Is this an all-new car?
Yes. The Destinator is Mitsubishi’s fresh 3-row SUV, designed and developed for emerging markets like Mzansi. It is built in Indonesia, and sits above the Outlander Sport, below the Outlander. Mitsubishi’s new cars look familial and that is a good thing, because they are all just so handsome. Square jaw, large black front grille, T-shaped headlights. It does mean business in the looks department.
What do you think of the side and the rear profiles?
Concave lines along the flanks stop the long body looking slab-sided. Blackened C-pillar, black bumpers, 18-inch alloys (dark grey on GLS, machined-cut on Exceed). Probably 19s or 20-inches would give it a firmer stance. At 4.68 metre long, 1.84m wide and 1.78m tall, with a suitably-long 2.82m wheelbase, it is a relatively long vehicle. The rear looks simple, still attractive, and finished with L-shaped lights.
How does the cabin work for a family?
Seven seats, three rows. Second-row seats have foldable tables behind the driver and front passenger, each with a cup holder hole. Interior is largely black, comprising mainly of a faux leather material, as well as metal alloys and plastics. Comfortable. There’s also a sensible mix of buttons, knobs and touch surfaces. The stout gear lever at the centre console works fine, but it is a bit old school. Third row folds and will comfortably seat people shorter than 1.6m.
Is the technology easy to live with?
Exceed infotainment touch screen is 31cm wide, with access to all sorts of amenities, including the usual radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, vehicle settings etc. The simple multifunction steering wheel looks sturdy, perhaps a tad bit sporty even. It gives the driver some level of confidence when touched for the first time.
Does the engine keep up?
Mitsubishi installed a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor making 120kW and 250Nm, mated it to a CVT, and front-wheel drive. All in all, the powertrain returns good, responsive turbo power. Of course it’s not a sports SUV, and is nice a progressive in its delivery.
What about fuel consumption?
The claimed average is 7.2 L/100km and an attached 625km from the rather small 45-litre fuel tank. We tested it at roughly 8.2 L/100km, translating to a range of about 550km. admittedly it is lower than expected, but technically understandable, given the tank size.
Worth the buy?
Seven seats, handsome looks, a cabin that still believes in knobs, good power delivery. The Mitsubishi Destinator Exceed is a worthy contender in its segment.
QUICK STATS
ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
POWER: 120kW at 5 000rpm
TORQUE: 250Nm from 2 500rpm
GEARBOX: CVT, front-wheel drive
DRIVE: FWD (front-wheel drive)
LENGTH / WIDTH / HEIGHT: 4.68m / 1.84m / 1.78m
WHEELBASE: 2.82m
WHEELS: 18-inch alloy
SEATS: 7
FUEL TANK: 45 litres
AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 8.2 litres per 100km
RANGE: 550km
PRICE: R569 990 (Exceed)
NATURAL RIVALS: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Hyundai Alcazar, Jetour X70 Plus, Kia Carens, Mahindra XUV700
PRICE RIVALS: Audi A1 Sportback Black Edition, BYD Sealion 5, Ford Ranger SL single cab, GAC Emkoo Executive Plus, Hyundai Tucson Premium, Jetour T2 Aspire, Mahindra XUV700 AX7, Peugeot 2008 GT, Volkswagen Taigo Style
BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Medium
