Bold new Mitsubishi crossover breaks cover
AT the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, which took place last week, Mitsubishi presented a bold new look at its future (and perhaps our own) with a stunning new crossover concept.
Dubbed the Engelberg Tourer, the company sees it as the next step in advanced automotive electrification and all-wheel technologies, which Mitsubishi hopes will raise SUV ‘appeal’ to a whole new level.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
‘Engelberg’ is a renowned ski destination in Switzerland that offers epic vistas. It is known for challenging trails runs that offer freestyle and freeriding fun for skiers and snowboarders. Mitsubishi saw it fit to name the car after the prestigous high-end resort, which is fitting once you tuck into the vehicle’s juicy bits.
WHAT DRIVES IT?
The Engelberg Tourer is a ‘Twin Motor’ all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV).
Mitsubishi say it offers high levels (but no specfic output) of grunt that allow the driver to enjoy performance driving in any weather condition or on any road surface with confidence. It combines this performance offering with the long cruising range expected of a PHEV, though, and that means you can take spontaneous out of town road trips to places with no charging infrastructure, unlike a full electric vehicle.
The E.T. (sorry, we had to) has been designed as an elegant and functional all-rounder crossover SUV.
“We have crafted a design that bursts with ‘Mitsubishiness’. The body styling gives expression to the powerfulness and reliability that allows it to negotiate any kind of road. The interior offers generous cabin space that allows several passengers to enjoy the journey in comfort, and features levels of quality and functionality that are marked by a loving attention to detail,” the company’s spokesmen say.
Mitsubishi’s Twin Motor PHEV system was honed and developed in the Outlander PHEV and, using new next-generation electrification and all-wheel control technologies, evolves it into an even more unique vehicle propulsion system, they add.
A large capacity drive battery is fitted beneath the floor in the middle of the vehicle for a low centre of gravity. Then, a 2.4-litre petrol engine designed for the PHEV system is thrown into the mix. In series hybrid mode, the petrol engine acts as a high-output generator (only charging the battery pack) and achieves a high regeneration rate, according to the manufacturer.
The Twin Motor full-time 4WD system with high output, high efficiency motors drives the front and rear axles and, employing the insights garnered with the Lancer Evolution series, uses Active Yaw Control to tailor the power and torque split between the front wheels. Fancy.
WHAT DISTANCES CAN IT GET?
In pure electric mode, you can travel 70km, and with a fully charged battery and full fuel tank it has a total cruising range of over 700km (WLTP).
When you enter a destination in the on-board navigation system, the Connected Car System uses weather, temperature, topography, traffic and surface condition information to select the optimum drive and to tailor power and torque split through drive battery energy management and the S-AWC system.
This is said to enable safe and comfortable driving and also contributes to fuel economy, Mitsubishi say.
WHAT ABOUT THE ‘DENDO’?
Mitsubishi also highlighted its DENDO DRIVE HOUSE (DDH) at the Geneva Show, which is a packaged system comprising an EV/PHEV, a bi-directional charger, solar panels and house battery, and is designed for home use.
“This is a one-stop solution that bundles together the sale, installation and maintenance of the system components. The package allows the customer to charge their EV/PHEV at home using solar generated power, and to supply electricity from their EV/PHEV to the home. DDH brings benefits to the customer that include savings on electricity costs and the provision of an emergency power source,” Mitsubishi spokesmen add.
Unfortunately, the Engelberg Tourer isn’t confirmed for South Africa, however, we think it’s an ideal vehicle for the brand to launch here (price dependent), as it’s surely going to be an engaging, capable alternative to the Pajero Sport or Pajero. It might even convince people who never considered buying a Mitsubishi to jump into the brand, as it seems to be a convincing blend of style and tech for the future.