Mitsubishi Grandis
| Mitsubishi Grandis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors China Motor Corporation |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Space Wagon |
| Production | 2003–2011 |
| Assembly | Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant) Philippines: Cainta, Rizal Taiwan: Yang Mei Thailand: Laem Chabang |
| Designer | Olivier Boulay |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large MPV |
| Body style | 5-door MPV |
| Layout | Front engine, FWD/4WD |
| Related | Mitsubishi Savrin Mitsubishi Outlander |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4G69 2.4 L I4 MIVEC VW 2.0 L I4 DI-D |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed INVECS-II automatic (petrol) 6-speed manual (diesel) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm (111.4 in) |
| Length | 4,765 mm (187.6 in) |
| Width | 1,795 mm (70.7 in) |
| Height | 1,655–1,700 mm (65.2–66.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,655–1,725 kg (3,649–3,803 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mitsubishi Chariot |
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The Mitsubishi Grandis is a seven seat MPV built by Mitsubishi Motors to replace its Chariot/Space Wagon/Nimbus line. It was launched on 14 May 2003 and was sold in Japan, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, and South America.[1] Engines available were a 2.4 litre four-cylinder and a Volkswagen sourced 2.0 litre turbodiesel (not available in Jamaica), badged DI-D rather than TDI as Volkswagen denotes it.
The exterior styling was based loosely on designer Olivier Boulay's earlier Mitsubishi Space Liner,[2] a monobox four seat concept vehicle with centre opening "suicide doors", first exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2001.[3]
It was the first all new vehicle featuring the company's new common "face", comprising a curved lower grille edge and a sharp crease rising up the leading edge of the bonnet from the prominent corporate badge.[4] It shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Airtrek, minus the increased ground clearance.[citation needed]
The Grandis was also the basis for the Mitsubishi FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) concept, powered by a fuel cell technology developed by then controlling shareholder DaimlerChrysler. DCX's "FC System" uses a fuel cell stack to replenish an array of NiMH batteries from 117 litres of compressed hydrogen storage.[5]
It won the Best MPV award at the Bangkok International Motor Show from 2005 to 2010.[6] During March 2009, it saw the cancellation of this model in the Japanese market, marking the end of the Chariot name after twenty six years of production. For 2011, it was discontinued globally.
Annual production and sales
| Year | Production | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Overseas | ||
| 2003 | 28,821 | 23,834 | 3,574 |
| 2004 | 19,173 | 5,247 | 14,352 |
| 2005 | 29,466 | 4,490 | 24,507 |
| 2006 | 17,928 | 1,756 | 16,870 |
| 2007 | 15,549 | 674 | 15,161 |
| 2008 | 8,583 | 281 | 8,283 |
(source: Facts & Figures 2008, Facts & Figures 2009, Mitsubishi Motors website)
References
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors Releases New Grandis", Mitsubishi Motors press release, 14 May 2003
- ^ "Mitsubishi Grandis Review", Carpages.co.uk, 27 March 2005
- ^ ""New" Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Exciting Car Concepts At 35th Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors Press Release, 17 October 2001
- ^ "Mitsubishi designer's vision unveiled", MMNA press release, PR Newswire, 9 January 2002
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors Builds Fuel-Cell Vehicle", Mitsubishi Motors press release, 17 September 2003
- ^ "Mitsubishi Grandis and Strada win Car of the Year Awards at Bangkok International Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors Press Release, 29 March 2005
Mitsubishi Motors : Space Wagon, MMTh website
"มิตซูบิชิ ควบ 2 รางวัล "รถยอดเยี่ยม”", Thai PR, 2 April 2008
"รางวัล Thailand Car of the Year ประจำปี 2009", Thai Auto Shop, 8 April 2009
"ผลตัดสินรถยอดเยี่ยมแห่งปี2010 ในงานมอเตอร์โชว์ บีเอ็มฯคว้า7รางวัล มิตซูฯ5 นิสสัน3 จยย.ฮอนด้าได้4", Matichon Online, 31 March 2010