Mitsubishi's 30th anniversary value-added models

Mitsubishi has announced limited edition models to observe the 30th anniversary of the company's acquisition of Chrysler Australia and all its holdings.

ASX, Challenger, Lancer, Outlander, Pajero and Triton all get the value-added treatment and, in many cases, the special edition models feature additional 2012 upgrade items as well as the extras that would normally come at extra cost. Many of the upgraded models now come as standard with a reversing camera, which is a fitting feature for a company looking back over 30 years of history.

The ASX is one such model to score a reversing camera, now standard for all variants sold from the start of the new model year. In addition, the 30th Anniversary ASX — based on the 2WD model powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine with a choice of manual transmission or CVT — offers leather seat trim, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. Outwardly identifiable by 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome muffler tip, privacy glass, exclusive badging and a body kit, the limited edition ASX is available in five colours: White, Cool Silver, Black, Titanium and Kingfisher Blue.

Pricing for the limited edition ASX is $3000 above the manufacturer's list price of the standard car, but Mitsubishi claims the added equipment represents a $6000 boost in value.

Challenger, as a 30th anniversary edition, can be ordered in four-wheel drive, or the new-for-2012 rear-wheel drive configuration (pictured). Leather-bound steering wheel and gear knob, climate control, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and eight-speaker audio are standard features for the limited edition model, which also gains a reversing camera, side-impact and curtain airbags, exclusive badging, privacy glass and front fog lights.

The limited edition model is priced the same as the standard models, but offers $3000 worth of extra value, according to Mitsubishi. For 2012, the on-going Challenger range expands with the addition of two-wheel drive variants.

Challenger LS and XLS models come with the reversing camera as standard, but the two-wheel drive variants — also available with the choice of manual or automatic transmission — can only be ordered with the reversing camera as part of an option pack. The LS and XLS variants are also sold with a new USB port, and air conditioning has been improved for seven-seat Challenger variants.

Offered as either a sedan or a Sportback, the 30th anniversary Lancer is based on the VR level of trim — with no hike in price over the standard car — but additionally features leather-trimmed heated seats, electrically-adjustable driver's seat and privacy glass. Colours available are: White Solid, Black Mica, Cool Silver, Titanium and Lightning Blue.

Like the ASX, the Lancer has been upgraded for 2012 with a reversing camera, although the safety feature is part of an extra-cost option pack for the Lancer ES. The small car gains soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, including leather inserts for the door trims. As the entry-level model, the Lancer ES now features electrically-assisted steering, seat fabric is upgraded, inner door handles are now chrome, a dark silver finish is specified for the decorative trim pieces and the Sportback boasts a new rear spoiler.

VR and VRX are mildly revised externally, with corner airdams for the front of the VR and the VRX adopts a Ralliart-style frontal treatment (grille/bumper) and 18-inch alloy wheels. Gloss black decorative trim, leather-trimmed heated seats and electric adjustment for the driver's seat are new features for the Lancer VRX.

The Lancer Ralliart rides on a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel and the interior now incorporates gloss black trim and a new design of seat fabric. Mitsubishi claims that the ES and VR variants are now more economical, with posting figures of 6.8L/100km for the manual and 7.2L/100km for the CVT.

All Outlander models for 2012 are subject to a targeted upgrade program, with the reversing camera incorporated in an option pack for the LS variants of the compact SUV. A subtle facelift for the Outlander LS comprises a chrome grille ring and body-colour door handles. Inside the upholstery for the dash and door panels now resembles leather, seat trim has been revised and a warm/cool box is added to the standard specification. At the entry level, only the seven-seat Outlander LS 4WD comes equipped with Bluetooth, reversing sensors and reverse parking camera as standard.

The Outlander XLS now comes with partial leather seat trim, chrome grille ring, body-colour door handles and reverse parking camera. Bluetooth, reversing camera, warm/cool box, a revised seat trim fabric and the upgraded features of the Outlander LS are also bundled in the VR level of trim. These include leather-look dash and door upholstery.

Priced as for the standard models, the 30th anniversary variants are enhanced with 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass, exclusive badging, leather-trim seats, heated front seats, Bluetooth 2.0 with steering wheel controls, and Smart Key keyless entry. Side-impact and curtain airbags are fitted in two-wheel drive variants and five-seat models come with the reverse-parking sensors and reversing camera now also available in continuing 4WD variants. Mitsubishi claims the extra equipment is worth $2000.

Like other models in the range, the Pajero is also revised for 2012 and has spawned a 30th anniversary edition. The upgrades for the new model year consist of a mild facelift, standard reversing camera for Pajero GLX, GLS and VRX grades (already standard for the Exceed variants) and minor changes to the cabin — basically a migration to red-hued dash lights and an auto-up/down facility for the driver's power window switch.

Privacy glass, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, chrome radiator grille, silver roof rails, Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) with Voice Command via steering wheel controls, an 850-watt Rockford Acoustic Design 12 Speaker Premium Audio System, reversing camera and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror are all additional features of the GLX-based Pajero 30th anniversary edition — elevating the vehicle's value by $6500, according to Mitsubishi, for just $1350 above the retail price of the donor model.

Mitsubishi's Triton pick-up range introduces two new variants for 2012: the 4x2 GLX-R Double Cab and the 4x4 GL-R Club Cab. The former is a 4x2 version of the existing GLX-R Double Cab model in the range, while the latter is based on the upgraded Triton GLX for 2012. Additional features for the new variant include: a rear step bumper, side steps, stylish front bumper, 16-inch alloys and a sports bar.

Changes for the entire 2012 Triton range include the inclusion of ABS and EBD for the base GL single cab Triton, and stability control and traction control for the GLX single cab. Both these variants are now equipped with sports seats, vinyl flooring, floor console with lid and driver's seat height adjustment. Stability and traction control systems are also added to the specification of the Triton 4x2 GLX Double Cab Diesel. This vehicle and the 4x2 GL-R Double Cab collectively add a rear centre three point seat belt and head restraint plus centre arm rest with cup holder. The 4x2 GL-R Double Cab is also facelifted, with a new front bumper and grille.

The most affordable 4x4 in the range, the Triton GLX Single Cab, can be picked by new 16-inch steel wheels and front fender flares. Inside sports seats and vinyl flooring are specified, as is a floor console with lid and driver’s seat height adjustment. Active Stability and traction control (ASTC) is now standard.

Triton 4x4 GLX Club Cab also gains ASTC, the 16-inch wheels and front and rear fender flares — and is now rated to 3000kg towing capacity.

A 30th anniversary model is based on the Triton 4x4 GLX-R, but also features Mitsubishi Power Sound System with eight speakers and amplifier, leather seat trim, power driver’s seat and leather console lid. Price is as for the standard vehicle, but the limited edition model is worth $2000 more, according to Mitsubishi.

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