The car with no name...
Mitsubishi has launched the RVR compact crossover vehicle in Japan, priced at around $25,000, but its local name is still a closely guarded secret...Compact crossover vehicles are becoming must-haves for major brands who want to attract young, single customers to the fold -- predominantly small car buyers -- and Mitsubishi's RVR is shaping up as a serious contender.
The new model has just gone on sale in Japan, priced from 1,785,000 yen, which is about A$22,000, and will be launched next in Europe after its Geneva motor show debut, where it will be badged ASX.
Mitsubishi's compact crossover is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2010 but local pricing is still to be decided. Even the vehicle's name for the local market has not yet been finalised, but Lenore Fletcher, Head of Corporate Communications at Mitsubishi Motors Australia, told the Carsales Network that the company was "Very close to a name -- we should be able to reveal it in April."
Fletcher added that there was a shortlist of about three names for the Australian-spec RVR compact crossover vehicle, but would not reveal them. It's safe to say the Scorpion nameplate won't be making a comeback...
Pricing for the new model will be "....between Outlander and Lancer," said Fletcher, who also confirmed the Nissan Dualis will be a direct rival. Logic would then suggest a starting price of around $25,000.
The Japanese-spec RVR model is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine hooked up to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) but European models -- and possibly the Oz version too -- could benefit from diesel power.
A regenerative braking system combines with the Mitsubishi RVR's aerodynamics and efficient engine to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, though it's not clear if the former system will be offered in Australia.
Other features on the Japanese RVR yet to be confirmed for the local market include a large panoramic glass sunroof complete with LED illumination, a hard disc drive navigation system with USB port, Bluetooth and audio player connectivity and even a digital TV tuner.
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