Mitsubishi Challenger 2WD 2012 review

WE turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one? 

What is it?

The cheaper two wheel drive version of Mitsubishi's Challenger wagon. If you think it looks like the Triton ute you're right because its based on the Triton.

How much?

More than it should be. The auto will set you back $39,490 which buys you a lot of other things including a big chunk of Holden Captiva.

What are competitors?

Captiva, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe to name a few around the same price. 

What's under the bonnet? 

2.5-litre turbo diesel delivers a good mix of power and economy, with 131kW of power at 4000 revs and and 350Nm of torque at 1800 revs. The diesel in our test vehicle was mated to a five-speed auto with the facility to change gears manually. A five-speed manual is also available for $2500 less. 

How does it go? 

Suprisingly well. Didn't both with the manual change, just left it in D which works fine. The large change paddles are also superfluous. Clips along at a good rate of knots and is reasonable quick off the line.

Is it economical? 

The auto is rated at 9.6 litres/100km. We had trouble keeping track of the consumption because of the confusing trip computer. But after 1800km we believe it was returning 8.4 litres/100k which is quite good for a vehicle this size. 

Is it green? 

Gets 2.5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide, with CO2 emissions of 215g/km. Prius sets the benchmark with five stars. 

Is it safe? 

Good question. Two airbags are standard. If you take up the Safety pack for $1050 you get side and curtain airbags. You can get a reversing camera to go with them with the Convenience pack which retails for $3640 and is availabel with the auto only. With either of these options it gets four out of five stars for safety.

Is it comfortable? 

Not very. Not if you find yourself in the back seat. The seat is narrow with a straight back and short squab, like something you'd find in a dual cab ute which of course is what it basically is. 

What's it like to drive? 

No complaints. The tall narrow stance means you can't go screaming into corners. The lack of all wheel drive is not an issue as far as we're concerned.

Is it value for money?

The big plus is the large boot. In five seat form there's plenty of room back there for all your holiday needs. Convenience Pack also adds Bluetooth, climate air, 17-inch alloys, fog lamps, auto lights and wipers and roof rails as well as a leather steering wheel with audio controls, privacy glass and six speaker sound system.

Would we buy one? 

Depends. Has more boot space than any of its competitors if that is important. The kids probably won't complain about the back seat but your conscious might. Then there's the safety rating which is not as good as the others.