The Mitsubishi Destinator will compete with the Hyundai Alcazar and Jetour X70.
Image: Jason Woosey
Those seeking a seven-seat SUV for under R500,000 now have a compelling new option, with Mitsubishi having launched its new Destinator in South Africa this week.
It’s available in two variants, both powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers 120kW and 250Nm, driving the front wheels through a six-step CVT transmission.
The “keep it simple” line-up gives buyers a choice between two variants, with the GLS priced at R489,900 and the Exceed listed at R569,990.
Built in Indonesia, the Destinator shares its basic architecture with the Outlander Sport, but the newcomer is 290mm longer, with an overall length of 4,690mm, and offers a third row of seating. In our book, the Destinator offers better value than its smaller sibling, given that in base form it costs R40,000 more, yet brings extra space and versatility to the party as well as turbo power.
The Mitsubishi Destinator measures 4,680mm in length.
Image: Jason Woosey
As with other compact seven-seaters in this segment, don’t expect spacious seating for all three rows, however. To fit into the third row, I had to slide the middle seats quite far forward, but for smaller children or quick runs across town, this vehicle will do just fine. Impressively, the middle seats tumble forward to make access to the third row quick and easy.
The cockpit closely resembles the Outlander Sport, and, as you’d expect from Mitsubishi, the build quality, as well as fit and finish, are impressive.
Standard features in the GLS base model include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with rear-view camera, fabric seats with folding seatback tables for the middle row, manual climate control, push-button start and hands-free voice control. Safety features include six airbags, rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist and Active Yaw Control.
The Exceed adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the mix, along with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Yamaha Premium sound system, hands-free powered tailgate, cruise control, multi-colour ambient lighting, Multi Around View Monitor, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and synthetic leather seats, with power adjustment for the driver.
The cabin is well built and impeccably finished, although piano black plastic does abound.
Image: Jason Woosey
Additional safety features come in the form of Lane Change Assist, blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Externally, both variants roll on 18-inch alloy wheels, but the range-topper’s alloys have a machined finish. The Exceed is also distinguished by gloss black grille colouring and mid grey bumper garnishing.
We got to experience the newcomer on a short launch route outside Johannesburg.
As far as its driving qualities go, the Destinator ticks all the boxes with a comfortable ride quality, well-insulated cabin and safe handling, albeit with the typical front-wheel drive understeer as you approach the cornering limits.
Interestingly, the central screen has a “performance display” that probably has even more telemetry than a Lancer Evo. Here’s where you’ll find out everything from boost pressure, to G-force, power and torque delivery and even pitch and roll. For what it’s worth.
Drivers can also choose between five drive modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, and Tarmac. But those seeking a more hands-on driving experience might be disappointed that there are no manual gear-changing paddles.
The Destinator seats seven and will slot above the Outlander Sport.
Image: Supplied
Overall performance is certainly adequate for the package on offer here, and overtaking on the open road is relatively effortless.
Mitsubishi’s CVT gearbox is arguably one of the best in the business, and the turbo engine’s low-down torque delivery generally keeps the gearbox in a drone-free sweet spot.
The Mitsubishi Destinator will go toe-to-toe with the Hyundai Alcazar and Jetour X70 Plus. On the price charts, the Mitsubishi is R20,000 cheaper than the Hyundai in base form, but R30,000 more expensive than its Chinese rival.
Given what we experienced at the launch event, we’d say the Mitsubishi is the pick of the bunch for those seeking a compact seven-seater in this price range.
IOL Motoring
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