 2011 Mitsubishi RVR. Click image to enlarge |
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2011 Mitsubishi RVR
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia – One hundred and forty three years: that is how long it has been since Nova Scotia became one of the four founding provinces of the Canadian Confederation; it’s a province steeped in history. On the other hand, we have Mitsubishi Motors of Canada, only eight years of age, after re-establishing itself in the Canadian landscape in 2002, after leaving our market in 1998.
Mitsubishi carted out a dozen or so journalists to the beautiful province of Nova Scotia to experience their latest offering in the small crossover segment: the all-new-for-2011 Mitsubishi RVR. This is actually the third generation RVR offered to consumers worldwide, but the first of its kind in Canada. Built off of a shortened Outlander platform, the RVR fits squarely into the small CUV category, against competitors such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Juke and Ford Escape.
 2011 Mitsubishi RVR. Click image to enlarge |
All RVRs are powered by what Mitsubishi refers to as its “world engine,” a 2.0-litre all-aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine that produces 148 hp at 6,000 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. torque at 4,200 rpm. The RVR is available in four trims, starting at $21,998 for the SE trim front-wheel drive equipped model, fitted with a standard five-speed manual transmission; a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission can be added for $1,200. The SE model is also available with an on-demand four-wheel drive system, dubbed All-Wheel Control by Mitsubishi (AWC), with selectable, 2WD, 4WD and 4WD lock modes, for $24,998.
All RVRs come standard with seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag. Other standard features include: rain sensing wipers, push-button start and keyless entry, automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, active stability control, traction control, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system.
   2011 Mitsubishi RVR. Click image to enlarge |
The GT model comes “fully loaded,” including a glass panoramic roof, Bluetooth hands free with voice commands for audio, a nine-speaker, 710-Watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system with 10-inch subwoofer, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and exclusive super-wide high intensity discharge headlamps, which provide 35 per cent more output than conventional HID bulbs, for $28,498.
The RVR employs a number of advanced design techniques to achieve best-in-class (non-hybrid) combined fuel economy, including a lightweight body structure with recycled plastic front fenders, electric power steering, and an ECO instrument light to help drivers understand when they are driving in a fuel efficient manner.
Estimated fuel consumption is an impressive 8.7 L/100 km (city) and 6.4 L/100 km (highway) for the five-speed manual, 2WD model, and 8.4/6.6 for both two and four-wheel drive CVT-equipped models.
The interior of the RVR is well-finished with soft-touch materials, easy-to-read gauges and large, simple dials for the HVAC system. Front passenger space is good but cargo capacity is rather small compared to its competitors. Mitsubishi lists the RVR’s cargo space behind the rear seat as 614 litres without the subwoofer and 569 litres with it. With the rear seats folded, cargo space is either 1,402 or 1,382 litres, depending on your stereo preference. For comparison, the Kia Sportage boasts 740 litres, seats up, and 1,547, seats down.
