Mitsubishi Challenger Car Review

FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety Overall Rating Model Reviewed Mitsubishi Challenger XLS auto diesel, 7 seater $58,890* Other models priced from LS 5 speed manual diesel $44,490* What we liked it. It is what it is; a true 4WD with a good list of comfort features What we didn’t Noisy engine

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Right let’s get down to business, because this car means business. It is purpose built for lugging around the crew or towing the boat, caravan and horse float. While it does have plenty of creature comforts, the car lacks refinement, as the noise from the diesel engine reverberates every inch of the drive. It feels more like a truck or work horse than a car. Firstly you have to literally climb up into it-great for ground clearance when off roading, not so good when you have a skirt on. The roar of the torquey diesel engine is great for hauling but felt very out of place in the Chatswood Chase car park. Finally the car has rolls and swings through round-a-abouts like the cha cha at Luna Park in the ‘70s.

You see, the new Challenger, which was launched last year, is a pretty serious 4WD, not a pretender. The fact that it is only available with a diesel engine is a testament to this. There are 2 models to choose from the LS and the XLS. With the LS you have a choice of 5 speed manual or auto, while the XLS is only available with an auto transmission. We test drove the top of the line XLS.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

Apart from the noise, I did enjoy driving it on the freeway and felt pretty safe as we escaped the city for the long weekend. Driver visibility is great out of the front, sides and rear. Rear parking was made even easier with the rear parking camera and rear parking sensors. Visibility for the rear passengers was also great in the second row as the windows are large and low and the seat is up fairly high. Visibility out of the 3^rd row was OK too.

Goodies we like (which are all standard) include remote central locking, audio and cruise control buttons located on the steering wheel, climate control air conditioning and comfy leather seats. We also really liked the touch screen sat nav and entertainment system.

Safety

The Challenger has been awarded a 4 star ANCAP safety rating (out of 5). You’ve got 6 airbags (front passenger and driver front and side airbags and curtain airbags), ABS brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Active Stability Control and Active Traction Control. What we didn’t like was the 2^nd row centre passenger seatbelt. It comes down from the ceiling and is difficult to get it to sit properly with an 8 year old as it kept sliding across their neck.

Rear Passenger Comfort

My 8 year old girls loved travelling in the second row as they could. see out really well. They also like the door pockets and bottle holders in each of the doors and the centre armrest with 2 cup holders. The 3^rd row passengers are not forgotten. While the leg room is tight for 2 adults, 2 kids can sit in there really comfortable. These passengers also get 2 cup holders, located on the right hand side as well as an air vent and control.

Storage

There are plenty of storage options including a total of 10 cup/bottle holders throughout the car. All 4 doors have storage as well as a bottle holder which holds a 400ml bottle of water. There is also a sunglasses holder, glove box, deep front centre console box and a couple of storage nooks in the front centre dash. There is also a clever under floor storage area in the boot that can be used even when all 7 seats are in use.

The boot space with 5 seats in use is good, but not deep. Also the wheel arches reduce some of the space. When all 7 seats are in use there is a small amount of boot space. We got in 6 supermarket shopping bags, but it would struggle to take anymore than 2 school back packs.

Green Factor

It’s a pretty big heavy car so its fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100kms when on the open road is pretty good, although the Toyota Prado (auto, diesel, 7 seats) has better fuel consumption at 8.5 litres combined cycle, with lower carbon dioxide emissions of 225gms/km.

Towing Capacity

The towing capacity is OK as you can haul up to 2,500kgs with a braked trailer. If you’re after something even more serious, check at the Nissan Pathfinder as it can tow up to 3,000kgs.

Overall View

The Challenger has been designed for people who want their 4WD to behave like a 4WD. It will never claim the title of a Toorak Tractor as this car is far more comfortable at equestrian events or off to the holiday house with boat in tow.

If you are considering this car, you may also like to test drive the Toyota Prado or Nissan Pathfinder.

Like this car for your family? Find this and more at carsales.com.au. Search now.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	7
Airbags:	6 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Active Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	10
CD player:	Yes
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	5 speed auto
Engine:	2.5 litre
Fuel type:	Turbo diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	9.8 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	259gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	5/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Towing capacity:	2,500kgs braked trailer 750kgs unbraked trailer
ANCAP safety rating:
Warranty:	10 year/160,000 kms with 24 hour roadside assistance
Price:	$58,890*

*Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Mitsubishi dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: April 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye