Mitsubishi name game

Mitsubishi Australia wants feedback from potential buyers on what to christen its entry crossover.  In its home market of Japan the small wagon will be known as the RVR but Europe has just opted for ASX.

There is also a third possibility, which Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher, declines to discuss.  The choice of names will be presented in clinics planned by the company ahead of the car's arrival around June.

Fletcher says consumer feedback will be critical.  "Apart from finalising specifications and pricing, we'll also be looking at the name," she says.  "We need to understand what the audience want from this car, including the name."

Although guided by the buyer feedback, senior Mitsubishi Australia executives, including Mitsubishi chief Rob McEniry, will make the final decision.  The different names challenge the company's previously held global naming policy for all its vehicles.

Fletcher recognised that if ASX was chosen the car will share its name with the Australian Securities Exchange.  "Obviously both are on the up and up and there's real room for growth," she says.

With an entry price well under $30,000, the RVR/ASX will challenge the Nissan Dualis, Suzuki Grand Vitara and the next-generation Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.  Mitsubishi sees the RVR/ASX as an important feeder into the Outlander, Challenger and Pajero family and give the company some bottom-end strength in its all-wheel drive portfolio.

Until now it has not had a small off-roader in its lineup, which starts with the $33,240 Outlander.  The RVR moniker already has some history with the company.  It was the name given to a small multi-purpose wagon in the 1990s.

Fletcher says the unlike many concepts, the final production design of the little off-roader has not been compromised.  "It is a good looking vehicle," she says.  The ASX differs slightly from the RVR with its black plastic sills and under-bumper protection.

The wagon will also miss out on the concept's split folding tailgate like the Outlander.  Australia will get both petrol and turbo-diesel powerplants, including an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel as well as a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder shared with the Lancer.

In Europe it will get automatic stop and go technology.  A six-speed manual will be available, along with a five-speed sequential automatic.