Earlier this year, while walking through the Landmark store in Makati with Larry Vickar, we stopped at a Mitsubishi Philippines promotion booth that had a white Mitsubishi ASX. A discussion ensued on the differences in Mitsubishi vehicles sold in the Philippines and Canada. The RVR is one example, known as the ASX (Active Sport Crossover) in the Philippines, it’s sold as the RVR (Recreational Vehicle Runner) in Canada. Many of the new immigrants will easily recognize the newly redesigned 3rd generation styling of the RVR just like ASX back home.
The 2012 Mitsubishi RVR GT is an extremely well equipped compact crossover. This sporty and agile crossover is designed with functionality in mind. The RVR is slightly shorter and smaller than the Outlander. The front grill is distinctively massive and if it wasn’t for the front license plate required in Manitoba, it would look even sexier. If you wanted to look sexier without that front plate, you’ll have to move to Alberta, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island or the Yukon. Only a rear license plate are required in those provinces.
The Mitsubishi RVR GT comes with an inline 2.0L 4-cylinder 148hp Sportronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) engine, all-wheel control/all-wheel drive (AWC/AWD) and push-button start ignition. If you’re a racing fanatic or just like to pretend you’re a rally car driver, the GT comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The RVR comes in three trim levels, ES, SE and GT with 2WD and 4WD options with pricing starting at $19,998 (ES). The road tested GT was priced at $34,198 and included leather interior, 18” aluminium alloy wheels, and for all the audiophiles out there, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with nine speakers and a subwoofer.
As gas prices increase for the summer in Manitoba, the RVR will save you on fuel with an estimate 7.7L/100kms in combined City/Hwy mileage tests.
One last notable feature of the RVR is the massive panoramic sunroof. The sunroof is at least 3’ by 3’ and uniquely lit with orange LEDs at night. Add some tunes with Rockford Fosgate sound system and you’d think you’re at a nightclub.
The Mitsubishi RVR joins a wide range of competing vehicles such as the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage and the Chevy Orlando. The 2012 Chevy Orlando was recently reviewed in the May 5-20, 2012 edition of the Filipino Journal. The road test vehicle was provided by Waverley Mitsubishi.
