21,690 for the manual and $24,190 for the CVT version.
Mitsubishi describes the Platinum Lancer as a limited edition model, but does not quote actual numbers available.
However the Platinum edition Outlander SUV will be limited to 1000 units, once again at identical prices to the model on which it is based – in this case the entry LS version.
The Platinum Outlander is available in two-wheel or all-wheel drive versions and offers the choice of manual or CVT transmission. It adds reversing camera and reversing sensors, utilising (like the Lancer) a display screen built into the electro chromatic rearview mirror. The Platinum two-wheel drive Outlander also gains the side and curtain airbags already standard on regular 4x4 LS models.
Like the Lancer, the Platinum Outlander gets leather trim, with heated seats up front, as well as a powered driver's perch, Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel and a touch of silver brightwork on door handles, console panel and rear door trim. Externally, it gets "fog" lamps and a chrome-tipped muffler.
Pre on-road pricing for 4x2 manual and CVT versions is $29,340 and $31,480 respectively, once again identical to regular LS editions. Likewise the 4x4 versions, which are priced at $33,490 and $35,990 respectively for manual and auto variants.
Mitsubishi's mini-Outlander, the ASX, gets the Platinum treatment too, but in 2WD form only. Again identically priced to the base 2WD models, the Platinum ASX gains reversing camera and sensors, leather seats, heated up front and powered on the driver's side, steering wheel mounted Bluetooth controls, "fog" lamps and chrome exhaust tip.
As with the Lancer, no mention is made of how limited the Platinum ASX build will be.
The Pajero off-roader is the only Platinum version to ask for a price premium but, like the 2000-vehicle build, it is limited to just $1,000 more than the regular GLX on which it is based.
Pajero Platinum adds privacy glass, chrome door handles and mirrors, side steps, "fog" lamps and a chrome grille. Inside, there's Mitsubishi's Multi Communication System (MMCS) with voice command, leather-rimmed steering wheel and gearshift, rear air-conditioning, and an 850-Watt Rockford Fosgate 12-speaker sound system. A reversing camera, dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing wipers also make the cut.
The Platinum Pajero is tagged at $59,990 before on-road costs compared with the regular GLX at $58,990.
At last count in December 2011 Mitsubishi was sitting in seventh position on the Australian sales ladder with a small rise in sales compared with 2010.
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