Mitsubishi Problems

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

You could have been on the right track with the vacuum hose because it sounds like it could be running very lean. I'd check the fuel system to make sure there are no problems with the fuel supply, and also check the oxygen sensor to make sure that's working correctly and not giving false signals.

You will definitely find it easier to work with the Hyundai at your height, and it's a very practical wagon as well. I'm not a fan of the Outlander, which makes it easy to recommend the i40.

It does appear to be a long way above the claimed combined consumption, enough to suggest it's more than a 'green' engine effect. I doubt it would drop by a third after running in. As it stands now I wouldn't think you had a case for a vehicle swap or a refund, but you certainly have a case for asking Mitsubishi to investigate and fix your car. Start by asking the dealer to investigate the cause of the problem, if it's beyond him ask him to get the help of Mitsubishi's service people. If all that fails then you could consider taking the matter further and perhaps asking for a new car. In the meantime keep very detailed records all conversations and phone calls with the dealer and Mitsubishi, and of any work done on the car. This could help later on.

It would be wise. Belts are usually changed either by reaching a specified mileage, or at a specified time limit. Your car hasn't yet reached the mileage, but it has passed the time limit. It's not worth taking a risk on the belt and potentially suffering major engine damage.

I would flush the fuel system out to clean out any contamination, and change the fuel filters.

In the old days we would never have left home without a spare fan belt in the boot and the tools needed to change it on the side of the road. I'm actually surprised that a fan belt, being a consumable, would be covered by the warranty at all, but as they you say they agreed to cover the cost of replacing it I would approach Mitsubishi directly through its customer assistance people and request a refund of your money.

No, it has a chain instead of a belt and there's no need to change it as there is with a belt.