Mitsubishi Challenger road test
by Ivan Walker
18th November, 2013
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Related story:
Mitsubishi
Challenger updated for MY14
4th July, 2013
The Mitsubishi Challenger has been on the market for some years now -
since 1998 in fact. It has firmly established itself in the marketplace with those seeking truck-like toughness with
admirable 4x4 qualifications with some of the creature comforts that people desire these days in an SUV.
Test Car particulars
My opportunity to have a good on-road run in the recently updated Mitsubishi Challenger covered parts of south-east
Queensland and the far north coast of New South Wales.
The test car was set up with heavy duty tow bar and electric brakes. It was unfortunate that I never had the
opportunity to undertake a tow test on this occasion. Let's hope in the future we have a chance to do just that.
The Challenger comes with a proper 4x4 automatic with a stick shift to change from 2-wheel to 4-wheel drive and
to/from high and low range. On this occasion, though, all driving was undertaken on sealed roads.
Prices*
MY14 Mitsubishi Challenger (PC series) is priced from $42,490* for the base model with manual transmission. An
automatic transmission is optional at $2,500* and optional paint treatment is priced at $495*. Hence our test car, the
base model Challenger with auto transmission and Dark Blue paintwork is priced at $45,485* without the dealer fitted
towing equipment that I mentioned.
A higher grade Challenger, the LS, is priced from $49,990* (auto is standard).
On the road with the Mitsubishi Challenger
Knowing that they are purchased and used by owners to tow, camp, for beach fishing and week-end getaways, Mitsubishi
have provided the Challenger with some strong points for recreational use. It has plenty of room for cargo. It would
easily carry an Engel type fridge or large Esky and all your week-end gear or even for a longer holiday if that was your
choice. The essential 12 volt socket to run a fridge, or compressor was located in rear for easy use. I could not really
believe the amount of space - we loaded a small Esky and three golf bags, and there was room for plenty more!
With a few adjustments the feeling of being comfortable was achieved quite readily upfront. The Challenger sits high
and it provides good vision from all quarters. My perception suggested the Challenger felt narrow, but when measured
against another similar size wagon there was little difference.
Being tall it is important to have plenty of leg room in the driving position. I have my own method of testing leg
room, which may sound odd, but it works and guess what ..... the Challenger passed the test, so that's a plus.
The seating position was good and the Challenger was assessed on a return trip from Brisbane to Ballina. So it was a
good few hours each way which gave us an excellent chance to test its drivability and at no point did it feel
uncomfortable.
All the controls were in easy reach and in a practical positions. Being a music fan all my rides must have iPod
connectivity and bluetooth for phone and music, when it is my choice. Next Car promotes safe driving, so please
do not text and/or talk on mobile phones whilst driving.
The Mitsubishi Challenger in base model guise was bland, very plain with no badges to indicate what version you're in.
It could have done with pin stripes or some kind of markings to distinguish it from the other version. That must be
Mitsubishi's choice, but it did distract from making the vehicle stand-out from a styling perspective.
But back to our Ballina trip - three of us travelled in the Challenger. We found plenty of room for three sets of golf
clubs and the remainder of our gear. The Challenger travelled well and the weight of the load made little difference to
the performance. Turning circle was excellent, much tighter than similar vehicles previously driven. Now that is a plus
when towing and reversing with a boat or caravan. Rear mirrors were excellent with good vision display. Ride and handling
were OK but we did not push it to its limits. Nor did we test it off-road in 4-wheel drive conditions.
Specifications
Challenger comes with a 2.5 litre common rail turbo diesel engine and four-wheel drive. Power is rated at 131kW at
4,000 rpm and torque is 350Nm at 1,800rpm.
The test car had a five-speed automatic transmission fitted, although the base model Challenger is available with a
five-speed manual 'box.
The base model test car was fitted with the standard 16" alloy wheels.
Power steering is standard.
Safety
Six airbags, reversing camera, active stability control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake distribution and
active traction control are featured on the current model Mitsubishi Challengers.
Fuel
The fuel tank capacity is 70 litres of diesel. On the combined cycle, the fuel consumption rating is 9.8 litres per
100 kilometres.
Dimensions
Length: 4,695 mm
Width: 1,815 mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,840 mm
Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
Ground clearance: 220mm
Kerb weight: 2,029 kg
Boot capacity: the substantial cargo area is 1,017mm long and 1,375mm wide! The width between the wheel arches is
1,000mm! This 4x4 wagon has excellent cargo capacity. A cargo barrier is available, as a dealer fitted accessory, for
those who really like to load-up their car.
Towing
With appropriate equipment, such as that fitted to the test car, the Mitsubishi Challenger can tow a braked trailer
weighing up to 3,000kg. In a tow test of the then available
2WD
version of the Challenger, last year, a team member felt that the tow weight should be well under the
3,000kg limit but the 4x4 should improve the towing task over the now discontinued 2WD model.
Accessories
An excellent range of accessories is available to fit the Mitsubishi Challenger. The offering includes nudge bar,
front protection bar, weather shields, cargo liner or cargo mat, cargo barrier, water craft/bike carrier, underbody
protector, driving lights and a navigation system as well as the quality tow equipment mentioned earlier.
After Sales
There is a 5 year/130,000km new vehicle warranty for those buying a new Challenger (conditions apply). Roadside
assistance is included for the first year but is extended when the car is maintained by a Mitsubishi dealer (again
conditions apply). Capped price servicing for the first four years is part of the deal, too. Next Car understands
the price for the first service at 1 year or 15,000km is $315, thereafter each 'log book' service for the 30,000, 45,000
and 60,000 km mark is priced at $595 (conditions apply).
Conclusion
Our Mitsubishi Challenger test car was a base model, though it included many features like cruise control, airbags,
reasonable quality stereo system. This base model is just that, plain and simple, no fancy extras.
The ride was acceptable but not outstanding. Challenger had plenty of cargo space, which to me is a big asset. In real
terms the Challenger would probably go any anywhere with a minimum of fuss but the base model is bordering on spartan.
For the price it is worth a look and a test drive as you may like the Challenger for its simplicity and
toughness.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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