MITSUBISHI
improves the RVR yet again
Making it in the intensely competitive compact crossover segment is the challenge facing Mitsubishi’s most popular vehicle, the RVR.
The model has done well since it was introduced in 2010.
Sold in Canada as the RVR and in 90 other markets as the ASX or Outlander Sport, by the end of 2019 roughly 1,490,000 had been purchased worldwide.
But time marches on and for 2020 the RVR has undergone a re-think and refresh, which includes making its outstanding All-Wheel-Control (AWC) available at a lower price. “RVR is our number one selling nameplate,” said Juyu Jeon, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
“As an entry-level SUV, RVR has done the important job of introducing new customers to the brand and these customers are staying and growing with Mitsubishi.”
In addition, all RVR trims are equipped with a new large eight-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and large rear-view camera, heated front seats, Bluetooth, rear spoiler, heated power side-view mirrors, anti-theft security system, variable intermittent wiper and washer and a suite of safety features, including Hill Start Assist, Traction Control Logic, RISE Body Construction, Active Stability Control and Brake Override system.
There are seven trim levels, with pricing starting at $22,998 for the frontdrive ES and topping out at $33,998 for the GT AWC as tested here.
The RVR jet fighter grille treatment is long gone, with Mitsubishi now concentrating on its “impact and impulse” design language.
Thankfully staying away from the gaping grille treatment on some of its competitors, RVR’s hood and grille have a pronounced frontward slant framed by slimline headlights and distinctive LED quad daytime running lights on the lower front corners.
A skid plate protruding slightly from underneath the bumper gives a rugged look. Thankfully again, the body panels and rear shy away from the current Japanese vogue of origami hard-edged character lines.
There are two engine choices, starting with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder producing 148 hp and 145 lb/ft of torque on the lower trim levels and a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder making 168 hp and 168 lb/ft of torque.
With front- or Mitsubishi’s version of all-wheel-drive, all models are equipped with a six-step CVT transmission.
Mitsubishi makes it clear in the owner’s manual that towing is not recommended. With some hard plastic on the door panels the interior gives way to the instrument panel in soft touch materials complimented by faux suede seating of a high calibre.
One thing I really liked was that the temporary spare tire is under the cargo floor, for easier access.
On a slushy winter evening just try to crawl under the body of a stranded car only to find the spare rusted tight to the carrier and you’ll know what I mean.
Following my usual route, I covered just over 600 km on a mix of highways, byways and urban streets.
I found at highway speeds at the flow of traffic, the 2.4-litre was up to the job, but some additional “gears” in the CVT for passing would be useful.
For my part, the slightly higher seating position always helps amid the cut and thrust of three-lane highways and the lane keeping on the GT I was driving with standard blind spot warning was a handy thing to have.
And if you want tunes along the way, it’s hard to beat the 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, plus a sizeable subwoofer grafted into the wall of the cargo area.
The Mitsubishi All-Wheel-Control is one of the best in the segment. If you want to go soft-roading, the RVR will get you out there and back.
The full-colour information display on the RVR is comprehensive, giving readouts on outside temp, odo/trip metre, average fuel consumption, distance to empty, drive mode selector, gear selection and low fluid warning for fuel and windshield washer.
For 2020, the RVR gets three new colours, Red Diamond, Oak Brown, and as tested, Sunshine Orange, which really stood out.
One of my neighbours owns an RVR and I asked him why he bought one and he said it was the size of cargo volume, which is 614 litres behind the 60/40 split/ fold rear seat and 1,402 litres folded.
As for reliability, the RVR comes with a 10-year, 160,000 warranty on the powertrain, which Mitsubishi wouldn’t offer, if it didn’t think the RVR could cut it.
Another plus is unlimited distance roadside assistance. Mitsubishi has taken a winner and made it even better for 2020.