Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV powers ahead

by Andy Keeble, North Devon Gazette

POUND signs at the pumps could be a thing of the past with an electric alternative that’s more about plugging in than filling up.

Mitsubishi’s revolutionary i-MiEV has touched down in North Devon but you won’t have heard it coming.
As the North Devon Gazette discovered during a recent test-drive, it’s certainly not one to blow its own trumpet. In fact, when you turn the key to start the ignition you’ll probably find the car’s complete silence a little unnerving to begin with. But you’ll soon discover what it lacks in vroom, it more than makes up for in zoom.

The UK’s first full electric vehicle, the i-MiEV is road tax free, congestion charge free and produces zero CO2 tailpipe emissions.

It’s got a 93-mile range on a £2 seven-hour overnight charge, while a 30-minute quick charge will top up 80 per cent of the battery – both from a domestic 240-volt, 13A plug socket.

The kind chaps from the Devonshire Motors dealership at Pottington ensured me that the little beauty had got plenty of juice to enable the Gazette team to spend a day putting it through its paces.

So after cautiously negotiating the speed bumps in Old Station Road without the reassuring brum of an engine, our first point of call was a drive, sorry glide, through Barnstaple town centre.

Days earlier, a jack-knifed articulated lorry had caused gridlock in the High Street but with visualiser Ross Middleton at the wheel, the only obstacles for the i-MiEV were the unsuspecting shoppers we crept up on.
Their surprise soon gave way to puzzled looks as the car zipped along Butchers Row.

 The i-MiEV certainly turned heads, and after a quick loop around the town, our initial unease soon turned to enjoyment.

Next it was my turn to get behind the wheel, so with one eye on the fuel gauge, sorry charge meter, I headed west along the A39 to Roundswell – and what a fun drive it was. If electric car makes you think milk float or golf buggy, then think again; the i-MiEV is incredibly nippy and the zero-to-60mph actually felt a lot quicker than the 13 seconds specified in the details I’d been given.

The iMiEV at Castle Hill, Filleigh.

It’s extremely comfortable too. The height adjustable driver’s seat offers a good elevated position and the large windscreen offers excellent visibility.

For a small car there is plenty of leg-room to stretch out and the main dash features a surprising number of toys, including air conditioning, MP3-compatible audio system, USB port, electric folding door mirrors, not to mention the all-important cup holders.

Dipping back into the busy lunchtime traffic, I selected a clever driving mode that recharges the battery when the accelerator is not in use – perfect for the stop-start conditions in the town centre.
The increased regenerative breaking transmission also helped to automatically slow the car in traffic, while giving me a satisfying reminder of the car’s environmental benefits.

The iMiEV at Portmore Golf Club near Barnstaple.

It fared very well when loaded with four female colleagues nipping into town on their lunch break, although by the time reporter Tony Gussin returned from a jaunt around the country lanes of Swimbridge and Filleigh, the charge meter was down to its last bar.

Mitsubishi call the i-MiEV a revolution in motion and it’s not hard to see why.
My only question is if Mitsubishi can make electric cars this good, then why aren’t other manufacturers making more of the same?

With the i-MiEV, the chasm of technological advancement between the motor car and the home computer is only now beginning to narrow. And with the cost of fuel putting more of a squeeze on both motorists and the environment, the electric car has a clear part to play.

Adrian Winter, Sales Manager at Devonshire Motors, said: “I dare say that in 20 years’ time half of our forecourt will consist of electric or hybrid cars.

“While the i-MiEV is perfect for getting around North Devon, charge ports are popping up all over the place and long-distance journeys will no longer be beyond the realms of possibility.

“People will soon be able to pull up to the supermarket and charge their car in a special parking bay while they do their shopping. “What’s more, the tax and fuel-saving benefits to businesses are obvious.”

The i-MiEV is already the biggest-selling electric car in the UK following its launch to just a handful of dealers in major towns and cities across the UK. Mitsubishi has now rolled out the model to its entire network of dealers around the country and its arrival in North Devon last month is seen as a major ‘first’ for the area.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer a vehicle of this calibre in this part of the world,” added Adrian. “It’s groundbreaking technology and it’s only going to improve.”

Find out more about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV at www.devonshire-motors.co.uk/imiev

Devonshire Motors Support Local Motocross in Torrrington

On April 22nd 2012, The Dave Thorpe EVO Series returns to Torrington for the second year

running. The club will be hosting the first of 8 rounds at their circuit at Waggadon Farm, Torrington in North Devon.

They are also hosting Round 2 of the Pre 83 125cc Championship along with classes forTwinshock and Modern machines.

Time permitting, there will be an "EVO Super Final" which will take the top 13 riders overall from the Dave Thorpe 125cc, 250cc and 500cc groups. They will race together in a "one off" race at the end of the day.

Team Devonshire Motors rider, Mark Osborne

Devonshire Motors are proud to be sponsoring local rider Mark Osborne and supporting the event.

Registrations for the Championships have been more popular than ever, being the early

rounds of the Championships the racing should be fast and furious with riders being

injury free and keen to get an early advantage.

2012 is the 30-year anniversary of the circuit so this event will be one to remember! The club are running a competition to win free entry passes to the event, there are 5 pairs of tickets up for grabs, to be in with a chance of winning them just answer this question:

Dave Thorpe won three 500cc World Motocross Titles, but in what years did he win them?

Please Email your Answer, Name, Age and Address to Torridgemcc@aol.co.uk Entries will close on April 11th with the winners being notified by Email .

Entry forms are available to download from either www.torridge-districtmcc.co.uk or www.dtevoseries.co.uk but please note that entries to the Dave Thorpe and Pre 83 classes are for registered riders only.

The Twinshock and Modern groups are open to all but only to 40 riders per class.

For futher information with regards to this meeting please contact Mark Osborne on 07855954790 or email him at the above address.

Mitsubishi Motors to announce new generation Outlander

Eleven years¹ after it first coined the term “crossover”, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil its third embodiment of this concept at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show with the New Generation Outlander.

This all-new mid-size crossover is meant to better comply with the times - a strategic and innovative premium vehicle of substance developed around a versatile global platform and borne of a harmonious balancing of:

• Low environmental impact (with target emissions below 130 g/km minimum  – dep. on models & markets)
• Advanced safety(with Forward Collision Mitigation system, Lane Departure Warning system, Active Cruise Control, etc…)
• Comfortable driving (with now a dual zone air conditioner, etc…)
• Clever utility(with the adoption of a power tail-gate, full 3^rd row seating, flat floor cargo area, etc…)
• Added convenience(with now tilt & telescopic steering column, Super-HiD “Wide Vision” xenon headlamps, etc…)

Similar in size to the current car, the New Generation Outlander follows a  clear design brief where in true Mitsubishi fashion, key directions were for an “engineer’s car” with a “Solid – Safe – Simple” shape, blending substantial look with clean surfaces.

This same uncluttered quality look continues inside the car with high grade materials (padded surfaces, soft-touch finish, silver accents, gloss black appliqués…) gracing a dashboard designed for better driver concentration, including ergonomic steering wheel controls as well as high-resolution and easy-to-read instrument displays.

In Europe, the New Generation Outlander will offer at launch the choice between two low impact engines (whether in 2WD or 4WD): 2.0 l MIVEC petrol or 2.2 MIVEC Clean Diesel (MMC’s own 4N14 engine) Depending on market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox.

As part of its novel technical package, the new Outlander will also be equipped with an “eco-friendly driving system” that notifies the driver when she/he is driving at maximum efficiency. Accordingly, the driver can choose to drive at maximum efficiency to enhance actual fuel consumption of the vehicle – availability according to model & market.

After this Geneva unveiling, the Next Generation Outlander will be launched first in Russia this summer, prior to European (late summer), Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American debuts.

From 2013 in Europe², MMC will also take advantage of the built-in possibilities of Outlander’s versatile architecture to add an EV-based plug-In hybrid powertrain - a fully integrated solution, based on MMC’s EV technology and making the best use of MMC’s extensive 4-Wheel-Drive expertise as well. When fitted to Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV system will allow for a range and very low CO₂ emissions similar to that of the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV II (over 800 km and a target of below 50 g/km).

(All data subject to final homologation)

¹ ”ASX” show car at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show – forerunner of the first generation Outlander (Airtrek in Japan)

²First retail introduction: Japan, during FY2012

Honda Master Technician Update Jan 2012

We are proud to announce that Jim Middlemass has just been awarded the prestigious Honda Master Technician status.

It was May 2011 when Jim started the intensive Master Technician Programme with Honda (UK) and after many visits to the Honda Institute, lots of intensive study and a great deal of practical work his efforts have paid off.

There are just 68 technicians within the entire UK Honda dealer network who are qualified at this level, making Jim part of an extremely elite group. This is a real accolade both for Devonshire Motors and for Jim himself.



Jim Middlemass

Jim was invited by Honda (UK) as one of a select few technicians in the UK to participate in their exclusive Master Technician Programme and spent 13 days in total at the Honda Institute in Colnbrook completing an intensive hands-on training programme.

The Honda Institute, Colnbrook

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Honda Institute provides world-class training around not just the UK, but also other European countries, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. It is available to more than 10,000 people in the Honda (UK) dealer network alone.

Jim will become Devonshire Motors 4th certified Master Technician joining Shaun Down (Mitsubishi Master), Matthew Redmore (Mitsubishi Master) and Phil Wells (BMW Master).

A taste of things to come ..

For the first time, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has decided to select the most demanding European market as global launch pad for an all-new vehicle. Next March, the Geneva Motor Show will see the world premiere of a strategic and innovative premium vehicle, to be retailed sequentially during 2012 – a car of substance that will reflect a gradual transformation in Mitsubishi’s design language.

Next generation
This unveiling will confirm the start of an all-new generation of global products for Mitsubishi Motors, consistent with the ambitions set in MMC’s “Jump 2013” business plan for a greener and more global Mitsubishi. Fittingly, this complete family of cars / crossovers / SUVs will see a gradual transition to a re-focused design language.

A tradition of engineering
This re-focused design language, while still being formulated, is envisaged as an open design concept, meant to be flexible enough to suit specific vehicle requirements whilst staging Mitsubishi’s famous Three Diamond logo accordingly.  Refined yet assertive, this new engineering-driven look can be understood as the new expression of Mitsubishi’s near century old tradition of technology tailored for today’s world – the one that recently brought i-MiEV, the 4N1 Clean Diesel engine, Green Plastics and the same one that will bring innovative proprietary PHEV technologies next year, based on MMC’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle know-how that led to i-MiEV, prior to other future significant breakthroughs…

Mitsubishi Shogun Black

Following the success of the latest (12MY) Mitsubishi Shogun, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK are about to extend the Shogun range with the introduction of the Shogun Black, a new special edition model with enhanced exterior styling.
From the outside the new Mitsubishi Shogun Black boasts a dynamic appearance with the introduction of satin black styling kit which includes striking black 20” alloy wheels, roof, spoiler, wing mirrors, grille and headlamp bezels, fog lamp surrounds, door handles and side steps.
Based on the current Mitsubishi 3.2 Di-D LWB Shogun SG4, the newcomer will be available from Devonshire Motors from 1^st January 2012 in the following metallic colours:

• Frost White (Solid)
• Cool Silver (Metallic)
• Diamond Black (Pearlescent)
• Orient Red (Metallic)
• Granite Brown (Metallic)

The new Euro V compliant Mitsubishi Shogun is the strongest, quietest, safest and smartest Shogun ever built. Now with 197bhp and a massive 441Nm of torque it has increased towing capacity to 3,500kg, best-in-class CO₂ emissions which not only means it is kinder to the environment, it also has lower road tax too. Complete with new satellite navigation and Bluetooth systems to help with any on or off road adventure. As always, the Shogun comes packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment:

The Shogun SG4 standard features include:

• Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) with:
  • Satellite navigation
  • Reversing camera
  • iPod connection

The interior boasts items such as:

• New high-quality material leather upholstery
• New enhanced illumination for instruments
• New brushed silver finish for power window control panels

Other features include:

• Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC)
• Auto lights, auto wipers and privacy glass
• A colour coded spare wheel cover as standard
• Brake override system – in case the driver accidentally hits the brake and accelerator at the same time (the car automatically opts for the safer braking option)
• Rear under-cover, thus reducing aerodynamic drag
• Electric power steering

Servicing and Maintenance
The legendary Mitsubishi Shogun has a 3-year / unlimited mileage warranty together with a pan-European roadside assistance package. Service intervals for all 12MY Shogun variants are 9,000 miles/12 months (whichever comes first) and Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive service plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services can be purchased for just £750.

Summary
Away from the much commented “Chelsea tractor” luxury soft-roaders, heavy-duty workhorses such as the Shogun have carved out a very unique niche in the market where ability and dependability matter first and foremost.
Since its debut in 1982, Mitsubishi has produced millions of Shoguns, with a whopping 104,328 units sold in the UK alone. The Mitsubishi Shogun is a vehicle that inspires exceptional brand loyalty, with seven in ten customers retaining a Shogun. The new Shogun Black adds a new dimension to the increasingly exciting Shogun range.

To make an enquiry or to book a test drive please click here

Be prepared this winter - Number 5: Wiper Blades

Our fifth recommendation for being better prepared for winter driving .. and remember that these are all items that are available from us for most makes and models of vehicle:

 

Wiper Blades

 

 

Something as simple as a defective wiper blade that is quite innocent during the day can really cause issues with visibility on a dark wet night. Typically a wiper blade will split at each end first and once it does then the condition of the blade deteriorates very quickly.

 

We have a range of quality wiper blades for all makes and models of vehicles, plus we also have silicone performance wiper blade upgrades as used in many motorsport applications.

 

Contrary to popular belief (like many of the strange myths surrounding car dealerships) we are more than happy to fit your wiper blades for you absolutely free of charge ... and the wiper blades themselves are competetively priced too!

 

Make an enquiry here: www.devonshire-motors.co.uk?ito=LBC208991