Mitsubishi cuts back Challenger range

Mitsubishi has dropped the cheapest and most expensive versions of its Challenger SUV from the lineup and chopped the option of a third row seat.

The model 2014 rationalisation from nine variants to three comes as the Triton-based wagon rolls into its last couple of years of its life, with a new Challenger expected in 2015 or 2016.

The two-wheel drive entry-level model has gone, as has the LS manual and XLS flagship, leaving the base model four-wheel drive in manual and auto and an auto LS as the flagship.

Prices rise $1000 for the base model manual and auto models and $2000 for the auto LS, which now becomes the flagship. Full pricing is listed below.

“We wanted to focus our model lineup in areas where it makes sense, keep the model lineup tight, making it much easier to manage our sales strategy,” explained Mitsubishi Australia product planning manager James Tol.

“We did get some sales out of two-wheel drive Challenger but that’s another two models that we have to support. We haven’t reduced in any way our sales outlook but we are going to do it with a right three-model lineup and really focus on Challenger’s strengths.

“They are off-road ability and towing, which as a two-wheel drive doesn’t quite match that.”

Challenger is averaging 158 sales per month in 2013, with the two-wheel drive accounting for about 20 per cent of those. The third row option was ticked by more than 10 per cent of buyers. In 2012, the sales average was a healthier 215 per month.

Mechanical spec remains unchanged, with all versions powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 131kW and 350Nm, averaging 8.3L/100km mated with the five-speed manual transmission and 9.8L/100km paired with the five-speed auto.

The MY14 Challenger can be picked from its predecessor externally by redesigns of the grille, bumper fascia, foglight bezel, skidplate and new-look alloy wheels.

Inside the instrument panel has been revised and there is a new cloth seat and carbon-look trims. The centre stack has been revised, allowing Mitsubishi to offer its new generation touch-screen audio and sat-nav systems while retaining the off-road oriented ‘RV’ meter.

The update also allows the reversing camera image to be moved from the mirror to the 6.1-inch colour screen in the base model or the 7.0-inch screen in the LS. Park assist is also now standard across the lineup, as are Isofix child seat anchors.

With the rear-wheel drive model dropped, the Super Select low-range four-wheel drive system becomes standard across the range, including a rear differential lock. The 3000kg braked towing capacity remains unchanged.

The changes to Challenger come just weeks after Mitsubishi dropped the petrol V6 engine from its big brother, the model year 2014 Pajero.

The option of a third row seat remains available with some Pajeros and the compact Outlander SUV.

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