Vehicle: 2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD
Price as tested: CDN$28498
Performance: The original Mitsubishi RVR was sold in Canada as both Plymouth Colt Vista and Eagle Summit LX, as it was the major rival to the Nissan Axxess. After nearly 2 decades, Mitsubishi Canada decided to bring the RVR back as a full crossover. Is the new RVR a welcome entrant into the booming crossover segment? We will have the answer after this test drive.
The RVR, as what American called Outlander Sport, is based on the same platform as the Lancer compact car. That comes as not surprise RVR is sharing the same 2.0 liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing system called MIVEC. With 148 horses and 143 lb/ft of torque, this 2.0 liter engine is medicore to move RVR’s 3263 lb of curb weight off-the-line. In terms of numbers, 148hp and 143 lb/ft are only average in this class of small crossovers. 3263 lb isn’t exactly lightweight neither, by any sketches of standards. Despite that, this powertrain is both refined and a smooth operator from low to high rpm. However, that is for the most parts. While those of us at Directshift has always been smitten by CVT’s operational logic and fuel efficiency the whole concept provides in many of those nicely executed CVT transmissions (namely Audi Multitronic and Nissan Xtronic, which we have considered both of them as the benchmarks). The 6-speed CVT in RVR, has suffered from the same issue as we had in the Lancer GTS. Both the driver and passengers have to listen to those noisy racket when accelerating from standstill to 100km/h. Thankfully, the paddle shifters have helped reduce the annoying noise so much. Its a nite-and-day difference between driven in “D” or use the paddle shifters. Sadly, the paddle shifters aren’t mounted on the steering wheel. Mitsubishi decided they can save more costs by mounting them on the steering column. That makes when driver is making a turn, its uninitutive to use the paddle shifters while holding the steering wheel. Pity!
Handling: Mitsubishi Lancer’s platform has always been known for its superb rigidty and stiffness, as we have witnessed in their Ralliart and Evolution rockets. Based a crossover on such a well-received platform has always been a good thing, as we have experienced it with RVR’s bigger brother: the Outlander. Mated with the same excellent AWD system as in the Outlander and Evolution, RVR has a proactive system which works quite differently than many of its peers. Driver has the choice between 3 options: 2WD, 4WD and Lock. For best efficiency, leave it in 2WD. In toughest condition, leave the system in Lock position. But for those of us who live in a rainy region, leave the system in 4WD is good enough for most of the fall and winter. The ESP system has worked nicely with the AWD system, which acts as a second defend before its going to step into the equation. RVR’s electric power steering provides decent feel and feedback, with nice response to driver input when pushed. Th body rolls are well-controlled and terminal understeer is expected. What really surprise me is how sporty RVR drives when pushed. Unlike many of those crossovers which are tuned toward comfort, RVR is tuned for sporty driving experience. The suspension feels sporty without losing any of its compliant and comfort over patholes and washboard pavements. Dynamically speaking, RVR is able to give Subaru Forester and VW Tiguan a-run-for-their-money.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, RVR’s brake pedal feels confidence-inspiring and reassuring. The stopping distance is short and linear, while pedal feels solid and provide decent feedback. The ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily, even under rainy conditions, is an added bonus.
Interior: When the rear seats are up, there are enough luggage space for 5 persons. When the rear seats tumble down, you can load up the RVR with basically everything. There are plenty of cubbyholes build on the side or below the luggage area. It also has a privacy cover to cover all the luggage with the tailgate close. At the back, it has a much-needed washer/wiper for clearing mess up. Unfortunately, the rear glass isn’t opened independently, which it should.
In the front of the RVR, everything else from the auto climate control to the stereo are placed on logical location. Which means stereo on top of the HVAC for best ergonomic means, they are both initutitve. All the switchgears are finished in tactical and high-quality materials. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. But, which is always been a BIG *but* for all recent Mitsubishi products, is their trim quality. There are just too much cheap and hard plastic around the dashboard and center console.
Conclusion: The new RVR is definitely a welcome addition to the booming crossover segment, especially for those who don’t need the pathetic 3rd row seats in the more expensive Outlander. However, its power is medicore while interior furnishings are only average to compete in this very segment. Only time will tell whether consumers would opt for the more powerful Outlander.
Competitions:
Chevrolet Equinox
Nisan Rogue
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Mitsubishi RVR
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 3/5