Mitsubishi Motors announces the introduction of a new series of the popular CHARIOT*1 model which created a new genre of passenger car featuring outstanding space utility and utility. The first full redesign in six years and five months, the new series adopts a new name in recognition of the major transformation it has undergone. The new CHARIOT GRANDIS*2 will go on sale at Galant and Car Plaza dealerships throughout Japan on Friday October 17.

The CHARIOT GRANDIS is a next-generation space utility wagon from the company that has long played a trailblazing role in the industry with the introduction of trend-setting technologies and new model concepts. Mitsubishi Motors was the first manufacturer to introduce the GDI eco-engine, and also sparked off the sport utility vehicle boom in Japan with the introduction of the popular PAJERO, CHARIOT and DELICA SPACE GEAR. All models in the new series are powered by a new 2.4-liter GDI engine, feature the first Dash-shift Selector in Japan and Mitsubishi's INVECS-II with Sports Mode 4-speed smart automatic transmission. Reassuring and classy exterior styling wraps the generous proportions of its Japanese compact-size body, with elegant and functional interiors, and all models use Mitsubishi's RISE safety body. The new CHARIOT GRANDIS melds together superior levels of performance, comfort, quality, safety and environmental acceptability.

*1 French for the battle chariot used in ancient Greece and the Roman empire. Signifies a vehicle that, like the warriors of old, is proud and has endless reserves of energy.

*2 Coined from the French "grandiose", the name implies a transformation and evolution into something more dependable and grander still.

CHARIOT GRANDIS Super Exceed (6-seater)

1. Major Product Features

(1) New space utility wagon performance benchmark

1. 2.4-liter GDI eco-engine

   • All models are powered by Mitsubishi's revolutionary GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) eco-engine that realizes substantial reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions over its port-injection cousin. The new 4G64, developed for the CHARIOT GRANDIS, is a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve unit.

   • The 4G64 engine generates maximum torque at 3,500 rpm for sparkling, long-legged performance under all driving conditions while returning class-topping fuel economy.

2. Transmission

   • All models use Mitsubishi's INVECS-II with Sports Mode 4-speed automatic transmis-sion, with a new dash-mounted shift selector, an industry-first in Japan. Locating the shift lever in the center of the dashboard allows better walk-through access to the rear compartment from the front seats. The shift action is much closer to that of a manual gearbox and sportier than a column-mounted lever.

   • With the exception of the MX-B two-wheel drive model, all trim levels are available in two- and four-wheel drive versions. 4WD models feature Mitsubishi's center differen-tial-with-viscous coupling unit full-time four wheel drive system that delivers go-anywhere stability and control on all surfaces.

3. Suspension, wheels and tires

   • The CHARIOT GRANDIS uses a MacPherson strut arrangement to support the wheels at the front. Road noise insulation is improved through the use of a double vibration-proofing system in which the lower arms, stabilizer bar and steering gearbox are at-tached to the body via a ladder sub-frame.

   • The rear wheels are supported by a semi-trailing arm arrangement that combines ex-cellent handling stability with space efficiency. The components are attached to the body via cross members for enhanced road noise insulation.

   • All models use 15 x 6JJ steel wheels shod with 205 / 65R15 tires, and with 15-inch full covers. The top trim level Super Exceed sports 15-inch alloy road wheels as standard.

(2) Styling: classy and reassuring

1. Packaging

   • CHARIOT GRANDIS employs the generous proportions and reassuring appearance of its Japanese compact-size body dimensions, to realize well-balanced, easily maneu-verable packaging in an overall length that is not a centimeter longer than it has to be.

   • The new series provides class-topping space in an interior that feels comfortably roomy even when carrying a full complement of passengers.

2. Exterior

   • The exterior design uses Mitsubishi's crisp linear styling to maximize the casual, classy and reassuring stability that is the hallmark of the Japanese compact-size body.

   • The abbreviated front corners give the front mask a reassuringly boldness, while the modern and voluptuously shaped engine hood adds volume.

   • From the side, the design melds boldness with elegance. The gently sloping wedge shape creates a roomy, leisurely silhouette, while the wheel house flanges and side garnish hint at exciting dynamic performance.

   • In the rear view, the proportions project a reassuring look of stability and clearly identify the status of the model. Stylish Crystal Light rear lamp units and a sweeping rear win-dow further distinguish the rear view.

   • Front and rear bumper extensions, side sill garnish, chrome plated tail gate garnish and other aero parts are standard on the Exceed trim level and up.

(3) Interior

1. Design

   • The roomy interior space, new dash-shift selector and flexible seat arrangements are exploited to the full in presenting a functional and classy interior that befits a next-generation space utility wagon.

   • With a muscular center zone and stand-alone instrument bezels, the instrument panel adds a dynamic and sporty flavor to the interior.

   • The new dash-shift selector creates more space around the legs and enables a clearer walk-through aisle.

   • Air conditioning and other secondary controls are grouped together in the center zone in a people-friendly layout that makes them immediately identifiable and facilitates op-eration.

   • Passengers are gently cosseted in an elegant interior space that uses cloth trim for the doors, pillars and other parts that occupants come into contact with.

2. Seat arrangements

   • The new CHARIOT GRANDIS is available in a 6-seat as well as the original 7-seat ver-sion. In both types, the recline, tilt-up, long slide, tumble and other adjustment features allow a wide variety of seating arrangements, enabling the interior to be flexibly tailored to meet different passenger loads and applications.

     <6-seater version>

   • The second row uses individual captain-style seats with armrests for limousine type comfort. This creates a more accessible walk-through and facilitates entry and exit. These seats incorporate a tip-up feature that enables them to be folded up easily, and have a long slide travel.

   • The third row uses separate seats that can be removed from the vehicle. These seats feature a fold-down mechanism that enables the seatback to be folded flat, and a tum-ble mechanism that enables the whole seat to be folded forward. A seat in the tumbled position may be detached in a simple one-action process.

     <7-seater version>

   • The second row provides seating for three persons, and the third row uses a bench seat with tip-up and long slide features. Tipping up and sliding the third row seat for-ward provides a cavernous luggage space for larger pieces of leisure equipment and other items.

3. Quieter inside

   • The cabin is significantly quieter thanks to the elimination of road, engine and exhaust noise with the following measures: The front suspension is carried on an elastically supported sub-frame; the use of larger section side sills; door pillars are filled with ex-panded foam for improved insulation; the dashboard panel and floor areas are treated with a vibration proofing spray: the use of a larger muffler.

4. Better utility

   • A Multi Center Display with LED screen displays navigation maps, audio system status, fuel remaining and other information relating to vehicle operating status. Mounted on top of the instrument panel, the Multi Center Display is located for easy viewing by the driver and so as to be visible to all other occupants.

   • The Exceed and Super Exceed trim levels are fitted as standard with MMCS (Mitsubi-shi Multi Communications System) which displays a wide variety of information includ-ing navigation maps, audio system and climate control operating status on a 5.8-inch LED screen. The MX Select, and Exceed models without MMCS, are fitted as standard with the Multi Center Display that provides an alphanumeric indication of average fuel consumption and other vehicle data as well as the audio system and climate control status.

   • A multi-mode keyless entry system that enables the door locks, power windows and door mirrors to be operated by remote control at the touch of a button is standard on the MX Select trim level and up.

5. Generous stowage space

   • The instrument panel provides seven stowage areas including a large glove box and upper glove box (on MX models). Other convenient stowage in the seats, luggage compartment and elsewhere throughout the vehicle, enhances the utility of the new CHARIOT GRANDIS series.

(4) Safety

1. Active safety

   • All models, except the MX-B, are fitted as standard with anti-lock braking which pre-vents wheel lock under emergency braking or when braking on a slippery surface, thereby keeping the vehicle in a stable attitude and enabling the driver to retain control of his vehicle.

   • All models use 15-inch disc brakes with 2-pot calipers at the front, giving positive stop-ping power and good pedal feedback and feel under all conditions.

   • Compound surface door mirrors improve field of view and enable the driver to see the area around rear wheels, often a blind spot, as well as making the vehicle easier to maneuver when garaging or parking.

   • A neon fast-response, auxiliary high-mount light is fitted as standard on MX Select and up.

2. Passive safety

   • All models employ Mitsubishi's RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) safety body that uses energy-absorbing front and rear sections and a high-rigidity cabin to offer en-hanced crashworthiness in frontal, rear, side and offset impacts.

   • The new CHARIOT GRANDIS comfortably clears European Protection of Occupant in the Event of A Frontal Collision Regulation (56km/h) requirements for frontal offset crashes that are due to be introduced in October 1998. It also meets the requirements of the European Safety Public Testing requirement for high-speed (64 km/h) crashes.

   • The new series meets Japanese 50 km/h rear-end crash requirements at a speed of 56 km/h and the requirements of both Japanese and European occupant protection regu-lations for side crashes that are due to come into force in October 1998.

   • All models, except the MX-B, are fitted as standard with SRS airbags for driver and front passenger.

   • The top trim level Super Exceed is fitted as standard with SRS side airbags for driver and passenger.

   • Driver and front passenger seatbelts incorporate force limiters on the waist and shoul-der belts that absorb energy effectively and reduce energy input suffered by the wearer in a crash. Second row seatbelts are, like the front seats, fitted with adjustable shoulder anchors that the occupant can adjust to his build.

   • Power-windows are fitted with an anti-trapping mechanism that causes the window to reverse direction if its encounters an obstacle while closing.

   • The new CHARIOT GRANDIS also features a new braking assist system with variable assistance that comes into its own emergency braking.

(5) Value for money

• The new CHARIOT GRANDIS boasts an awesome specification that includes the GDI eco-engine, Japan's first dash-shift selector and Mitsubishi's INVECS-II with Sports Mode 4-speed automatic transmission as standard on all models, as well as the RISE safety body that offers crash protection in impacts from all directions and provides gen-erous interior space. So much at very accessible prices makes for tremendous value for money.

2. Sales target (for Japanese market)

• CHARIOT GRANDIS series; 6,000 units/month

3. Specification (Japan spec.): CHARIOT GRANDIS Super Exceed

*The CHARIOT GRANDIS series includes a wide range of other models and trim levels