Mitsubishi to launch RVR Crossover in India?

Mitsubishi seems to have got a big kick on its back, else one can’t expect such news – they seem to be making news quite frequently these days. First it was the updated Outlander that we exclusively covered followed by the news on launch of Pajero Sport and Lancer Evolution. Now it  looks like the RVR is up next and we say that it is a very good move by Mitsubishi to take the fight to upcoming small SUVs like the Yeti.

The Outlander is clocking just around 40 units a month largely because of the lack of a diesel engine and its fixed 5-seat layout. Mitsubishi are trying to correct that by bringing a 7-seat version. While the 7-seat will go up against competition like the Captiva and CR-V, the smaller RVR can take over the space vacated by the 5-seat Outlander. It is based on the same platform and has the same wheelbase as the Outlander meaning rear seat space remains the same but the absence of a third row has resulted in reduced length(and boot space too) of 4.3m.

Sporting the same nose as the legendary Evo and Outlander GT, the RVR looks striking and commands more presence than the Yeti. To compete with the Yeti, which comes with a robust 140bhp diesel engine, Mitsubishi will equip the RVR with a turbocharged 1.8L 147bhp CRDi diesel engine. It is expected in front wheel drive variant and a 6-speed manual transmission with stop-start as standard. With respect to cost, the high part sharing between the RVR and Outlander will push costs down, which when imported as CKD and assembled could result in a Rs 15 lakh price tag. Good enough? Yup.

[Autocar India]