IT is just 12 months since Mitsubishi introduced the UK car-buying public to its latest venture into MPV-land, the flexibly roomy and futuristic looking Grandis.
This substantial seven-seater has proved an attractive addition to this popular family sector, taking 16 per cent of the UK MPV petrol segment in 2004 but, this ever-expanding sector majors on diesel power with 85 per cent of last year's 60,000 sales being oil burners.
So, from September, Mitsubishi are introducing diesel unit into the Grandis range. This two-litre Volkswagen-sourced engine is Euro IV compliant and is designed to put the Grandis on charge for a full scale attack on the MPV sector.
Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, this 1,968cc turbocharged diesel develops 134bhp at 4,000rpm, is capable of 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds and - depending upon individual driving style - the Grandis, which weighs in at 1,690kg, promises 43mpg.
But, while this 16-valver promises performance, the underpinnings need to effectively play their part and to this end Mitsubishi has fine-tuned the front suspension and adjusted the response of the power steering to take care of the extra kick while further improving the driving experience.
Four generously equipped models of the Grandis 2.0 DI-D will be on offer with the range opening up at £19,699 for the Classic model, boasting standard kit which includes 17-inch alloys, front fogs, rear spoiler, automatic air con, keyless entry, electric windows all round, powered and folding door mirrors and an MP3 compatible sound system with single CD.
The Grandis Equippe weighs in at £21,599 and gains stability and traction control, dual sunroof, cruise control and a 10-disc CD auto changer while, add the indulgent luxury of leather upholstery and, for £23,099, you have the Grandis Elegance.
Mounted on 18-inch alloys, the Grandis Warrior is the flagship model which, for £23,699 comes with specially designed and logoed leather seating, eight-inch DVD entertainment system, sports type aluminium front grille, plus chrome detailing on wing mirrors, door handles and exhaust.
Safety, too, has been well addressed with all models in the Grandis range getting ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), driver and passenger front and side airbags, plus curtain airbags for the first and second row of seats, coming as standard.
Mitsubishi was in the vanguard of the MPV genre back in February, 1983 with the Space Wagon and, with the ability to accomplish most of the accepted MPV trickery, including a third row of seats which folds out of the floor and face forwards on the move or backwards for dining al fresco, the roomy Grandis now boasts an engine range designed to tempt further followers to its badge.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw