Mitsubishi is expanding its European product lineup by utilizing Renault platforms and electrifying its powertrains. The latest model is the Grandis, originally a three-row MPV sold from 2003 to 2011.
The Grandis now returns as a two-row SUV. The name, derived from Latin meaning "great and impressive," now belongs to a longer, more spacious version. Though Mitsubishi added styling cues to differentiate it from its French sibling, the new Grandis is essentially a rebadged version.
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The new Grandis is no longer an MPV, but an SUV. Photo: Mitsubishi
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The Grandis is no longer a three-row vehicle, but only has two rows of seats.
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Panoramic sunroof.
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The front resembles the Mitsubishi ASX.
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The rear bumper resembles the Renault Symbioz.
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10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a host of driver-assistance features.
The front closely resembles the Mitsubishi ASX, with a gloss-black grille and matte-silver accents. The headlights are shared with the Renault Symbioz, but the daytime running lights have a slightly different light signature. The body remains identical to the French model except for the 19-inch alloy wheels and the Mitsubishi "Hybrid EV" logo on both doors, just below the side mirrors.
The rear looks more stylish than the French SUV. It features new taillights and a redesigned tailgate with sharper lines. However, the rear bumper is identical to the Symbioz.
The Grandis's interior is identical to the Renault version, except for the Mitsubishi logo on the steering wheel. The cabin has five seats, with cargo space ranging from 434 to 566 liters depending on the position of the rear bench. Equipment highlights include a remote-powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof with a dimming function, a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an array of driver-assistance features.
The Grandis is based on an extended version of the Renault-Nissan CMF-B platform. Customers can choose between mild-hybrid and full-hybrid configurations. The base option is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 138 horsepower. This version sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The full-hybrid system combines a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with two electric motors, a multi-mode transmission, and a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup produces 154 horsepower and powers the front wheels.
The new Mitsubishi Grandis is built at Renault's Valladolid facility in Spain, alongside the Symbioz. The SUV will gradually be available across European markets, starting later this year. This will be followed by the arrival of the all-electric Eclipse Cross, closely related to the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
The Mitsubishi Grandis was once a star in the Vietnamese market. The spacious seven-seat MPV was praised for its performance, interior and exterior design, and features. However, it was ahead of its time, as customer demand wasn't there yet. At a price of 44,000 USD at the time, government agencies and businesspeople preferred traditional sedans. Few were keen on conducting business or diplomatic affairs in a seven-seater.
Globally, Grandis sales peaked in 2005 at over 29,000 units, slightly higher than the over 28,000 units sold in 2003. In the remaining years, the MPV's sales figures were below 20,000 units and dropped to under 10,000 units from 2008.
My Anh
