Mitsubishi RVR for Indian roads

A number of carmakers are thinking of coming up with compact sports utility vehicles (SUV) and this segment is all set to be the next hottest thing. Among those that are soon going to hit the Indian market are - BMWs much awaited and anticipated baby SUV BMW X1 and Chez carmaker Skoda Auto’s much talked about Skoda Yeti. Skoda Yeti is expected to have a 2.0L, 1968cc, Turbo Charged diesel engine with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that produces maximum power of 110PS at 4200rpm with 250Nm of maximum torque at 1500-2500rpm. The 6-speed manual transmission gearbox in the 2.0L diesel engine type with advanced Haldex clutch is capable of producing 140PS of maximum power at 4200rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750-2500rpm.

Also in the line are speculated models like a five-seater compact SUV most probably priced between Rs 4-6 lakh by Mahindra and Mahindra by 2012. This SUV might have a 1.2 litre petrol engine, less than four meters of length and a new monocoque platform to increase fuel efficient. Now the rumour has it that after launching Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is all set to plan out yet another SUV for the Indian market. If media reports are to be believed then the Mitsubishi is planning to bring the mini SUV RVR, called the ASX in the European market, to Indian soon. As per reports in the media Mitsubishi RVR measures roughly 4.3-meters and weighs less, well, less than Honda CRV and BMW X1. The lightweight vehicle is likely to have a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X like shark nosed grille with chrome ring. Even the new Mitsubishi Outlander has it. The recently launched, all new Mitsubishi Outlander is available in colours like Catwalk Silver, Haute Red, Chic Black, Cool Aqua Metallic, Vogue White, Shimmering Ash, Runway Grey, Primavera Purple and Glitterati Green. Mitsubishi Outlander has lots of features like all wheel control system, superior handling, centrally located dial system, located on the center console that permits free switching between 3 drive modes (2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Locked), Anti-lock braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), theft protection device, alloy brakes and clutch control. Thats not all, Mitsubishi Outlander has a new Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), a new grille with chrome accents, new front bumpers, redesigned front fenders, mirror mounted turn indicators, new door and dash trims, USB port, AUX-IN port, aluminum pedals, leather covered instrument panel, roof rails, new combination meter and auto-folding Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs).

The talked about compact SUV RVR is being referred to as the Mini Outlander as Mitsubishi RVR is built on the Outlander’s platform. The compact SUV is likely to be priced between Rs. 13-16 lakh. However, there has been no announcement made by the company. The Mitsubishi RVR is likely to have a 4B10 1.8 litre unit with INVECS-III transmission.

The car's prototype was displayed at the Frankfurt auto show 2007 and this car is known by the name of Mitsubishi ASX in Europe and as Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in North America.