Get the best price on a new Mitsubishi Challenger
IT’S THE RIGHT SIZE, neither too big nor too small, and has one of the best turbo-diesel engines in the business under the bonnet.
It is also reasonably quiet and comfortable on road, and, off it, as we discovered, capable of tackling the roughest of bush tracks and rocky inclines.
As a day in the saddle showed, the new 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger is a very complete and competent package.
With pricing starting at $44,490 (plus on-road charges) for the LS manual, Mitsubishi's new mid-sized four-wheel-drive wagon presents a real alternative for both family wagon buyers and serious off-roaders.
Sharing the same strong and economical 2.5 litre common rail intercooled turbo-diesel powering the recently-updated Triton, the Challenger is offered in five and seven-seat configurations.
It also comes with two levels of trim: the LS which provides a manual option, and the more luxuriously appointed, auto only, XLS.
Mitsubishi let us loose at the wheel of both variants with a combination of highway driving, secondary roads and some extreme off-road trails.
Off road, with low range transfer case, standard rear diff-lock, high ground clearance, Mitsubishi’s SuperSelect centre differential, and the grinding torque of that brilliant diesel, it was up to any challenge.
And on road, surprisingly, it proved equally capable, offering car-like comfort and interior appointments, wagon convenience and willing performance.
Slotting into Mitsubishi's four-wheel-drive range between the Outlander and the Pajero, the new low-range equipped Challenger certainly takes the game up to the likes of ‘soft-roaders’ like Kluger and Territory.
When word gets out, it is going to add some heat to the SUV sector.
Styling
One of the first things you will notice about the new Challenger is its size. In a sector where everything is getting bigger and fatter and more indulgent, the Challenger offers space and comfort in a ‘right-sized’ package.
This will appeal to a lot of buyers. Also sure to appeal is that it looks neat ‘in the metal’.
According to Mitsubishi, the new Challenger was styled to be as much at home on city streets as in the bush. The intent was to convey genuine off-road capability and ruggedness as well as smart urban style and on-road comfort.
While the front sheet-metal is identical to the Triton, a new front bumper and headlight lenses add a little extra refinement and style. Most would agree that the Challenger’s lines marry well with the sloping nose of the Triton.
From the front doors back of course, the Challenger is all new. Its profile features blistered fenders, a high beltline, short overhangs and ample ground clearance.
From the wheel, though the nose slopes from view, the sensible dimensions of the Challenger will make it as easy to negotiate supermarket car parks as it is for bush trails.
At the back, the high-positioned tail-lights complete its purposeful and nicely balanced lines.
Those who have battled with a swinging rear door on an SUV will appreciate the Challenger’s lift-up hatch-style rear door. The tube side steps – fitted as standard to all models – also add an extra touch of style while assisting entry to the high-stepping Challenger.
The premium XLS can be picked externally by a chrome grille, colour-coded side mouldings, tinted rear glass and fog-lamps.
Interior
Inside, Mitsubishi has made driver and passenger ergonomics something of a priority, with a versatile layout and ample headroom and legroom in each row.
Passengers in the second row seats, in particular, will notice the excellent legroom. There is ample space for the knees of six-footers there.
Space for third row occupants in the seven-seat variants is also reasonable.
The seats fold readily (third row into the floor, second row canting forward) and both second and third rows seats split fold individually for greater flexibility and storage space.
The entry-level LS gets a leather-bound steering wheel, gear shift, park brake and transfer lever, with metal highlights and fabric seating.
The more luxurious XLS adds leather seat trim, a wood-trim console and centre panel along with a cargo blind and cargo room net.
The seating in each, for shape and bolstering, is on par with the segment.
There is additional padding and under-thigh support (compared to the Triton), electric adjustment in the XLS, and, with a tilt adjustable steering wheel in both models, it is easy to get ‘set’ and comfortable at the wheel.
Importantly, despite its rugged construction, high stance and off-road capability, there is nothing agricultural about the interior style, features or feel of the new Challenger. It’s like being in – and driving – a mid-sized wagon.
Equipment
Both models in the Challenger line-up are available in five- and seven-seat configurations.
The entry-level LS Challenger gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-sized alloy spare, along with side steps, chrome exterior door handles and mirrors and roof rails.
Inside, the LS features automatic air-conditioning, steering-mounted cruise and audio controls, power windows, remote keyless entry and central locking, colour centre display and a six-speaker single CD player system with an audio jack for MP3 player connectivity.
The XLS adds power driver's seat with slide, dual height and recline movement. It also gets Mitsubishi's high-fidelity eight-speaker Power Sound System, Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with satellite navigation, reverse camera and video jack, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Fog-lamps, headlamp washers and reversing sensors are standard on the XLS.
Safety features across the Challenger range include Mitsubishi's All Terrain Technology (MATT) system, including Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and diff lock.
The 2010 Challenger features Mitsubishi's RISE body construction technology, as well as driver and passenger front, side and curtain airbags.
Mechanical
The Challenger utilises the same 2.5 litre common rail turbo-diesel engine that's fitted to the MY10 Triton.
It is a super unit offering 131kW of power at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque at just 2000rpm on the manual-equipped Challenger LS.
A five-speed automatic is available as an option on the LS and standard on the XLS. In auto form, peak torque is limited to 350Nm at 1800rom to preserve the transmission.
In both manual and auto variants, whether grinding up a steep trail or for highway overtaking, the Challenger feels very strong.
Double wishbones with coil springs sit below the front end, while the Triton's rear live axle and leaf springs have made way for a multi-link solid-axle riding on coil springs.
A rigid ladderframe chassis underpins things (rather than the monocoque favoured by most in the sector), with the base model LS manual weighing in at 2041kg empty.
Maximum towing capacity of 2500kg leaves ample capacity for safely putting the horse float or the caravan in tow.
There are disc brakes on all four wheels (with good pedal feel for off-road work) looking after the braking.
Taking power to each corner is Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system.
With a separate transfer case, the Challenger offers 2WD mode (for normal highway travel) or 4WD high, and 4WD low – with a locked centre differential and manually operated rear diff lock (via a button on the dash) fitted standard across all models.
High-range modes can be selected on the move. To engage low range however, things have to be brought to a halt.
Below, the Challenger offers 220mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 35.6 degrees and a departure angle of 24.6 degrees.
With a carlike turning circle of 11.2 metres and nicely weighted steering, there is no trouble picking through tight turns in the bush (nor, you’d expect, in the cut and thrust of the urban jungle).
Get the best price on a new Mitsubishi Challenger
Filed under: review, 4WDs, Latest News, Mitsubishi, challenger, Mitsubishi Challenger, 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger
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4 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
How can a car in this price range not have telescopic steering?
3 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
PS I know it is easy to add/option, but that's my point!
Other than that --NICE-- we will probably buy the 7 seat LS...if Mitsubishi are willing to deal this early?
4 years ago
1 year ago
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3 years ago
3 years ago
In terms of the steering reach and other shortfalls, Mitsubishi have a history with leaving these things off the list. but remember that this is based on the triton and is intended to be a budget alternative to Prado, Pajero etc. What you do get is a long warranty and a dependable, traditionally tough 4wd (not like all this crap flooding the market with no more offroad ability than a corolla).
Good on ya Mitsubishi!
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
The centre panel for observing the fuel average, direction and outside temp etc, dangerous as you have to look to far away to see it, the seat where ok ,but the seating position was very good able to see outside very well.
The head rest was not comfortable for me, I am use to the Nissan and it is better.
I did not like the 4wd lever it was very hard to push and use and the writing on the lever to tell you which was which was, well terrible it was just an impression in the leather, a big let down there in my opinion. Apart from those details a very nice unit.
Over priced for what you get
I will not be buying one as I feel the pathfinder is better so I will keep it till some thing better comes along.
I did consider a new pathfinder but they have not changed since I brought mine new in 2006. I have done 120000 k’s in mine and runs like a dream its 2.5 diesel is great and I think the challenger diesel is in the same class, with there new diesel engine. I would like to see the tow rating at 3000kgs. Challenger Close but just not there yet!
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Over all we agree that this is a brilliant package and at least we didnt go in with any bias.
We can nit pick over small issue's too but over all its a surprisingly refined and capable package with excellent grunt, this was surprising considering Challenger is based on an excellent commercial vehicle, the Triton.
Its not a pretend 4WD like most of its compedtiors, its a tough vehicle thats also a family car and not the other way around like its compeditors.
Great job Mitsubishi!
3 years ago
7 seat is a bonus. However I find it really dissapointing to hear the rattle when you back off the throttle. I expect some rattle or engine noise in diesels but you get the noise when you back off the throttle is just damm anoying. Never had a diesel before so is this normal?? No wonder the salesman turned on the stereo and air con when I jumped in.
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
This test drive was around town and then straight into full beach dunes and back into town on a curvy gravel road.
Diff lock and a lot of 4wd options ( not so on the base Pathy). Yeah the stick is pretty basic, but not fussed if it works.
Feels heavy, but comfortable. The pathy steering is lighter and more agile despite similar weight.
Louder and more sluggish feeling from starts, but noted was only doing 2000rpm. sounded like about 3500. I felt the pathy would whip this form a standing start / overtaking pick up, but feelings can be deceiving. Did not get to pull out and pass any cars at cruising speed. I will need to drive again.
The dunes were a big ask with full tyre pressure. Went straight to the more full on High 4wd setting. Didnt get bogged and i would sugggest i would have in the pathy without dropping pressure. diff lock was used although not really the helping factor in even loose sand.
Felt like a very relaxed ride overall and on the gravel was very comfortable indeed (in 2wd mode even).
The challenger seats do not fold flat down like the Pathy, but the pathy has less leg room for row 2. the challenger still had a good area in fold down mode.
Hard call ... maybe Pathy for slightly more compact city parking steering, but the challenger for serious 4wd
The big one ... 10 year warranty on drive chain! when a new motor is $15k.. this is hard to look past. and when a timing chain goes, this can happen very easily.
3 years ago
regards
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
I would by a manual anyway, but would like some of the extra bits (sat/nav, reversing camera, uprated sound system).
The drive system is obviously better than the Santa Fe/Sorrento's on demand system, but you get the impression that overall the Challenger is a bit primitive (eg the lever transmission selector instead of a switch).
However, it's on the list...
3 years ago
I am now in the market for a new 4x4 but want a bit more feed back on how the new Diesel Challanger (Auto) fairs in soft sand compared to my previous Challenger & Pathy's. Is their a Dealer in S/E Qld that demo's on the beach?
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Pro's
Perfect size for me, not too big, not too small
First diesel ive owned, so perhaps engine noise takes a bit of getting used to however, if you want it to get up and move, the 2.5L seems to respond well to leaning on the accelerator. Not sure about fuel economy for reason below
Interior is great. Leather seats are comfy, 2nd row passengers compliment the 'up high' position and leg room. Steering wheel mounted controls light up, all controls easy to access.
Mitsubishi Multi Communications System (MMCS) is pretty cool, Sat Nav with alternate route options, Bluetooth phone, iPod connectivity (with optioned cable), reversing camera (how did i ever survive without one?? seriously a must have i reckon) MOSTLY all good EXCEPT for below
Styling.....i really like it
Off road, have only done sand/beach work so far and it has not disappointed in any way
Cons
Its true, the sunglass holder is too small to fit sunglasses. silly
The lack of telescopic steering wheel does not phase me too much, I am average height and can get reasonably comfy in the car, but is is an oversight by Mitsu and long trips could cry out for it. we will see.
The main fault with the package for me is the lack of a trip computer in the MMCS! The trip computer in entry level models is removed so the MMCS can be installed. The crazy thing is, the owners manual shows various screen shots of the trip computer function in the MMCS but it seems someone at Mitsubishi thought it would be better to have this completely disabled in AUS version cars. So there is no fuel consumption, outside temp, distance remaining with fuel, etc. Mitsubishi need to address this, (but of course it did not stop me buying the car), it would round the package out nicely
All in all, i really like the car. It suits my needs, weekly urban driving with occasional off-road fun, is comfortable, drives pretty well, and has most of the creature comforts I want in a car. The Mitsubishi warranty is comprehensive, but the real test of that is when it needs to be enacted, which of course i hope never happens.
Lastly, the price. I could not go past the Value for Money aspect of the XLS Challenger. All the bits and pieces normally found in a "luxury" 4X4, at a relatively affordable price, $50k odd with some add ons, nudge bar etc.
Definitely worth a look for those in the market, hope this helps.
2 years ago
I am now looking at the Challenger and I have two short test drives and it seemed pretty good Everything else I have looked at is too expenive (Prado Pajero Disco) and I wouldn't buy a Territory unless it was diesel (to come later this year as I understand)
If you have the 7 seat option folded away in the CHallenger does it restrict the lugage space?
Is the Challenger the way to go?