First look: All-paw Magna VR-X revealed

MITSUBISHI has previewed the all-wheel drive version of Magna VR-X sports sedan, labelling it a concept at the Melbourne motor show.

But the car is fundamentally ready for production and should be launched before the end of the third quarter of 2004.

The concept VR-X AWD was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, meaning Mitsubishi has managed to resolve some engineering issues that delayed the car’s appearance, including fouling on the front suspension knuckles developed for the Quadtec system.

The resolution of these issues means that an all-wheel drive replacement for the 180kW Ralliart Magna may now be given the go-ahead as well.

Mitsubishi is currently the only local manufacturer to build road-oriented all-wheel drive cars, the range comprising an ES base model, VR sporting model and Verada luxury car. Unlike VR-X, all these cars are fitted with 16-inch wheels.

But the VR-X AWD does share the 159kW version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine with those cars - dropping back from the front-wheel drive car’s 163kW – as well as the five-speed automatic gearbox with false automatic mode.

Mitsubishi would not discuss pricing for the VR-X AWD, but if the existing AWD range’s pricing is at all indicative, it should be $45,000 to $46,000.

As presented in Melbourne, the VR-X AWD included a body kit, lowered sports suspension and the bigger brake package from the Ralliart Magna and the AWD range.

Inside the VR-X concept has the same equipment and presentation as the front-wheel drive version, apart from the some AWD badging.

Standard equipment for VR-X includes front and side airbags, power driver’s seat, climate control air-conditioning, titanium-look HVAC and centre console panels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and AM/FM radio and six-stack CD changer premium eight-speaker audio system.