2014 Mitsubishi challenger revealed
Aside from a new look inside and out, centred around the grille, bumper and tail lights, along with new comfort, convenience and safety features, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) say the new Challenger also features a strong and economical turbo diesel engine and serious four-wheel drive system incorporating a full set of low range ratios.
Two variants will be available: the Challenger 4WD; and 4WD LS. The entry-level 4WD is available with a choice of either five-speed manual gearbox or optional Sports Mode five-speed auto with paddle shifters and INVECS II Smart Logic. The top-of-the-range Challenger 4WD LS comes standard with the five-speed automatic.
Common to both grades is Mitsubishi's latest generation 2.5-litre common rail, direct injection turbo-diesel engine. Generating a maximum power of 131kW at 4000rpm, the engine uses a variable geometry turbocharger to produce high torque at low speeds with the manual version delivering a maximum of 400Nm at 2000rpm and the automatic, 350Nm at just 1800rpm.
Fuel efficiency is a claimed 8.3l/100km (manual) on the combined cycle, while the automatic Challenger models posting a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.8l/100km.
The Challenger also features Mitsubishi's MATT (Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology) system that incorporates lockable centre and rear differentials and Super Select 4WD for maximum traction and stability.
The Super Select 4WD system offers four modes of operation - rear two wheel drive (2H), full time 4WD (4H), high range 4WD with locked centre differential (4HLC) and low range 4WD with locked centre differential (4LLC) - with shifts on fly between 2H and 4H able to be made at speeds up to 100km/h.
Suspension comprises a double wishbone coil sprung front set-up, combined with a 3-link coil spring rear suspension. Stabiliser bars front and rear ensure optimum comfort and off-road ability.
The new Challenger's off-road credentials include a 220mm ground clearance, 600mm fording depth, and 36-degree approach / 25-degree departure angles.
Exterior styling modifications include a revised grille, front bumper and tail lamps, complementing the flared wheel arches, side steps, black roof rails and alloy wheels (16 inch for Challenger 4WD and 17 inch for Challenger 4WD LS). Seven exterior colours are available, including Titanium, Cool Silver, Ironbark, Terra Rossa, Dark Blue, White and Black.
Inside, there are new black seat fabrics and carbon look trim accents, plus a new centre stack designed to house the latest generation touch-screen audio and entertainment system.
The new four-speaker audio system comprises a 6.1 inch colour touchscreen that offers AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, auxiliary and USB inputs with full iPod control, voice control and full Bluetooth® 2.0 connectivity for media streaming and hands-free phone use.
The range-topping 4WD LS model adds an extra two speakers and is also available with the optional Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) that uses a larger 7 inch colour touchscreen and adds sat nav with 3D mapping functionality.
The new touchscreen also provides a display for the upgraded rear view camera, which together with rear parking sensors, is standard on all Challenger models.
Other standard features on the MY14 Challenger include climate control with rear seat ducts, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and exterior mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, centre console power socket, and 60/40-split fold and tumble rear seats.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, Multi-mode Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Traction Control (ATC), 3-point seatbelts for all positions with pretensioners and force limiters on the front, child restraint anchorage points and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Step up into the Challenger 4WD LS model and it gains automatic rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic dusk-sensing lights, leather seat facings, power adjustable front seats, privacy glass, front fog lamps and a cargo blind for the rear luggage space.
All Mitsubishi vehicles, including the 14MY Challenger benefits from a five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, five year Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership.*
Mitsubishi Challenger Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Pricing
_ Challenger 4WD Manual - $42,490
_ Challenger 4WD Automatic - $44,990
_ Challenger 4WD LS Automatic - $49,990
* 1 year roadside assist (service condition apply). For purchases of new Mitsubishi vehicles after 1st October 2012, initial 12 month roadside assist will be extended for a period of 12 months from the date of the most recent eligible CPS for that vehicle performed at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer. Roadside assist, if extended in accordance with these items, is available for a maximum of up to 5 years.
