MITSUBISHI GRANDIS

MITSUBISHI GRANDIS

POWERED BY AN ADVANCED TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE, MITSUBISHI’S SLEEK SEVEN-SEAT GRANDIS NOW OFFERS THE IDEAL COMBINATION OF PERFORMANCE, ECONOMY, PACKAGING INTELLIGENCE AND STYLE

2006 GRANDIS - KEY FACTS

Class-leading 2.0-litre DI-D engine with standard six-speed manual gearbox added to already established petrol Grandis line-up in September 2005
1968cc pump-jet four-cylinder diesel engine meets Euro IV standards without the need for particulate filter
Diesel engine develops a healthy 134bhp at 4000rpm and 229lb ft of torque at 1750rpm for a 121mph top speed, 10.8second sprint to 62mph, a CO₂ rating of 176g/km and a 43mpg combined cycle economy figure
Also available with Euro IV-compliant 2.4-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine, which develops 162bhp at 6000rpm and 159lb ft of torque at 4000rpm 0-62mph in 11.7sec, 118mph top speed, 28.2mpg combined economy and CO₂rating of 237g/km
6-speed manual gearbox standard with diesel engine and INVECS II automatic standard with 2006 petrol range
Four model line-up for 2006 model year range – Classis, Equippe, Elegance and flagship Warrior - with a price range of £19,914 to £23,914
Generous standard equipment levels include innovative ‘Hide & Seat’ third row of seats, eight airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, Isofix seats, passenger airbag deactivator switch, climate control, remote central locking, 17inch alloy wheels, six speaker CD stereo system with MP3, leather steering wheel and gearknob alarm and immobiliser
Diesel engine to dominate Grandis sales with 85% of UK
MPV customers opting for diesel variants
‘Hide & Seat’ third row of seats fold into the floor for ultimate seven-seat flexibility
Lower, sportier and sharper than its competitors
Rack and pinion steering, MacPherson strut front and space-saving semi-trailing arm rear suspension revised to deliver enhanced passenger comfort and driver dynamism
Service intervals of 12,500 miles or 12 months
3 years unlimited mileage warranty, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty and 3 years pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance

GRANDIS – OVERVIEW

Class-leading 134bhp diesel engine added to Mitsubishi’s acclaimed MPV range
Class-leading driving dynamics enhanced with suspension and steering revisions
Class-leading equipment levels increased across the range
Prices range from £19,914 to £23,744
4,700 total Grandis sales expected in 2006

Mitsubishi Motors has launched a full-scale attack on the UK MPV market with the addition of a class-leading 2.0 litre 134bhp diesel engine to its acclaimed Grandis seven-seat people carrier. Four specifications are available priced from £19,914 to £23,744 ranging from the entry-level Classic to the range-topping Grandis Warrior.

The Grandis may be an MPV, but performance is very much a priority. Turbo-charged with 1,968cc this new DOHC 16 valve Euro IV compliant diesel engine is equipped with a pump-jet injection system developing 134bhp at 4,000rpm and 310Nm at 1,750rpm. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, this state-of-the-art Volkswagen-sourced engine gives the 1,690kg Grandis DI-D top league performance with a maximum speed of 121mph, a 0-62 dash time of 10.8 seconds and, most importantly, an economical combined fuel consumption figure of 43mpg.

Lower, sportier and sharper than its competitors, the 2006 model year Grandis also benefits from a number of dynamic improvements to its steering and suspension layouts. The Mitsubishi’s rack and pinion steering, MacPherson strut front and space-saving semi-trailing arm rear suspension have been revised to further enhance driver feedback and boost passenger ride comfort.

Being an MPV, practicality is also a priority for Grandis and it remains one of the only full-size MPVs to have a rear row of seats that can be individually folded away into the floor in a simple operation that takes seconds. This feature, called “Hide & Seat™”, creates extra luggage capacity without the problems of folding, removing, carrying and storing heavy seats.

Four equipment-packed specifications are available in the Grandis range; Classic, Equippe, Elegance and the range-topping Warrior. Introduced in December 2004, the high-specification Warrior has become a hit with customers and is expected to be the top seller within the revised range taking an estimated 50% of total sales in 2006.

Grandis is, however, as much about substance as it is about style with every model in the range packed with important safety features including ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), driver and passenger front and side airbags plus curtain airbags for the first and second row of seats.

Sales
Launched in July 2004 with a 2.4 petrol engine, Grandis has already proven to be a big hit in the UK taking 16% of the petrol MPV segment, impressing customers with both its stunning exterior design and interior functionality. Now with a state-of-the-art diesel engine added to the mix, Mitsubishi expects to have a real impact within the market.

The UK MPV segment is still growing and in 2004 was worth close to 60,000 units, 85% of which was made up of diesel-engine models. In 2006, the first full year of sales, Mitsubishi Motors UK expects to achieve around 4,700 sales of which 4,000 will be the Grandis DI-D.

Mitsubishi Motors was one of the first to enter the MPV segment with the Space Wagon in February 1983. The new Grandis, while not a direct replacement for Space Wagon, is an evolution of the MPV concept created to be sleek, distinctive with flexibility that reflects the real needs of MPV customers.

As with all Mitsubishi models, the Grandis comes with a comprehensive 3-year unlimited mileage and 12-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty along with the reassurance of three years pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance. Service intervals for Grandis are 12,500 miles/12 months.

Quick Reference Charts - 2006 model year Grandis

Model	0-62	Top Speed mph	Bhp/Rpm	Combined mpg	CO₂ g/km	VED
Grandis DI-D Manual	10.8	121	134/4000	43	176	E
Grandis 2.4 Petrol Automatic	11.7	118	162/6000	28	237	G

Variant	Engine	Transmission	OTR Price	Insurance
Classic	2.0 DI-D 2.4 MIVEC	Manual Automatic	£19,914	13D 13D
			£20,049
Equippe	2.0 DI-D 2.4 MIVEC	Manual Automatic	£21,814	14D 14D
			£21,949
Elegance	2.0 DI-D 2.4 MIVEC	Manual Automatic	£23,314	14D 14D
			£23,449
Warrior	2.0 DI-D 2.4 MIVEC	Manual Automatic	£23,914	15D 15D
			£24,049

GRANDIS - MODEL LINE-UP

Grandis range made up of four exceptionally well specified models – Classic, Equippe, Elegance and flagship Warrior
2006 model year range prices range from £19,914 to £23,914.
6-speed manual transmission standard on diesel variants and INVECS II automatic on petrol models
Generous standard equipment levels include ‘Hide & Seat’ third row of seats, eight airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, Isofix seats, climate control, leather steering wheel, remote central locking, 17inch alloy wheels, alarm and immobiliser, and a six-speaker CD stereo system wit MP3
Diesel Warrior specification expected to account for over 50% of total Grandis diesel sales in 2006

The Grandis DI-D line-up will follow that set by the petrol range with the now familiar Classic, Equippe, Elegance and Warrior model line-up. Although Grandis DI-D pricing will be ultra-competitive, all models will come with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment as standard.

Value for money is peerless in this sector – the entry level Grandis Classic, priced at £19,914 (£20,049 for petrol engine) comes with Mitsubishi’s innovative ‘Hide & Seat’ third row of seats fitted as standard, as well as eight airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, Isofix seats, climate control, leather steering wheel, remote central locking, 17inch alloy wheels, alarm and immobiliser, and a six-speaker CD stereo system with MP3 all fitted as standard. It’s a comprehensive list that no similarly priced rival can come close to matching.

The Grandis in ‘Warrior’ guise which was launched with a 2.4 MIVEC petrol engine in December 2004 was, as expected, a showroom hit and Mitsubishi expects the eye-catching flagship model to account for an impressive 50% of the 4000 total diesel Grandis sales expected in 2006. The Elegance model will account for a further 25% of sales, with the Classic and Equippe accounting for 11% each.

GRANDIS – STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Grandis Classic £19,914 Diesel £20,049 Petrol Standard Equipment

ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD electronic brakeforce distribution
Climate control
Colour keyed door mirrors, door handles and bumpers
Electrically adjustable door mirrors
Six-speaker radio and CD player with MP3
Front fog lamps
Height adjustable driver seat with arm rest
Keyless entry and remote central locking
Velour upholstery
Pollen and dust air filter
Rear spoiler with high-mounted brake light
Remotely activated alarm and immobiliser system
17” alloy wheels
Eight SRS airbags
Trip computer
UV reflective glass
Variable intermittent wipers
Leather-bound steering wheel and gearknob

Grandis Equippe £21,814 Diesel £21,949 Petrol Adds

Cruise control
Dual sunroof (front manual, rear electric)
MASC and MATC stability and traction controls
Rear cargo shelf
CD autochanger

Grandis Elegance £23,314 Diesel £23,449 Petrol Adds

Leather upholstery

Grandis DI-D Warrior £23,914 Diesel £24,049 Petrol as Grandis Classic plus

Warrior leather seats and mats
8” DVD entertainment system
18” alloy wheels
10 disc CD autochanger
Sports type aluminium front grille
Chrome details including wing mirrors, exhaust trim, door handles and rear tailgate

GRANDIS – ENGINES & TRANSMISSION

2.0-litre DI-D turbo diesel engine introduced in September 2005 with 6-speed manual transmission
Class-leading combination of performance and economy, with full Euro IV compliance
Advanced Volkswagen-sourced 1968cc pump-jet four-cylinder unit produces 134bhp at 4000rpm and 229lb ft of torque at 1750rpm
Top speed of 121mph, 10.8second sprint to 62mph, CO₂ rating of 176g/km and 43mpg on the combined fuel cycle
Also available with Euro IV compliant 162bhp 2.4 four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine with IVECS II automatic transmission (launched in July 2004)

N.B. 2006 model year Grandis DI-D offered with 6-speed manual transmission only, Grandis 2.4 available with INVECS II automatic transmission only

Diesel

Mitsubishi’s acclaimed Grandis seven-seater MPV range has come of age with the addition of an all-new 2.0-litre DI-D turbo diesel engine. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the advanced Volkswagen-sourced pump-jet four-cylinder unit features a double overhead cam design with four valves per cylinder technology developing 134bhp at 4000rpm and 229lb ft of torque at a low 1750rpm.

The 1968cc intercooled engine is transversely mounted and mated to a six-speed manual transmission that’s geared to tap into the engine’s deep torque reservoir for the optimum balance between economy and performance. The 1,710kg Grandis DI-D sprints to 62mph in a very un-MPV like 10.8seconds and onto an impressive 121mph top speed. Fuel economy is just as impressive – Grandis DI-D returns 43mpg on the combined economy cycle and has a tax-friendly CO₂ rating of 176g/km. Its braked towing capacity is an effective 2000kg

Pump-jet technology works at the highest operating pressures compared to other diesel injection systems; as a result, higher power and torque values are achieved with lower fuel consumption. Additionally, these high pressures result in "clean" combustion, lowering the level of emissions. Pump-jet technology allows this engine to meet Euro IV without particulate filter (DPF).

Together with a full sound insulation package matching the demands of a Diesel engine, this engine is also mated to a specific 6 speed manual gearbox (unique to the Diesel version). This transmission features a newly developed Dual Mass Flywheel, which dampens shift vibration and noise, as well as a self-adjusting clutch for extended clutch life.

Petrol

Grandis is also available with a sparkling 2378cc four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 162bhp at 6000rpm and 159lb ft at 4000rpm. Mated to an INVECS II four-speed automatic gearbox, the Grandis returns a 11.7second 0-62mph acceleration time, a 118mph top speed and a 28.2mpg economy figure on the combined cycle.

The 16v powerplant is fully Euro IV compliant and features MIVEC - Mitsubishi’s Innovative Value lift and timing Electric Control, which features low-speed and high-speed double overhead cams on each camshaft. The cam profiles on the intake and exhaust valve camshafts are switched according to the engine speed, boosting torque at low speeds and increasing power at higher speeds.

Low- and mid-speed mode: In low speed mode up to 3600rpm, a low/medium lift differential between the two intake valves boosts the flow of gases into the cylinder heads, to enhance low-end torque and throttle response. As a result, the engine strives to achieve the ideal combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and maximum torque.

High-speed mode: At 3600 rpm the system switches to high-speed mode: valve-lift and duration is increased to draw more air into the cylinder to enhance high-rev performance. The use of separate low- and mid-lift cam profiles at lower and higher engine revs greatly enhances the flow of the air/fuel mixture within the cylinder head to boost low-end response and top-end performance, as well as improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions across the engine’s rev-range.

This power is handled by Mitsubishi’s INVECS-II 4-speed semi-automatic gearbox. By constantly monitoring driving patterns, this intuitive transmission uses advanced electronic controls to ‘learn’ a driver’s particular driving style. To do this, the transmission employs two shift control programs – Optimum Shift Control and Adaptive Shift Control – and a sophisticated control logic that simulates the decision making process of the human brain.

The transmission’s electronic control unit examines throttle and brake inputs as well as the driving situation to determine the driver’s preferences and adapt gear shifting accordingly. Shift quality is further improved by a feedback control system that minimises torque fluctuation and instructs the engine to temporarily reduce torque during shifts.

To enhance driver control, INVECS-II also features a sequential sports mode that allows drivers to make their own up or down shifts by nudging the gearlever backwards or forwards. The transmission automatically reverts to first gear at stops, for greater convenience in urban traffic. Safer second-gear starts are also possible for better traction on slippery surfaces.

GRANDIS – COMPETITOR COMPARISONS

Grandis range offers a class-leading combination of economy, CO₂ rating, Euro IV compliancy and tax levels
Grandis DI-D offers superior performance from its advanced pump-jet turbo diesel engine which leaves its rivals trailing in acceleration and top speed performance
Excellent residual values
Better equipped than all key rivals with superior levels of safety and luxury equipment fitted as standard

If its on-paper specification looks impressive, the Grandis simply trounces its on-the-road rivals. With better performance, better economy, better company car and tax figures, better residual values and better equipment levels the addition of the Grandis DI-D now offers both the private and company car driver more of what counts, as these comparative tables show:

Grandis DI-D comparative tax, economy and CO₂ table

Make	Model	CO₂ (g/km)	MPG (combined)	Euro Standard	UK Tax Liability (2006)
Mitsubishi	Grandis Elegance	176	42.8	IV	24%
Volkswagen	Sharan SE	176	43.5	III	24%
Ford	Galaxy Zetec	176	43.5	III	24%
Citroen	C8 SX	189	39.2	III	26%
Peugeot	807 Executive	195	38.7	III	28%

Grandis DI-D comparative power and performance table

Make	Model	Engine Size	BHP	Top Speed	0-62mph
Mitsubishi	Grandis Elegance	2.0 DI-D	134	121	10.8
Volkswagen	Sharan SE	1.9TDI	130	117	12.8
Ford	Galaxy Zetec	1.9TDI	130	117	12.8
Citroen	C8 SX	2.0HDi	112	108	13.4
Peugeot	807 Executive	2.2HDi	136	112	12.6

Grandis comparative equipment levels table

Specification	Grandis 2.0 DI-D Classic	Renault Espace Authentique 1.9 dCi	Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI LX	Peugeot 807 2.0 HDi S	Chrysler Voyager 2.5 CRD SE	Citroen C8 2.0 HDi LX
Price	£19,914	£20,700	£20,400	£20,350	£19,725	£20,450
BHP	134	118	128	110	141	110
Alloy Wheels	X
6-sp manual	X	X	X
Climate control	X			X		X
Front fog lights	X			X		X
ABS with EBD	X	X	X	X	X	X
Front and side airbags	X	X	X	X	X	X
Curtain airbags	X	X	X	X	X	X
Trip computer	X	X		X		X
Rear spoiler	X
Leather steering wheel	X
Electric door mirrors	X	X		X	X	X
Alarm and immobiliser	X	X			X
Flat folding 3rd row seats	X
Pass. airbag deactivation	X	X		X		X

GRANDIS - INTELLIGENT DESIGN

At 4765mm long, 1655mm high and 1795mm wide Grandis offers a sleek and low profile, but a long 2830 mm wheelbase results in a spacious 2535mm total interior legroom and 3165mm total interior length
Inspired by the Space Liner and CZ3 Tarmac concept cars from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, and brings together elements of a compact sports wagon and a comfortable people carrier
Innovative ‘Hide & Seat’ third row of seats that folds flat into the floor offers outstanding packaging versatility and does away with need remove and install heavy cumbersome seats

Grandis’ underlying design principal is to offer a combination of dynamism and unbeatable versatility, a balance of athleticism and carrying comfort, enhancing its appeal to those families that need more space but still want to enjoy themselves when they’re behind the wheel.

Starting with a high-strength steel platform created especially for Grandis, the design team set about creating a sleek and flowing profile. A full 100mm lower than many of its rivals and sitting on an extended 2830mm wheelbase, Grandis has an athletic and foursquare stance.

These rakish contours are enhanced by a tapering rear roofline and a central crease in Grandis’ sculpted flanks that rises from the trailing edge of the headlamps towards the tailgate before merging with the vertical rear lattice combination lamps.

Distinctive design touches abound: the character line that runs upwards from the bottom of the doors towards the rear bumper, the neatly integrated Three-Diamond logo below the backlight that echoes that on the grille, the striking shape of the jewel-like headlamps, the use of bright light emitting diodes for the rear brake and side indicator lamps, the clamshell bonnet, deep side sills and the integrated rear roof spoiler – they all point to Grandis’ fresh new design direction.

The overt athleticism of the exterior is perfectly complemented by the soothing and softly contoured interior – the dashboard architecture follows an elegant wave theme, a motif that’s echoed by the design of the doors and one that amplifies the impression of space and comfort. Interior features include a driver-oriented instrument panel, a steering column-mounted gearlever that frees up cabin space, and three-stage instrument illumination: turning on the ignition illuminates – in blue and in succession – the outer rims of the dials, the needles and then the backing plates.

GRANDIS - ‘HIDE & SEAT’

Sector unique ‘Hide & Seat’ third bench row with individual seats that recline and fold flat into the floor, providing on-demand seating flexibility
Offers outstanding packaging versatility, with no need for struggling with bulky and heavy removable seats
Instantly turns Grandis from a seven-seater right down to a two-seater if needed without any forward planning
Folding the second and third row of seats boosts luggage space from 320litres to a massive 1545litres, and extends the boot to 1600mm in length

Grandis’ innovative ‘Hide & Seat’ seating configuration offers a sector first – a third row of seats with two individual chairs that both fold flat into the floor within seconds. This effectively does away with the arduous task of having to remove or install bulky and heavy chairs when juggling passenger numbers and boot space.

This inventive packaging system stems from Mitsubishi’s real-world research, which showed that most drivers rarely use the full seating capacity of their people-carriers. Instead, they constantly alter passenger and luggage space according to their daily changing needs. The answer - ‘Hide & Seat’.

The two third-row seats feature adjustable backrests for additional comfort, and are also reversible allowing both seats to be simply flipped back for open air relaxing under the tailgate. They can also be folded out flat to create a temporary bed and have a foot-operated mechanism that allows third-row passengers to slide the second row forward for an easy access to their seats. When the second and third rows are folded, interior space extends to a full 1600mm with a 1545litre capacity.

Other convenient features include retractable and damped reading tables for the second row passengers, large front door pockets with bottle holders, a generously proportioned console between the front seats, twin glove boxes, a closed storage compartment on top of the dashboard, a handy storage compartment in the left rear quarter panel and a split storage compartment under the third row of seats.

GRANDIS- DRIVING DYNAMICS

Grandis designed with low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and wide tracks for car-like agility
Sits on an all-new high-strength steel chassis designed to offer high levels of torsional rigidity and excellent occupant impact protection levels
Rack and pinion steering, MacPherson strut front and space-saving rear semi-trailing arm suspension both revised to deliver enhanced passenger comfort and driver dynamism
All-disc brakes system complemented by three-channel ABS anti-lock with EBD electronic brake-force distribution and EBA emergency brake assist

Although it competes in the full-sized people-carrier market sector, Grandis draws on Mitsubishi’s rich engineering and motorsport heritage – its low centre of gravity, squat stance, wide tracks and long wheelbase mirroring its rakish and sleek styling with driver-oriented dynamics and saloon car-like athleticism.

Grandis sits on a high-strength steel chassis, designed and developed specifically for its people-carrying role. Mitsubishi’s engineers aimed to make Grandis’ all-new front-wheel drive platform as stiff as possible to enhance suspension control, lower the levels of noise vibration and harshness entering the cabin and offer class-leading passenger impact protection levels.

The chassis includes structural features such as a straight frame rail design with octagonal section front and side chassis members, an advanced three-way directional input/dispersion dashboard cross member, high and ultra-high tensile steel pillar braces that raise crash energy absorption and dispersal efficiencies, as well as spherical section floor panels that enhance structural rigidity and limit vibration. The exterior panels are made of galvanised steel for excellent rust resistance

Mitsubishi also employed advanced tailored blank technology (laser-welding together sheet metal of varying thicknesses before forming) in the Grandis chassis, again to bolster stiffness, augment structural integrity and reduce weight. These multi-thickness blanks are used for the side outer panel as well as for the front and rear side chassis members.

Noise, vibration and harshness levels have been reduced by extensive use of expanded polystyrene filler and other sound-absorbing materials, full sound-exclusion measures for all openings between engine compartment and the interior and a double door weather strip all around.

Sound and vibration absorbing foaming agents also fill the pillars in key points, while asphalt and sound-deadening sheeting covers the floor to further insulate the cabin from noise.

Suspension
Grandis DI-D rides on a revised MacPherson strut front and compact trailing arm rear suspension that has been tuned to provide even higher levels of passenger ride comfort and enhanced driver dynamics. At the rear, the independent multi-link suspension consists of trailing, upper and lower arms, and lower toe-control links. Designed to intrude as little as possible into the Grandis’ rear luggage/passenger space, the trailing arm alignment is designed to minimise toe changes for predictable linear performance. Front and rear anti-roll bars are fitted to reduce cornering roll.

Steering
Grandis uses a rack and pinion steering set-up that, like the suspension, has undergone a raft of improvements to improve feel and high-speed stability. Power assistance is variable and is dependent on engine speed – at lower urban speeds, the assistance level is high for quick and easy manoeuvrability, while during fast motorway work, assistance drops to enhance straight-line security. Particular attention has also been paid to the position of the steering wheel in the cabin. Its car-like angle provides the driver with a proper saloon-style driving position, rather than the bus-like steering wheel position many people-carrier drivers have to put up with.

Brakes
Grandis is fitted with ventilated 290mm disc brakes at the front and 190mm solid disc brakes at the rear. The system is backed-up with four-sensor, three-channel ABS anti-lock system as well as EBD electronic brake-force distribution, to modulate the front-rear braking pressure for ideal braking force at all times, irrespective of load or surface conditions. Panic braking procedures are made safer by EBA emergency brake assist that automatically applies the full effect of the brakes when they used in an emergency.

GRANDIS - SAFETY FIRST

Grandis comes with eight airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and Isofix seats as standard
MASC Mitsubishi Active Stability Control and MATC Mitsubishi Active Traction Control standard on Equippe and Elegance models
Passenger airbag deactivator switch fitted on all specifications
6-star JNCAP and 4-star EuroNCAP crashworthiness ratings achieved during extensive in-house testing

Safety and crashworthiness was one of the key areas of focus for Mitsubishi’s engineering team and, as a result, Grandis features advanced active and passive safety elements. During extensive in-house testing, Grandis’ structural platform achieved 6-star JNCAP and 4-Star EuroNCAP crashworthiness ratings.

All UK Grandis models come fitted with driver and passenger front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags for the first and second rows of seats. Further safety features include a four-sensor, three-channel ABS anti-lock system as well as EBD electronic brake-force distribution that apportion braking force to each individual wheel. EBA emergency brake assist that automatically applies the full effect of the brakes when they are used in an emergency is also fitted as standard.

Mitsubishi’s RISE Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution system is also an integral part of the Grandis’ platform. RISE integrates and interconnects Grandis’ structural safety elements for an all-encompassing holistic safety pack for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.

Additional safety features include seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters for the front seatbelts, an advanced anti-submarining front seat design that limits forward movement of driver and front passenger during a head-on crash, a new seatback frame and headrest design that protect the neck in a rear-end shunt, anti-intrusion main brake and parking brake pedals for heightened leg protection, Isofix child safety retaining bar on the second row of seats and an automatic locking retractor on the second and third of seats row to facilitate child seat anchorage.

For the convenience of families with young children, a passenger airbag deactivator switch is located in the glove box to allow child seats to be fitted to the front passenger seat if required. Activated by the ignition key, a warning light remains illuminated on the dash to remind the driver, so that the passenger airbag can be switched back into working mode once the child seat has been removed.

In addition, Grandis Equippe and Elegance models come fitted with MASC Mitsubishi Active Stability Control and MATC Mitsubishi Active Traction Control systems. MASC uses yaw rate and lateral gravity sensors, individual wheel speed sensors and a steering angle sensor. These are linked to the engine control unit, which examines the level of position of the accelerator, as well as hydraulic brake actuators.

These constantly monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion, and if they detect a difference between the two, such as over or understeer, they brake the individual wheels to neutralise the situation and, if necessary, limit the engine’s torque. MATC works in a similar fashion, limiting unwanted wheelspin at low speeds by regulating individual wheel speeds.

CP160707