The Mitsubishi RVR is a compact cross-over SUV that hit the showroom floors in Japan yesterday and may make its way to Australia in the not too distant future. Japanese prices converted to Aussie dollars range from $21,927 up to just over $30,000 dollars.
Mitsubishi says that the new RVR provides outstanding fuel efficiency from its lightweight, compact body. With the panoramic field of view of an SUV, the RVR is easy to drive and provides turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. The vehicle is the ideal compact crossover, with ample luggage space for every application from daily driving to leisure outings.
The power train combines a 1.8-liter, 16-valve DOHC MIVEC* engine with an INVECS**–III sport mode 6-speed CVT. The vehicle features a regenerative braking system*** (high-efficiency electric power generation control), electric power steering, improved aerodynamics and other low-fuel consumption technologies.
The RVR also incorporates super-wide HID headlights which provide a wide, ultra-bright beam for safe night driving, a panoramic glass roof (with LED illumination) for a sense of spaciousness during the day and a romantic ambiance at night, and push-button ignition.
The RVR is equipped with an advanced in-car entertainment including a terrestrial digital TV tuner HDD navigation system and a “link system” with USB, Bluetooth and other connections for music players and other external devices.
* Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control
** Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System
*** Intensive battery charging of the electricity generated during deceleration (regenerative braking). The stored energy is used until it is consumed during idling and running, without electricity generation. This system contributes to higher fuel efficiency because the burden on the engine is decreased from not running the alternator while the stored energy is consumed.