Mitsubishi makeover

MITSUBISHI Motors has just announced a series of model upgrades for 2002, including the Lancer, Mirage, Triton ute, Challenger and Pajero four-wheel drives, and Nimbus people-mover.

Despite the specification and equipment improvements, pricing remains unchanged across all the model ranges.

The Mirage hatch now has a new chrome grille when ordered with the "Power Pack", as well as new trim material. Power steering is now available as a stand-alone option.

The Lancer GLi sedan has a seat height adjuster and body coloured electric mirrors added, as well as new 14-inch wheel trims.

But the GLXi Lancer coupe has been deleted while the GLi now receives the 1.8-litre engine as an option. It also receives new front bumper and grille treatment, new interior trim material and new 14-inch wheel trims.

The MR coupe also receives a new grille and front air dam - incorporating new round fog lamps - new Evo VI-style interior trim material and leather gear shift knob, and a radio/cassette six-disc CD stacker.

Amethyst Black has been added to the MR coupe colour range.

Meanwhile, all models of the Triton ute have received new front bumpers, new headlamps, side turn lamps (with white lens), new radiator grille, new rear combination lamps and new interior trim materials. GLX and GLS Double Cab models have an AM/FM radio/single CD audio unit as standard.

Top-of-the-line GLS models have unique headlamps, 16-inch alloys (replacing 15-inch), 16-inch twin-pot front brake callipers, unique front sports seats and optional dual SRS airbags.

The Challenger mid-size 4WD wagon now gets remote keyless entry, a radio/single CD security-coded audio system and new sporty style side steps standard on the entry model. The luxury LS version gets a dimpled leather steering wheel (in place of grained leather) and dimpled shift and handbrake levers (replacing grained urethane).

Paint colours have been revised with Satellite Silver, Pyreness Black monotone now being available on the entry model, and Satellite Silver, Grand Blue/Fraser Beige, Timber Green/Fraser Beige, Sophia White/Fraser Beige and Pyreness Black/Fraser Beige have been added to the LS range. Roanne Red/Fraser Beige and Galaxy White carry-over from the previous LS colour palette.

A choice of Sandstone or Slate interior trim is now available - in cloth for entry models and leather for LS - depending on the exterior colour. Option packs will now be available with or without the two-tone paintwork (previously only offered with two-tone paint).

Meanwhile, the larger Pajero has also had upgrades to all model variants. All get a security-coded radio/CD while GLX, GLS and Exceed get a driver's side seat back pocket and a tinted windscreen band.

The entry model GL also gets remote keyless entry, electric mirrors and two extra speakers, bringing the total to four.

The mid-range GLX gets body coloured grille and tail lamp bezels (were black), a sunvisor vanity mirror with lid and alloy wheels available with the air bag/ABS option.

Pajero GLS now gets a sunvisor vanity mirror with lid and extensions for driver and passenger visors, and dual air bags fitted as standard. The top-of -the-line Exceed has dual auto air-conditioning (previously dual manual) fitted, the addition of sunvisor vanity mirrors with lid and extension for driver and passenger, and an electric sunroof available as an option.

There have been minor changes to the Pajero colour range. Grand Blue replaces Canal Blue monotone and is available with Foresta Green and Roanne Red on GL models. Roanne Red is added to the GLX colour range while Grand Blue/Queens Silver replaces Canal Blue/Queens Silver in GLS and Exceed model spec.

Black leather trim is now also available on Sophia White/Queens Silver Exceed and is in addition to the beige leather trim which has been available since launch in mid-2000.

The Nimbus people-mover gets a new look and more features.

A passenger airbag, security-coded radio/CD (previously radio/tape player) and lidded vanity mirrors for both front seat occupants have all been added as standard equipment.

Externally, Nimbus gets new colour-coded grille, exterior door handles, bumper corners and side protection mouldings, and a revised rear tailgate garnish. Internally, a new two-tone Slate trim provides a new look.

Anti-lock ABS braking and fog lamps, or ABS/fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels are two new option packs, costing $1400 and $2100 respectively.

Finally, paint colours have been revised as part of the upgrade. Indigo Blue replaces Light Blue, while Millenium Silver and Inka have been added to the range.

The eight-seat Starwagon range has been revised. While the WA Starwagon is still available in two trim levels - the GL with the proven 2.0-litre engine in both manual and auto, and the upmarket GLX with the reliable 2.4-litre engine mated to an auto trans only - the SJ Starwagon Satellite has been deleted.

Colour choices remain unchanged for the GL model while Amethyst Black/Legato Grey has been added and Rose Red substituted for Roanne Red in the GLX range.