Mitsubishi rather quietly announced the new RVR compact SUV crossover at the recent Los Angeles motor show. Taking elements, sometimes literally, from other cars in the Mitsubishi line-up, namely the Lancer, Lancer Sportback and the Outlander, the stylish-looking motor is going on sale in Japan in 2010 and across the rest of the world (where it may have another name) the following year.
The SUV really is compact at just over 14 feet long, so will be great as an urban motor. But it doesn’t sacrifice too much interior space and still manages to feel roomy. Based on Mistubishi’s mid-size global platform, which is the basis of the current Lancer and Outlander, the RVR will be powered by Mitsubishi’s own 1.8-litre MIVEC petrol engine and should be made more economical as a result of the lightweight body construction. It will probably arrive in diesel form too, and is also quite likely to feature a hybrid version as a result of the work done on their PX-MiEV concept vehicle.
The RVR will go head to head with the Nissan Qashqai and the new Hyundai ix35, and should be available as either 2- or 4-wheel drive options. If the success of the Outlander and Shogun are anything to go by, the Mitsubishi RVR should more than hold its own against the competition.
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