The year 1998 has been marked with the entry of one of the famous and one of the largest car manufacturers in Indian market, Mitsubishi Motors. This company is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Keiretsu Motors of Japan and Hindustan Motors of India. All the vehicles of this company have their own distinct characteristic. Though Mitsubishi has always been famous for the pricey vehicles and is also termed as one of the less competitive brand because of the same. So today lets explore that why is it so that this brand has marked each of its vehicle a bit higher than their peers.
Mitsubishi Evo-X
Ok so tell me what do you expect out of family car, sedan to be specific? Average interiors, average power, average ride quality and average features, right? So, in a way this car becomes one of its kind cars. This car is tagged as the family car by the company but this car delivers a 300Bhp of maximum power, has the ability of crossing the 100 kmph mark in just 6.4 seconds and what not. I simply don’t understand the need to term it as a family. Even the looks of this car is one of those sports cars available in the market. But still the demand of this car is less than expected. Oh what did you say just now, Rs 51 lakhs ok, thank you bye bye. May be this is the reason behind its not so happy sales. Anyways, this car possesses amazing looks, like the cars seen in those gaming arcades. To top it up this car is blessed with the ultimate grip and handling like those of super cars. The cabin provides a luxurious feel though it isn’t tagged as one. Ultimately this car is a purchase directed from heart but not mind because if you are going to use your brain then I’m sure you’re not going to take this car home.
Engine Options:
1998cc
Powertrain:
6 speed automatic
Power:
290 Bhp @3700 rpm
Torque:
37.3 Kgm @3500 rpm
Thumbs Up:
The ultimate driving experience it delivers.
Thumbs Down:
Price
Head on Competitors:
Mercedes E-class, BMW 5 series
The Catch:
Rs 51 lakhs
Mitsubishi Pajero
Launched in 2002 this car has grown old enough to leave the market for the new and modern SUV’s in town. But this car still holds the sales department in its category. Why? The reason is simple this car has what these modern SUV’s lack. This SUV has enough grunt to keep these newly manufactured vehicles at bay. Also this car is a darling when we talk about the off-road ability of it. Though this SUV sings another tune on road but still this car is definitely amongst the best SUVs available in India. This SUV is available in only a single engine option. The engine performs really well but ‘still can do better’ tag is attached to it. The ride is little bit bumpy, interiors are little out of date and the dynamics makes you realise that this is not a modern SUV. Anyways if you have the real passion for driving off roads, then this is amongst the best possible option.
Engine Options:
2835cc
Powertrain:
5 speed manual
Power:
117 Bhp @4000 rpm
Torque:
29.7 Kgm @2000 rpm
Thumbs Up:
Off road skills
Thumbs Down:
Interiors, lacks in power
Head on Competitors:
Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour
The Catch:
Rs 20.1 lakhs
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Lancer has been famous for its handling, ride quality and steering feedback. The same can be assured about the Mitsubishi Outlander as it has been developed on the same platform as that of Lancer. This SUV delivers an ultimate on road performance unlike Mitsubishi Pajero which also falls under the same price tag. The petrol engine of this SUV is very efficient. This SUV has been blessed with the aggressive and sporty look. Interiors of this SUV are really comfortable and offer a quality ride. The problem of this car is the very feature that makes it unique from others which is the CVT. Also this continuously variable transmission makes it a less fuel efficient vehicle. So, this SUV is good but it can still do better, I mean I would still prefer Mitsubishi Pajero over it anytime.
Engine Options:
2360cc
Powertrain:
CVT with paddle shifts
Power:
167 Bhp @6000 rpm
Torque:
23 Kgm @4100 rpm
Thumbs Up:
Appeal, ride quality, handling and engine performance
Thumbs Down:
CVT seems to be a bit irritating, not very fuel efficient.
Head on Competitors:
Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail
The Catch:
Rs 20 lakhs
Mitsubishi Montero
One of my friend said that Mitsubishi Montero comes for a price of Audi Q7. I didn’t believe it but it’s somewhat true. This seven seater SUV from one of the largest manufacturers is available in the range of Rs 38 lakhs to Rs 41 lakhs. Except for the Toyota Prado, this is the only big size SUV which is available at such price. This SUV is a well built and well crafted vehicle. This SUV is well known for its ability on highways. It is one of the perfect vehicles for off road experience. Ride quality is a bit average but to compensate that the inside has been equipped with many comfort features which will keep you engrossed to forget about the ride quality. So it delivers less but charges more. Rest you are capable enough to understand.
Engine Options:
3200cc
Powertrain:
5 speed manual\ automatic
Power:
165 Bhp @3500 rpm
Torque:
39.3 Kgm @2000 rpm
Thumbs Up:
Off road ability and the comfort.
Thumbs Down:
Price
Head on Competitors:
Audi Q5, Toyota Prado and Land Rover Freelander 2
The Catch:
Rs 38 lakhs to Rs 40.5 lakhs
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Lancer is according to me, the oldest Mitsubishi vehicle in India. Still this car manages to scrape through the sales figures. No, it’s not still out from the market yet, as it is still available in the BSIII cities. The age marks are clearly visible on its body and the signs of its ageing are quite prominent. No wonder there are many other options available in town as it is just available in BSIII cities. This car was earlier known for its overall performance but now under the influence of better and newer vehicles in this category it is nowhere even close to the good overall performance tag. The best features about this car would be the space provided inside and the ride quality it offers. Beside the rest of the things are shady for me, you decide yours.
Engine Options:
1468cc\ 1998cc
Powertrain:
5 speed manual
Power:
88 Bhp @5500 rpm\ 67 Bhp @4500 rpm
Torque:
12.9 Kgm @3000 rpm\ 12 Kgm @3000 rpm
Thumbs Up:
Space and ride quality
Thumbs Down:
Style and overall performance
Head on Competitors:
Suzuki SX4
The Catch:
Rs 7.5 lakhs to Rs 8.5 lakhs
Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia
Unlike its predecessor, Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia is one of the coolest sedans available in town. This car is available in only a single engine option. But this engine works absolutely fine for this car. Performance is really good. Unlike just the Lancer, Lancer Cedia has a great overall performance. The look of this car is sporty and aggressive. But then the price of this car is a bit of hesitation for its purchase decision. I guess the company should start rethinking over its pricing strategy in order to be more competitive in the market. Anyways, as far as the negative aspects of this car are concerned, it is bit pricey and also has a bit of bumpy ride quality.
Engine Options:
1999cc
Powertrain:
5 speed manual
Power:
114 Bhp @5250 rpm
Torque:
17.2 Kgm @4250 rpm
Thumbs Up:
Overall performance
Thumbs Down:
Bumpy ride and its price.
Head on Competitors:
Skoda Octavia and Honda City
The Catch:
Rs 9 lakhs
