Mitsubishi Challenger 2010 News

Cars are either being built worse -- or companies are getting better at detecting faults.a range of models made over the last 10 years replacing potentially deadly Takata airbags in 1.3 million cars in Australia. a second, airbag-related recall for the Priusreplacing potentially deadly Takata airbags in 1.3 million cars in Australia

The safety recall is to fix a fault that could see the powered seats' reclining lever stick in the operating position after use, allowing current to continue to flow to the seat motor. Mitsubishi says there is a risk the motor, seat cushion and surrounding parts could melt or burn."There have been two incidents recorded in Australia, with no injuries," Mitsubishi spokesperson Shayna Welsh says."There are 3,647 vehicles affected in Australia.  Customers need to take their vehicle to a dealership to be inspected, which should take around 20 mins, however, if the seat adjuster assembly needs to be replaced, this action will take up to two and a half hours."The recalled vehicles are the 2007-2013 Triton 4WD Double Cab and 2010-2013 Challenger 4WD models fitted with power front driver's and/or passenger's seat.Mitsubishi says that as a precaution until the owners have their vehicles inspected, they should make sure the reclining lever always returns to the central position after they have used it -- and whenever they leave the vehicle.All owners of affected vehicles have been contacted by mail sent to their last known address, and are asked to contact their nearest Mitsubishi service dealer to have their vehicle inspected and the seat assembly replaced if needed.Owners who believe their vehicle is in the affected range and who have not received a letter by today, September 27 -- or seek more information -- should call Mitsubishi on 1300 13 12 11 and select option 4, then select option 2.

The launch of the new mid-sized SUV was brought forward three months from February to this week to time it with the offer, which requires buyers to place orders before the end of this month.A limited number of PB Challengers are in dealerships now, taking orders with further shipments arriving shortly to ensure delivery.  However, Mitsubishi brand management vice president Paul Unerkov points out that customers do not need to take delivery of their vehicle for another year to be eligible for the tax allowance."Most likely they will want to take delivery before the end of June to get the tax advantage in this financial year," he said.PricingIt has been almost four years since Australia has had a Mitsubishi Challenger on the market, and the new ones hit the market at a starting list price of $44,490 for the LS five-speed manual. Add $2000 for the five-speed auto and a further $2400 for the auto with seven seats.The XLS range, available only in automatic, adds leather upholstery, satellite navigation, reverse camera and parking sensors, mud flaps, privacy glass, headlight washers, Bluetooth, upgraded sound system with video input, some exterior and interior bling and five-year premium roadside assistance.  The five-seater XLS costs $56,990 and the third row of seats adds $1600.DrivetrainWhile the previous model was powered by a three-litre petrol engine, this model only comes with the 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel powerplant from the Triton.It delivers 131kW of power and 400Nm of torque 2000rpm in the base model manual, but 350Nm of torque at 1800rpm in the four other automatic models.Although it is built on a new platform, other similarities with the Triton are that it is also built in Thailand, and has the same front suspension, front chassis, transmission, rear axle and Super Select 4WD system.Mitsubishi Australia CEO and president Robert McEniry says dealer response to the Challenger has been excellent.  "I'm confident we will have success with this model," he says.  "The order lines are open and we have already exceeded our wildest expectations."Challenger product manager James Toll says that despite the long absence from their range, the name is still well recognised.  "A lot of people still have them and they speak pretty highly of them," he says.McEniry says the Challenger fits between the Outlander and Pajero, but was not a soft crossover.  "It's not a pretend off-road vehicle like a lot of its competitors," he says. "It has style and is an urban living vehicle but also a real 4WD vehicle. Mitsubishi is the home of 4WD in the Australian market."Mitsubishi PB ChallengerPrice: $44,490-$$58,590Body: 5-seater wagon (7-seat option in auto)Engine: 2477cc, 4-cylinder, common-rail turbo dieselPower: 131kW @ 4000rpmTorque: 350Nm @ 1800rpm (auto), 400Nm @ 2000rpm (LS manual)Transmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manual (LS), Super Select 4WD, 1.9 low ratioEconomy: 9.8L/100km (auto), 8.3L/100km (LS manual)