NEW OUTLANDER PHEV TAKES ON BAJA PORTALEGRE 500 CHALLENGE

TOKYO, June 18, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is to enter an Outlander PHEV, the only twin-motor 4WD in production today, in the Baja Portalegre 500 cross-country rally due to be held in the Portalegre municipality in the eastern part of Portugal October 22 through October 24 this year.

The race vehicle will be driven by Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka of MMC who won the Dakar Rally two years in succession in 2002 and 2003. Mr. Masuoka also will be playing a role as the team captain. The team competing in the Baja Portalegre challenge mainly is constructed and led by MMC personnel including the team manager and technical director Mr. Yasuo Tanaka, Expert from EV Component Research Department, Development Engineering Office and engineering supports by four engineers from his department.

Since its inception in 1987, the Baja Portalegre 500, which celebrates its 29th edition this year, is a cross-country rally organized by the Portuguese Automobile Association. Contestants will be driving approximately 500 kilometers mainly at the high speed over rather flat but dirt roads. The course provides the arena for the 9th Round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and is known as an event in which rally aces from over the world participate each year as a warm-up to the Dakar Rally, the world's most punishing event of its type. This competition is organized in three categories - automobile, motor bike and quad – with over 300 vehicles expected to take part.

Based on the production model but with modifications required for a rally car, the Outlander PHEV has been entered by MMC to promote development of EV and 4WD technologies. It uses the production model's drive battery – which forms the heart of a plug-in hybrid vehicle – but with modifications to its structure to realize greater capacity and output. The control system governing the motors has been modified to deliver a higher output. In addition, the generator and engine which supply power to the battery and motors have been modified to increase power output and boost overall system performance.

As to the body, in addition to the fitting of a roll cage and other safety equipment, off-road performance has been improved in order to take full advantage of the upgraded PHEV system. Detail changes include a higher ground clearance and longer suspension stroke together with larger diameter rally tires. These changes will enhance the Outlander PHEV's performance limits under punishing rally conditions and the valuable data gathered during the event will be fed back into the development of production cars.

In addition to the Baja Portalegre 500, MMC will be providing support, as it has done in 2013 and 2014, in the form of vehicle construction, vehicle provision and an engineering team to the Two & Four Motor Sports team which is entering an Outlander PHEV in the FIA Asia Cross Country Rally 2015 slated to be held from August 8 through August 14, starting in Thailand.

The Asia Cross Country Rally 2015 celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Entrants will have to compete over a punishing 2,500km and mountainous route which starts and finishes in the ancient city of Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. For this event where the same specification Outlander PHEV competing in the Baja Partalegre 500 will be used, the Two & Four Motor Sports team will be aiming to have finish among the winners, on the back of knowhow gained in the last two years.

MITSUBISHI 4WD. TRIED AND TRUSTED IN ALL CONDITIONS

When it comes to 4x4, Mitsubishi is the unrivalled leader in the field - in fact in any field.
And whether you want interior luxury or versatility, off-road pulling power or an effective crossover for the urban jungle, the full range is on offer at Mitsubishi’s dealer of the year - Devonshire Motors. 

The multi-award winning Barnstaple-based Mitsubishi dealership knows the conditions its West Country customers have to deal with, and can provide the ideal vehicle to meet any challenge.

When the going gets really tough it’s time to call on the rugged L200, the market leading, go-anywhere pick-up – with the all-new, updated version due at the Braunton Road showroom this summer.

While featuring improvements as a work vehicle, it has been developed as ‘the ultimate sport utility truck’ and to provide an interior space with comfort levels on a par with a passenger model.

Nathan Tomlinson, Dealer Principal at Devonshire Motors, said: ‘We’re extremely excited about the all-new L200 and know it will go down well here, because it’s perfect for north Devon. The L200 was already an iconic pick-up but the bar has been raised considerably with the updated version. The flip side to a new model release of course is the ability to give really excellent value for money on the existing model,and although the 2 versions are planned to run side by side for 12 months we are able to offer some really attractive deals to anyone looking to change right now.’

Mitsubishi has sold more than 130,000 L200s in the UK since the pick-up’s launch in 1987 – accounting for 20 per cent of the overall pick-up market – and 1.3 million worldwide. The L200 range comes with the longest warranty of any pick-up in the UK – five years or 125,000 miles. It is also available with a three-year fixed-price service plan at and a range of finance options designed to provide affordable flexibility.

Also at the pinnacle of 4x4 performance is the Shogun, combining true off-road capability and an effortless 3,500kg towing capacity with interior luxury and top end saloon-like style and specification.

Though it is more than three decades since the Shogun redefined the 4x4 motoring experience, continuous evolution has kept the model at the top of its game, with the latest including Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system providing four driving modes, active stability and traction controls, and a clean, economical 3.2L direct injection diesel engine.

For those looking for versatility across the rural and urban range, both the Outlander and ASX are capable crossover family vehicles, each with on-demand 4WD when needed.

The Outlander combines room for all the family – some variants offer 7 seats – with a sure-footed ability to leave the beaten track when the mood strikes. Meanwhile, the arrival of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) last year has generated huge levels of public interest driven by the vehicle’s outstanding fuel consumption (148mpg) and low emission credentials (44g/km).

Rounding out the 4x4 range the ASX provides everything a driver could want in an urban crossover. Strong, capable and spacious it is also ready to take on the city streets.

Standing for ‘Active Sports Crossover’, the ASX lives up to its name and bridges the gap between Mitsubishi’s refined passenger cars and its legendary off-roaders. Marketed under the ‘Adventure Advanced’ banner it combines rugged SUV practicality with a sleek compact design. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi 4x4s are going from strength to strength, with the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) June sales figures showing the iconic Shogun up 425%, low-emission diesel Outlander up 110%, the ASX up 92% and the L200 up by 24%.

To find out more about the Mitsubishi range of 4x4’s, or indeed the ‘none 4x4’ range of vehicles visit www.devonshire-motors.co.uk or call into the dealership on Braunton Road EX31 1LQ.



 

CUSTOMERS COME FIRST AT DEVONSHIRE MOTORS

The Barnstaple-based award-winning Mitsubishi dealership has responded to customer feedback by having a redesign to increase the amount of parking spaces available for customer parking. Not only that but the parking area has also been made more visible to add to customer convenience.

Dealer Principal Nathan Tomlinson said: ‘We’ve always taken the view that our customers needs come first and although there are limitations, if there is anything we can do to make customers feel more at home, comfortable or welcome then we are going to put that right at the top of our list of priorities’

‘Parking availability for customers is something that we’ve been wanting to improve for a while– it was simply a matter of being in a position to do something about it.’

Nathan added: ‘Our aim is to allow anyone who wants to visit us to be able to do so as easily as possible, and even though we have made as much space as possible we still say “Park anywhere that you feel comfortable, there is no wrong place to park when you are coming to see us”’

‘We have an ongoing commitment to customer care and this is just one example of that. We’ve also upgraded our facilities for waiting customers so that they can spend time here in comfort watching TV, using our free Wi-Fi and enjoying a coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate or whatever else they fancy.’
 

 

Devonshire Motors was named Dealer of the Year at this year’s annual conference for UK Mitsubishi dealerships. To find out more about the range of Mitsubishi vehicles and arrange a test drive, visit the showroom – now with its greatly increased parking availability – in Braunton Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LQ or phone 01271 342600.

GREAT DEAL AVAILABLE ON PRE-OWNED MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV'S AT DEVONSHIRE MOTORS

MITSUBISHI’S game-changing and award-winning Outlander PHEV swiftly became the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle after its launch last year – and now you can buy a pre-owned one from top dealership Devonshire Motors for just £299 a month plus deposit and final payment.

It’s not difficult to see why the world’s first 4x4 plug-in hybrid SUV has proved so popular. The Outlander PHEV boasts impressive fuel economy and ultra-low emissions – all in a vehicle with the go-anywhere ability of a four-wheel-drive, which makes it perfect for the north Devon terrain, and Devonshire Motors in Barnstaple currently has a limited number of second-hand Outlander PHEVs for motorists who are keen to do their bit for the environment as well as save lots of money on running costs. Each of the SUVs available via this deal is less than 10 months old and has under 10,000 miles on the clock.

A year after its launch, sales of the Outlander PHEV have already passed the 10,000 mark and the vehicle has overtaken every other plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle on the market. Last year the Outlander PHEV won Diesel Car’s Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle award, as well as Business Car’s Best Green Development gong in its Techie Awards. Combining electric battery and petrol power, it can travel 32½ miles in electric mode alone – more than enough to accommodate most daily average journey distances.

As well as its official fuel consumption figure of 148 miles per gallon, the Outlander PHEV’s low emissions of just 44g of CO2 per kilometre mean there’s no vehicle tax to pay plus it’s exempt from the London congestion charge and it qualifies for the governments

£5,000 Plug-in Car Grant too. In addition, company car drivers can reap the reward of a

Fantastically low Benefit in Kind of just five per cent, meaning a virtual pay rise of several thousand pounds per year.

What’s more, for business owners there are savings on National Insurance contributions to be had, and the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid qualifies for 100 per cent First Year Allowance against business profits.

Nathan Tomlinson, Dealer Principal at the Braunton Road showroom, which was named Dealer of the Year at this year’s annual conference for UK Mitsubishi dealerships, said: ‘The Outlander PHEV is a truly remarkable vehicle and this is a truly remarkable offer, but it’s a limited offer so people need to hurry to take advantage of it and I’d very much encourage them to do so, as Mitsubishi really did its homework with the Outlander PHEV and it’s paid off handsomely. Without a doubt, running a PHEV locally can offer huge savings in fuel costs for private users and for business users there is the added benefit of personal tax savings.

‘There’s been nothing like the Outlander PHEV before now. It’s really has been a game changing vehicle. It just makes so much sense on every level.’ To find out more about the finance offer and to arrange a test drive of an Outlander PHEV, call into Devonshire Motors in Braunton Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LQ or phone 01271 342600. This finance offer is available until 26th June 2015 to customers aged 18 and above and is subject to status. It is only available via Shogun Finance Ltd T/A Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Road, Barnet, EN4 0DY. Devonshire Motors acts as a

credit broker, not a lender, and may receive commission and other benefits for introducing customers to Finance Mitsubishi, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Other terms and conditions also apply.

For more details on these offers or to book a test drive, call us now on 01271 342600 and speak to Chris, Peter or Jeremy – our friendly PHEV specialists.

MAGNIFICENT MOTABILITY OFFERS AT DEVONSHIRE MOTORS

SPRING has sprung and there are magnificent Motability deals at Devonshire Motors for people to warm to now the warmer months are here – including nil advance payment on some models.

Available until 30th June at the Barnstaple dealership, the special offers mean it’s never been easier or more affordable for people registered with the Motability scheme to get behind the wheel of their ideal Mitsubishi model.

Motability is becoming increasingly popular at Mitsubishi dealerships, and during the first quarter of this year more than 1,500 applications have been received, proving how competitive Mitsubishi pricing is.

Vehicles available under the scheme are the UK’s best-selling Outlander PHEV and its diesel Outlander counterpart, as well as the all-new super-mini Mirage and awesome ASX crossover.

The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. Using electric and petrol power, it has an impressive electric range of 32½ miles plus phenomenal economy and environmental credentials, emitting just 44g/km of CO2 and boasting an official combined fuel consumption figure of 148mpg. The five-seater GX3h automatic model is available with an advance payment of just £1,499, or £1,999 for the version with leather seats.

Intelligent, economical, luxurious and safer than ever before, the Outlander diesel is among the largest SUVs on the scheme. Packed with clever technological features, it has achieved a five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating, boasts best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2
emissions, and is lighter, quieter and more refined than ever. It’s available with an advance payment of just £1,699 for the GX2 manual five-seater, £1,899 for the seven-seat GX3 manual and £1,999 for the seven-seat GX3 manual with leather. The GX3 Auto at £2,299 is the largest seven-seat auto SUV on the scheme – and all Outlanders are four-wheel-drive.
Meanwhile, the clever and compact Mirage is roomy enough for five adults and exceptionally economical. Mirage has been designed and engineered from the wheels up to offer a winning blend of chic styling, exceptional comfort and low running costs. The vehicle boasts exceptional fuel economy figures.

To give an example, the Mirage 3 1.2 CVT (an automatic) version returns 68.9mpg (combined). It also maximises manoeuvrability with a tiny turning circle – perfect for nipping in and out of traffic and squeezing easily into those smaller parking spaces.

What’s more, both the Mirage 2 1.2 and Mirage 3 1.2 are available with a nil advance payment to eligible drivers, while the Mirage 3 1.2 CVT Auto is available for an advance payment of just £199.

There are also outstanding offers on the stunning ASX crossover, starting with an advance payment of just £49 for the 2 1.6. Available with a choice of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, the ASX offers impressive fuel economy but packs plenty of pulling power when needed. Plus for those who like the assurances that a 4×4 can give, ASX is available as a 4WD. And peace of mind doesn’t just come in the form of the model’s 4WD ability, as each ASX model boasts a five-star Euro-NCAP rating.
Nathan Tomlinson, Dealer Principal at Devonshire Motors’ showroom in Braunton Road, said: ‘We are proud of our ongoing commitment to Motability, and these current offers are really strong.

‘There’s something for everyone here, from the practical and fun-to-drive Mirage to the revolutionary Outlander PHEV, so I’d encourage any eligible motorist to visit our dealership to see how easy and affordable it can be to get behind the wheel of a brand-new Mitsubishi.’ Motability is a national charity offering disabled people the opportunity to obtain a car,
powered wheelchair or scooter by using Government-funded mobility allowances. To qualify, recipients must receive a higher-rate Motability component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. The scheme is also available to parents and carers.

The Motability scheme enables qualifying customers to have a new car every three years, with insurance and personal accident cover, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, free replacement tyres fitted by Kwik-Fit and windscreen replacement at no extra cost.



For more details of the latest Motability offers or to book a test drive, call Devonshire Motors now on 01271 342600 and ask to speak Peter, Chris, or Jeremy our dedicated Motability specialists.