Mitsubishi’s target vehicle strategy addresses diverse customer lifestyles
12 times Dakar Rally winners Mitsubishi Motors have among the best vehicles on the market. Their range has been manufactured to cater to South African conditions making them class-leading in every regard. But, like many manufactures, 2020 saw a huge decline in sales for Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) with the COVID-19 restrictions being almost a nail in the coffin. Despite this, MMSA has announced that there may be an uprise of hope.
Nic Campbell, General Manager of MMSA says “Continued customer interest in our diverse range proves that we are getting the mix right in terms of our model derivatives and our target markets,”
Leading the forefront of the MMSA’s sales is the Eclipse Cross. This of course is no surprise as compact SUV’s have been in high demand lately. The Eclipse Cross combines style with excellent driving dynamics and intuitive safety technology, making it the ideal option for buyers. Campbell added that although there are three Eclipse Cross models on offer, the 1.5-litre version with its CVT has reigned supreme as the most popular. This partially thanks to its nifty turbocharged engine that produces 110 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque.
Another booster in sales for Mitsubishi has become the Triton model. This too is no surprise as South Africa’s bakkie market has continued to soar despite the increased demand for SUV’s. Here, the 2.4-litre 4x4 model with a six-speed manual transmission has become the crown jewel in sales.
“The bold Triton is engineered beyond tough. Whether you need the practicality of a dedicated workhorse or the luxury and versatility of an SUV, the Triton’s combination of super-responsive, smooth, and powerful performance, silky transmission, and passenger-friendly features is exactly what buyers in this segment require,” Campbell enthuses.
Another star in sales for MMSA has become the ASX as well, the 2.0 CVT model to be specific. MMSA targeted young families with this urbanised SUV and has clearly reaped the benefits. The ASX may be a compact SUV but it still provides plenty of room inside, as well as a spacious boot. Campbell continued. “Add to that appealing styling, good performance, and plenty of space and it’s easy to see how the ASX manages to hold its own against other offerings in the market.”
Last on MMSA list of successful sales, is the highly praised Pajero Sport. Locally available in three models, the 2.4 4x4 model with its advanced eight-speed automatic transmission has become a big hit in sales and a clear favourite for consumers.
Campbell closed off by saying “We have a solid reputation for being able to identify demands and shaping our new vehicle strategy accordingly. Watch this space, because MMSA has no intention of letting up,”
Also worth a look: the Mitsubishi Triton and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Mitsubishi's Value Punch in the .
FAQ
Q: What does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross cost in South Africa?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts from around R449,995 for the base 1.5-litre CVT model, making it one of the most competitive compact SUVs in its segment with that turbocharged 110 kW engine doing the heavy lifting.
Q: Is the Mitsubishi Triton worth buying in 2024?
The Triton 2.4-litre 4x4 manual is absolutely worth considering at approximately R589,995, especially since it combines proper bakkie toughness with SUV comfort levels that most South African families actually want.
Q: How reliable are Mitsubishi vehicles in South African conditions?
Mitsubishi vehicles are specifically engineered for South African conditions and backed by 12 Dakar Rally wins, which means they can handle everything from Joburg potholes to Karoo dust storms without breaking a sweat.
Q: What's the fuel consumption like on the Eclipse Cross 1.5 turbo?
The Eclipse Cross 1.5-litre turbo CVT delivers around 7.2 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions, which is pretty decent for a compact SUV that actually has some grunt when you need it.
Q: Should I buy a Mitsubishi ASX or Eclipse Cross?
Go for the Eclipse Cross if your budget allows, since it offers more modern tech and better driving dynamics for about R50,000 more than the ASX 2.0, plus you get that proper turbocharged engine instead of naturally aspirated power.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, Mitsubishi's current lineup offers genuine value in South Africa's competitive market. The best compact SUV under R500,000 in SA is the Eclipse Cross 1.5 CVT at R449,995, delivering turbocharged performance and proven reliability that most competitors simply can't match. If you need a bakkie, the Triton 4x4 manual at R589,995 gives you Toyota Hilux capability without the Toyota tax. Mitsubishi's target vehicle strategy clearly works because they're offering practical, well-engineered vehicles at prices that won't leave you eating two-minute noodles for the next five years.
