RVR HOLDS ITS OWN AGAINST COMPETITORS
Mitsubishi’s mature compact SUV is nimble and fun to drive
For a company that doesn’t generate much in the way of headlines, seeming ( rather perversely) to revel in its underdog status, Mitsubishi Motors’ recent unveiling of an updated 2016 RVR sport ute at the Los Angeles Auto Show is a welcome sign that it’s still fighting.
The very compact ( rather than “large subcompact”) SUV, a perennial bestseller for Mitsubishi — though currently trailing the larger and more extensively improved 2016 Outlander — gets a nose job, more specifically a redesigned front fascia/ grille. This “dynamic shield,” as the company has tagged it, adds “a sleek, audacious element to an already superb- looking vehicle.” Hyperbole aside, it replaces the wide- mouth bass grille of the 2015- and- earlier models.
But the newish 2016 RVR isn’t available for testing yet. Besides, something far more important happened early in 2015 ( with little fanfare) to the top- of- the- line GT models: they got a larger fourcylinder engine that significantly alters the SUV’s personality.
As part of a mid- year model enhancement, the GT received the 168- horsepower, 2.4- litre DOHC four- cylinder MIVEC engine that was available in the Lancer AWC sedan. ( The engine is also found in 2.4 Limited trim.) Granted, this might not be worthy of fireworks and a tickertape parade, but adding another 0.4 litre of displacement and an extra 20 horses is a positive thing. The somewhat overtaxed base 2.0- L four will continue in the ES, SE 2WD, SE AWC and Limited models.
In its fifth year in Canada, the U. S.- made RVR is, along with Nissan’s bug- ugly Juke, one of the progenitors of the small sport- ute segment, which is now getting all sorts of attention — and sales — thanks to the newer Honda HR- V, Mazda CX- 3, Jeep Renegade/ Fiat 500X and Chevy Trax/ Buick Encore, not to mention higher- priced entries such as the Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mini Countryman. Almost all of the more affordable models are urban sized ( less than 4.3 metres in length) and relatively lightweight, making them far more fuel efficient and manoeuvrable than their larger siblings.
My biggest beef with the 2.0- L RVR GT AWC, which I last drove in 2011, was its lack of zip. Its 148hp engine was tuned for fuel efficiency, not performance, which resulted in acceleration best described as tepid. In the 2015 version, the added 20 hp from the 2.4- L four gives the GT more jump — not enough to go head to head with the Honda Accord in the next lane but certainly enough to be competitive with the Mitsu’s rivals. The SUV already received an updated continuously variable transmission for the 2015 model year, delivering better fuel economy and response as well as improved acceleration feel. As a bonus for upgrading to the GT model, along with standard all- wheel drive ( All- Wheel Control or AWC in Mitsubishi-speak), one gets batwing- style paddle shifters. But as a key component of the Sportronic’s manual function, they add little to the driving experience.
Although the right foot doesn’t have to be as hard on the gas pedal to get the necessary oomph for day- to- day commuting, the 2.4- L four tends to drone when under load, as does the base 2.0- L. It’s not as bad as before, but it is still noticeable. At more constant speeds, the engine seems to be no noisier than any other typical four- cylinder, although wind noise is excessive, at least on the highway.
As for fuel economy, my week with the tester resulted in an average of 11.3 L/ 100 km, with a skew of approximately 65 city/ 35 highway driving. That’s about par for the course for sport utes in the RVR’s class.
Considering its short overall length and wheelbase, the RVR’s ride and handling is quite acceptable. Its suspension setup consists of a MacPherson- strut layout in front with a multilink and coil system at the rear. Stabilizer bars are also used at both the front and rear. Body lean when cornering is controlled and the SUV sticks to its intended line when negotiating tight onramps and such.
The GT model benefits from larger P225/ 55R18 rubber instead of the P215/ 70R16 tires found on the lower- priced units. Also, the electric power steering provides good road feedback, and the brakes — ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear — make for quick stops.
Other than the powertrain improvements, there were a few other upgrades to the 2015 GT model: a glossy piano- black audio trim panel with silver accents and LED daytime running lights.
Inside, the RVR is showing its age, with an abundance of hard black plastic for the dash area instead of the soft- touch good stuff. And — OMG! — there are dials to control the heat/ ventilation system instead of touchscreen submenus. How retro! How simple!
For the $ 29,398 cost of the GT, one still doesn’t get power seats ( though the driver’s seat manually adjusts six ways), but the steering wheel is leatherwrapped, and power windows and door locks, and heated front seats are standard. Also included are LED lighting, backup camera, automatic climate control and a panoramic roof with a powersliding sunshade.
The interior is rife with storage pockets, compartments and utility hooks and there are two 12- volt outlets. The rear 60/ 40- split seat folds for 1,382 litres of cargo area ( 569 with the seat up). There is plenty of room up front and, considering the vehicle’s overall size, there are reasonable rear- seat accommodations for regular- sized passengers.
My advice to Mitsubishi four years ago, when I was not a huge fan of the RVR’s powertrain, was to either give the 2.0- L engine another 20 or 30 hp, or ditch the CVT in favour of a proper sixspeed automatic. Not to sound overly prescient, but the company has, more or less, followed through — 2.4- L provides the additional horses and the CVT, though not done away with, is sufficiently improved.
The RVR is a mature product with an increased number of newer competitors. But, while there is room for improvement, it remains an affordable ( starting at $ 19,998 for the base ES 2WD model) and fun- to- drive sport ute with nimble handling and a cheerful personality. Plus it has a superior vehicle warranty. In other words, it holds its own.
Overview: More power for an aging compact SUV Pros: Nimble, reasonable acceleration, well contented Cons: Dated cabin, engine noise, tight rear- seat room for taller passengers Value for money: Fair What I would change: Upgrade interior, improve sound deadening How I would spec it: As is