Mitsubishi RVR

Mitsubishi RVR
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi
Production	1991–2002 2010–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV (1991–2002) Compact crossover (2010–present)

The Mitsubishi RVR is a range of cars produced by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1991 to 2002 and from 2010 to present. The first two generations were classified as compact multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), whereas the model introduced in 2010 is a compact crossover.

The RVR was Mitsubishi's Recreational Vehicle debut during the Japanese economic boom. The cars were sold at the Mitsubishi Japan dealership chain called Car Plaza. RVR is an acronym for "Recreation Vehicle Runner". In addition, the original logo had a Cyrillic Я on the first letter. It had a convenient size passenger cabin and spacious 4–5 person capacity with a youth-oriented approach, therefore making it more appealing to young people . Television commercials in Japan used Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck as spokespeople. It was also developed and released during Japan's "bubble economy", and had gained popularity due to its ease of use sliding door on the passenger side.

It was a tall wagon, off-road model that sought awareness towards "sports gear" or outdoor lifestyles to other companies, similar to an approach used for the introduction of the Honda CR-V, allowing drivers to setting their own routes, and it had an especially good sales record in the beginning, even with the decline of the RV sales boom. Unfortunately due to declining sales, it was discontinued in August 2002.

The reintroduction of the "Sports Gear" RVR nameplate is an attempt to inherit the popularity of the first generation vehicle. It was released in Japan on February 17, 2010. It does not feature a rear sliding door, due to the current perception that SUVs have conventional doors, and sliding doors are typically installed on family vehicles. The RVR logo no longer uses the inverted Cyrillic "Я" on the first letter.

The trim level that is typically used is the grade name "Sports Gear", a feature Mitsubishi is reintroducing, such as Airtrek and Grandis.

First generation (1991–1997)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Space Runner Mitsubishi Expo LRV Dodge Colt Wagon Eagle Summit Wagon Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon
Production	1991–1999
Assembly	Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Aichi Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Body style	4-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Related	Mitsubishi Chariot Mitsubishi Galant
Powertrain
Engine	Sports Gear trim package 4WD straight-4 DOHC 4G63 engine 2000cc straight-4 4D68 engine 2000cc Diesel Direct Hyper Sports Gear R trim package 4WD 4G63 engine 2000cc straight-4 DOHC X/X2 trim package 4WD straight-4 DOHC 4G63 engine 2000cc FWD straight-4 SOHC 4G93 engine 1800cc
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 4-speed INVECS semi-auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,520–2,550 mm (99.2–100.4 in)
Length	4,290–4,480 mm (168.9–176.4 in)
Width	1,695–1,740 mm (66.7–68.5 in) (JDM vehicles at 1695mm only)
Height	1,625–1,730 mm (64.0–68.1 in)
Curb weight	1,380–1,545 kg (3,042–3,406 lb)

The first RVR, introduced February 1991, is a compact MPV, manufactured between 1991 and 2002. It was known as the Mitsubishi Space Runner in Europe and Mitsubishi Expo LRV in the United States, while export markets in Asia and Oceania used the Japanese market name. The RVR was also sold by Chrysler as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Wagon and Eagle Summit Wagon captive imports in North America.^[1] Its "tall wagon" appearance reflected a popular appearance which found favor with many international manufacturers, which can trace their beginnings to the 1978 concept car Lancia Megagamma.

The Hyper Sports Gear R trim package in Japan used the drivetrain of the first Mitsubishi Galant VR-4; the 4G63T 2.0 L 16V DOHC turbo straight-4 mated to either a four-speed auto or a five speed manual which was not offered in North America. Open front and rear differentials were used on vehicles equipped with 4WD. Power output was rated at 170–184 kW (231–250 PS; 228–247 hp). In Japan, the RVR saw competition from the Nissan Rasheen, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester, and the Suzuki Escudo.

Mitsubishi RVR Hyper Sports Gear-R (Japan)

The RVR was essentially a second generation Mitsubishi Chariot (known in some markets as the Space Wagon) with a shortened chassis and sharing the components of the longer vehicle. It is a tall wagon SUV with two rows of seats, equipped with a sliding door on the passenger side, similar to the Toyota Raum and Nissan Prairie. There was no door for the rear passengers on the driver's side; only one sliding door was installed on the passenger side for all trim levels, and for all vehiches sold internationally. This was a different configuration from the larger Chariot in that the longer vehicle had conventional doors on both sides of the vehicle. Also, the Mitsubishi sliding door latched to a "B" pillar, whereas those of the Toyota and Nissan vehicles did not. The rear windows didn't retract into the doors or body, instead they popped out at the back edge of the window. The rear windows on the longer Chariot did retract into the doors.

The fuel tank access door was installed on the right side for all versions sold internationally, however, for vehicles where the driver was on the left side, and the sliding door was on the right side, care needed to be taken to avoid opening the sliding door when fuel was being added to the fuel tank. An interlock prevented the sliding door from opening too far when the fuel filler door was open.

The standard installed fixed position rear bench seat arrangement could accommodate three persons and the seatbacks had a 50:50 split: the reclining seat backs could be folded forward, flat upon the seats, and then the seat cushion could be detached at the rear and folded up and forward towards the front seats, leaving a flat floor for large cargo items. When the entire bench was removed, the flat floor extended all the way from the back of the front seats to the rear hatchback door. The optional sliding bench rear seats could accommodate three people, with the setup allowing rear seat passengers additional leg room by sliding the entire rear seat assembly back. Depending on seating arrangements, the rear seats can then produce a large enough interior space by sliding the seats completely forward, then extending the seatbacks completely flat.

Originally installed with a naturally aspirated 2.0L/1.8L gasoline engine, it was later introduced with a diesel turbo engine model thereafter. The mid-model sports model with a detuned type of turbo engine 4G63 is also carried on the Lancer Evolution its "X3" and "Super Sport Gear" and offered an optional sliding metal sunroof. In North America, a 2.4L (2,351cc) 101 kW engine was available on FWD versions, and standard on AWD versions at least as early as MY 1993. The final and most powerful model, the "Hyper Sports Gear", was added in January 1997.

Due to platform sharing with the longer Chariot, and the benefit of development time, many of the mechanical components from past Galant contributions with new mechanism improvements, the RVR is basically reliable and robust. However, the individual is about 60,000 km Automatic Transmission capable, greet life with a plug cord about three years, would upset the sensors and around the throttle servo mechanism (such as not idling as symptoms appear), etc.

Automatic Transmission shift lock was mechanism instead of an electrical control, a unique method that deregulation was mechanically wire extending from the brake pedal. This was also the advantage of being unaffected by the battery.

• History
  • February 1991 – released. Initially, three grades are available, 2WD models is "S", 4WD vehicles, "R" and "X" is set, and set the car 4AT or 5MT to grade any car.
  • June 1991 – The new 1.8L engine with a "Z" is added.
  • October 1992 – "Sports Gear" added. At the same time "Z" to add a diesel engine in 4WD vehicles.
  • May 1993 – "1.8Z" based on a 2WD car, roof rails, grille guard, special edition models equipped with keyless entry as standard "Z Special Version" released.
  • August 1993 – 3-door specifications adopted an open roof in the front seat electric "open gear" added.
  • January 1994 – "1.8Z" based on the 4WD models, the special edition models with standard roof rails and front sports seats and "Special Edition" released.
  • June 1994 – 2.0 "Open Gear" special edition models equipped with keyless entry and a grille guard on the base 2WD models "open gear limited" release.
  • September 1994 – minor. Add a 2.0L intercooled turbo engine, turbo intercooler diesel engine was. You can also change the shape of the headlights and front bumper, the car was designed almost from the RV. Lineup "X2" and the intercooler turbo engine with "X3", "sports gear" with wide fenders and turbo "Super Sport Gear", "open gear" with wide fenders and turbo "Super Open Gear" four grades newly added.
  • October 1994 – 2.0 "sports gear", based on specially designed vehicles equipped with private bars and stripes and large under guard "Wild gear 'sale.
  • May 1995 – some improvements. Diesel vehicles meet the emission control (vehicle type is "Y-" from "KD-" change), and changed some of the body color.
  • June 1995 – "2.0S" roof rail-based, special edition models such as the driver-side airbag-equipped version "S" on sale.
  • October 1995 – special edition models, "Wild Gear" was released again. Only added a large new front grille guard.
  • December 1995 – "1.8 Sport Gear" based on, roof rails, driver airbag, special edition models equipped with keyless entry, such as "Sports Gear Limited 1.8" release.
  • January 1996 – special edition models, "Sports Gear Limited 2.0" and "X3 Special" on sale. The former is a 2.0 "sports gear", based on aluminum wheels with a cassette deck. The latter "X3" is equipped with a spoiler and rear spoiler and front-side based.
  • May 1996 – some improvements. "Sports Gear" will be the only car 2.0L, the new "Sports gear Z" established. In addition, the driver airbag is standard on all models.
  • September 1996 – "Sports Gear" based on, roof rails, keyless entry, and other special edition models employing ABS "Field Express" released.
  • January 1997 – equipped with large-scale aero "Hyper Sports Gear Z" · "Hyper Sports gear R" added. At the same time, "Sports Gear", based on vehicle specifications and special features such as keyless entry ABS "sports gear V20" on sale.
  • July 1997 – "Open Gear" change the specification

North America

Eagle Summit DL wagon

In North America the RVR was sold by Chrysler as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon and Eagle Summit Wagon captive imports in North America.^[1] These were marketed as station wagon versions of the Dodge/Plymouth Colt and the Eagle Summit, but as those cars were rebadgings of the Mitsubishi Mirage and Lancer, the cars didn't share much beyond the nameplate. These Wagons were sold in the model years 1992 through 1996 and replaced the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista and the Canada-only Eagle Vista Wagon, all based on the previous generation Mitsubishi Chariot. The Summit Wagon was available in DL and LX trims, as well as in a four-wheel drive (AWD) version considered a trim level of its own. It was marketed as blending the maneuverability of a small car with the roominess of a minivan with its interior offering high seating positions and removable rear seats.^[2] It was designed to attract young families with seating for five.^[3]

Second generation (1997–2002)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Space Runner
Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Aichi Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Related	Mitsubishi Chariot Grandis
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L, 2.0 L, Mitsubishi Sirius engine 2.4 L w/GDI
Dimensions
Length	4,280–4,480 mm (168.5–176.4 in)
Width	1,695–1,780 mm (66.7–70.1 in)
Height	1,650–1,720 mm (65.0–67.7 in)

The second generation was introduced in 1997. This generation assumed the Chariot name, supplanting the previous RVR name, and the longer previous generation Chariot was changed to the name "Chariot Grandis", while still being the shortened model and sharing the components for reuse. Mechanisms such as sliding doors and rear seat was a long slide that is characteristic of the predecessor remain. It was not sold in North America. In Europe, this car was restyled and sold as the Mitsubishi Space Runner.^[4]

1997 Mitsubishi RVR

The model offers a significant face lift, which was done to mirror the image design of the Chariot Grandis and its brisk sales in 1999 at the time. Standard grades of "X" (later the "Exceed") and type of sport "sports gear" is classified into, the standard type "X" is a 1.8L gasoline engine, "Sports Gear" is a 2.4L GDI engine with a turbo engine or 2L 4G63. Vehicles installed with the 2.4 L. engine were liable for additional yearly tax charges in Japan due to the engine size exceeding the Japanese regulations concerning engine displacement, and the width of the vehicle was 1780mm. Vehicles with the smaller engines were installed in vehicles with reduced width at 1695mm so that buyers weren't liable for additional taxes. The high performance model "Sports Gear X3", came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with self-leveling xenon headlights, and the original seat had been an interwoven pattern image of hummingbirds.

• History
  • November 1997 – Redesigned. Originally "RVR" is "X" · "X2" · "X2 Type S" 3 grades, "RVR Sports Gear" is "2.0X3" · "2.4X" · "2.4X2" was grade 3. In addition, the car 5MT "Sports Gear X3" was only.
  • June 2, 1998 – "X", based on electric retractable door mirrors door handles of the same color bodies, improve the appearance of the plated front grille employs a multi-or AM / FM cassette stereo radio + speaker + 4 equipped with a keyless entry system mode "X Limited" and "X2 (4-seater specification) based on the", "X Limited" AM / FM cassette stereo radio + speaker + 4 looks or equivalent, equipped with automatic air conditioning, etc. the "X2 Limited" is added.
  • January 13, 1999 – special seat cloth decorated in brown color, and produced a more upscale tone adopted mesh and aluminum wheels and woodgrain center panel, the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (MMCS), GDI ECO light, Automatic Climate Control, remote control electric retractable door mirrors, equipped with the highest grade and enhanced multi-mode keyless entry system, "Super Exceed" added.
  • February 26, 1999 – Luggage can be stored in boxes and tool capability fishing rod case, rod magnet stand, water-repellent seat cover, handy features with hazard lights, refrigerator temperature, equipped with a portable power sport fishing with a small light The specially equipped vehicles to enjoy a "fishing gear" released.
  • 12 May 1999 – "X2 limited" tilt & slide sunroof-based, voice guided navigation (MMCS), TV tuner, GDI ECO light, 15-inch alloy wheels, driver's seat armrests, roof rails as standard equipped special edition models "EXCEED SUNROOF limited" release.
  • October 4, 1999 – minor. "RVR Sports Gear" is finished in impressive on-road-oriented model sporty interior and exterior refurbished Aero type "Aero" added. Change the rear sliding doors, which also features a driver seat center armrest with GDI ECO light. In addition, the existing grade "X3" only well organized, the new grade, "Aero" is added to a conventional 2WD vehicle did not set. "RVR" system is a grade "X" · "Exceed", "Super Exceed" organized in three grades. "Exceed" and "Super Exceed" along with adopting the sliding doors, interior design has been changed out. In addition, the driver's seat center armrest with GDI ECO light (the latter an "X" itself) were standard. In line with the minor, and no set of 5MT.
  • July 3, 2000 – "Exceed", based on special edition models were priced $ 1,000 cheaper than the base model with standard MMCS "Navigation Limited" and "Aero Sport Gear" MMCS, based on headlamps, AM / FM full logic cassette radio, special edition models with reduced prices rise equipped with a six-speaker "Sports Gear Ltd. Aero Navi" released.
  • December 1, 2000 – Rear sliding doors, sliding door power lock active, 15-inch alloy wheels, multi-mode keyless entry system, power windows with one touch safety mechanism, privacy glass, while the enhanced features such as driver's seat armrest, non-special edition models were fitted navigation system to allow users to freely choose "Exceed L" on sale.
  • January 2003 – Discontinued.

Third generation (2010–present)

Third generation
Mitsubishi ASX (pre-facelift)
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi ASX Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Production	2010–present
Assembly	Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant) Brazil: Catalão China: Fuzhou, Fujian Indonesia: Pulo Gadung, Jakarta Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (TCMA) USA: Normal, Illinois (MMNA) (until 2015)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover
Body style	5-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Platform	Mitsubishi GS platform
Related	Citroën C4 Aircross Peugeot 4008 Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Outlander Dodge Caliber
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L /2.4L Mitsubishi 4B1 engine or Mitsubishi 4N1 engine w/MIVEC I4 1.8 L turbo diesel I4 2.2 L turbo diesel I4
Transmission	5/6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 6-speed INVECS-III CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,295 mm (169.1 in)
Width	1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height	1,625 mm (64.0 in) 64.2 in (1,631 mm)

Mitsubishi ASX (pre-facelift)

Mitsubishi ASX (facelift)

The third generation RVR is a compact crossover vehicle, first released in the Japanese domestic market on February 17, 2010.^[5] The name RVR is only used in Japan and Canada. In Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Russia, and the Philippines, it is sold as the Mitsubishi ASX^[6] (an abbreviation of "Active Sports Crossover"), and as the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the United States and Indonesia. In Puerto Rico, it uses both the ASX and Outlander Sport titles.^[7] It is based on the design of the Mitsubishi Concept-cX prototype first exhibited at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show in July 2007.^[1][8][9] It is a return to the original concept of offering the platform used for the longer Mitsubishi Outlander with reduced seating capacity to five people, while sharing components of the longer vehicle, demonstrating a corporate decision to return Mitsubishi to smaller, fuel efficient vehicles in favor of larger, truck-based products. It was also exhibited at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in September the same year.^[10] In Japan, buyers must pay an additional tax due to the exterior dimensions exceeding Japanese government reguations for cars classified as "compact".

The Asian RVRs are powered by the 4B10 1.8 litre gasoline engine mated to an INVECS-III continuously variable transmission.^[11] North American, Singaporean, Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Philippine and Australian vehicles will get the larger 4B11 2.0 L, while the European ASX use a new 4A92 1.6 litre gasoline engine. In Europe and Australia the 4N13 1.8 L direct-injection turbodiesel engine will also be available as options.^[12] The whole range of petrol engines – 1.6L (117 hp), 1.8L (140 hp) and 2.0L (150 hp) will be offered in the Russian and Ukrainian market.

Mitsubishi has concentrated on emphasizing the RVR's fuel economy and low emissions, as part of the company's plan to reposition itself as a maker of smaller and more efficient cars, in contrast to its previous successes building large SUVs.^[13] The vehicle is both eligible for an eco-car tax reduction in Japan,^[11] and Euro-5 compliant in Europe.^[13] In Australia the ASX received a 5 out of 5 star safety rating from ANCAP.^[14]

The European ASX was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010,^[12][13] while the North American Outlander Sport/RVR was revealed at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.^[15] From the summer of 2012, production of the Outlander Sport will begin in Mitsubishi's Illinois plant, for both the North American and a number of export markets.^[16]

Next generation

In October 2014 Mitsubishi announced that the next generation ASX will have a plug-in hybrid version. The conventionally powered next generation ASX is scheduled for market launch in 2016 and the plug-in version will go on sale in Europe and other markets in 2017.^[17]

References

1. Lienert, Paul (2009-12-04). "Named: 2011 Mitsubishi RVR". Inside Line. Archived from the original on 2009-12-13.
2. Winternitz, Felix (October 1991). "Hot Wheels '92". Cincinnati Magazine 25 (1): 108. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
3. "What's new for '92? Check these models". Kiplinger's Personal Finance 45 (10): 107. October 1991. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
4. "Mitsubishi Space Runner my 1999". MotorBox.
5. "Mitsubishi Motors Launches RVR New Compact Crossover", Mitsubishi-Motors.com Press Release, February 17, 2010
6. "Mitsubishi RVR crossover launched in Japan!", Danny Tan, Paultan.org, February 22, 2010
7. "Mitsubishi launches new ASX model", Puerto Rico Daily Sun, November 30, 2010
8. "Mitsubishi Concept-cX: Global unveiling of at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, July 30, 2007
9. "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, August 29, 2007
10. "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 7, 2007
11. "Mitsubishi Motors Launches RVR New Compact Crossover", Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 17, 2010
12. "Mitsubishi ASX previewed ahead of Geneva", Danny Tan, Paultan.org, January 20, 2010
13. "Geneva motor show: Mitsubishi ASX SUV", Autocar, 15 February 2010
14. "Crash Test Results - Crash Test Ratings - Crash Tests - ANCAP". ancap.com.au.
15. "New York 2010: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts With High Expectations", Autoguide, 1 April 2010
16. "Mitsubishi moving Outlander Sport production from Japan to Normal, IL", Jeremy Korzeniewski, autoblog.com, February 4, 2012
17. "Mitsubishi plans ASX PHEV and Pajero PHEV". My Electric Car Forum. October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2014.

External links

• Feb 1991: RVR, Mitsubishi Motors Web Museum
• Mitsubishi RVR specs, English.auto.vl.ru website
• Review of 1993 Expo LRV at the Orlando Sentinel
• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
• 2014 Mitsubishi ASX specifications in automobile-catalog