25 January 2000, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that it is to launch the brand new DION^*1 wagon at Galant and Car Plaza dealerships throughout Japan on Saturday 29 January. Developed to "Smart Design" and "Ecology Conscious" themes, DION is the second series in the company's new SUW (Smart Utility Wagon) lineup. Prices range from 1,598,000 Yen to 1,848,000 Yen.

The new DION provides class-topping^*2 space and roominess within compact user-friendly body dimensions. A middle row of individual seats - a class first - and a third row of seats that can be folded down and stowed under the floor enable various seating arrangements and ensure that this do-anything wagon for 7 is as much fun to ride as it is to drive. A new 2-liter GDI engine makes DION eco-friendly, while the ISOFIX^*3 child-seat retaining bar is just one feature in the comprehensive safety specification. And, with prices starting at 1,598,000 Yen, DION is easy on the pocket.

DION

I. Product features

(1) Generous interior space in compact body size

• DION's "Low-tumble and Square" styling together with the flat floor design realize class-topping interior space.
• Enabling easy movement around the cabin, the H-pattern walkthru contributes to a airy and comfortable open-plan interior.

(2) Stress-free journeys for all

• DION's compact body dimensions realize user-friendly driveability and maneuverability that boasts class-topping minimum and effective turning radii.
• Adding to DION's user-friendly properties are the excellent all-round visibility stemming from the clean-cut lines of the hood, the extensive glazing area, and the slightly elevated driving position.
• DION uses a Smart Shift automatic transmission lever mounted on the steering column for improved control, and a foot-operated parking brake.
• The use of stepped hip point heights, lowest for the front row and highest for the third row of seats, assures excellent visibility for all occupants.
• Large door openings, natural-height seating and the small side sill step all contribute to easy entry and egress.
• Employing a "barrier-free" concept, the interior layout encourages contortion-less access to all seats.

2. Styling

(1) New-taste styling gives expression to great packaging and functionality

• DION's distinctive styling reflects the "high-density, caring" design concept of providing enjoyable and comfortable transportation for occupants of all age groups and their luggage.
• Styling elements distinguishing the front view and lending it an elegance and stability include the high nose and chunky cabin, distinctive headlight units, and a substantial grille that brings a tautness to the mask.
• The side view surface treatment hints strongly at the roominess of the interior.
• The rear view is distinguished by distinctive taillight units and tailgate glazing that elegantly wraps round into the sides.

(2) Tasteful interior

• The extensive glazing area creates a light and airy interior and the slightly elevated seat height gives occupants excellent all-round visibility. Brown-gray two-tone coloring adds a tasteful, tranquil mood to the roomy interior design.
• Styling elements that contribute to occupant comfort and enjoyment on the road include two-tone trim, a tasteful and unobtrusive dashboard and instrument panel design, and clean, flat surface door trim.

3. Utility

(1) Versatile seating arrangements

• The middle row features individual seats - a class-first - on long-travel slides and a walk-in mechanism, thereby facilitating access to the third row seats even when a child safety seat is fitted.
• The third row of seats can be folded down and stowed under the floor - a first for a Japanese 5-number size space utility with three rows of seats - to create a roomy luggage space with a flat floor. And, this row of seats can be flipped over to face rearwards at the touch of a button.

(2) Generous small item stowage

• Small-item stowage is provided in no less than 16 places, including: in the front, cup holders and a pocket tray in the dashboard, an overhead sunglass pocket and large fold-down pockets in the doors; in the rear compartment, tidy-boxes located by the feet and, in the luggage space, a luggage tray and tidy-boxes on the side walls.
• Located between the front seats, a Sliding Multi-purpose Box with Armrests that can be slid forwards or backwards to match seat position is optionally available.
• Utility and convenience is enhanced for middle row seat passengers with floor-level tidy boxes as standard and pull-down tables fitted to the middle seatbacks.

4. New ecology conscious 2-liter GDI engine

• DION is powered by a new 4G63 GDI engine that runs on regular grade gasoline and generates easy-drive torque at low and mid engine speeds, as well as returning outstanding fuel economy. This Ecology Conscious engine conforms with the Japanese 2000 Emissions Regulations, meets the J-TLEV^*4 targets in the Low Emission Vehicle technical guidelines issued by the Environment Agency and also meets the New 2010 Fuel Economy Standards for Japan.


*4 Japan Transitional Low Emission Vehicle
• All models use Mitsubishi's INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission.

5. Safety features

(1) Active safety

• Anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution system and brake assist system are standard on all models.
• Quarter and tail warning sensors that assist parking and maneuvering in tight areas are optionally available.

(2) Passive safety

• DION uses Mitsubishi's RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) body that complies with the latest omnidirectional crash modes.
• Other passive safety features standard on all models include SRS airbags for driver and front passenger and front seatbelts fitted with pretensioners and force limiters.

(3) Child safety

• To assure in-vehicle child safety, 3-point seatbelts that accommodate a child safety seat for the rear seats and anti-trapping power windows and child protection are standard features on all models.
• Optionally available are an ISOFIX child safety seat retainer for the middle row of seats, and an anti-trapping sunroof.
• A pamphlet describing Mitsubishi Motors' child safety seats and other safety measures for children is available at Mitsubishi Motors dealerships. Further information on child safety seats is available on the company web site at the following URL (in Japanese only):

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/CHILD-SAFETY/

II. Sales information

III. Manufacturer's recommended prices

DION: Principal Specifications

Dimensions & weights

Performance

Engines

Transmission

Running gear