The Mitsubishi Challenger range has been given a major overhaul, with the number of available grades slashed from nine to three as part of the MY2014 update.
Mitsubishi Australia has top-and-tailed the line-up, discontinuing the base rear-wheel-drive Challenger models and the flagship XLS trim, and additional grades in between.
The deletion of the 2WD models sees the Mitsubishi Challenger’s entry price rise $5500 to $42,490. As before, the automatic option adds $2500 to the price, while the Challenger LS continues to scrape in at just below $50K.
New Challenger models feature a revised grille, bumpers and tail-lights to distinguish them from the previous model year car.
Inside, the Challenger gains a 6.1-inch touchscreen with full Bluetooth connectivity, while the Challenger LS gets two extra speakers (for six in total) and is available with the optional Mitsubishi Multi Communication System that introduces a larger seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.
On top of the features already mentioned, the extra $5K for the LS also adds auto headlights and wipers, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, fog lights, privacy glass and a cargo blind for the rear luggage space.
As before, the Mitsubishi Challenger is equipped with a 131kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 350Nm teamed with the automatic transmission and 400Nm paired with the manual. The manual consumes fuel at a rate of 8.3 litres per 100km, while the auto is less frugal at 9.8L/100km.
The Triton-based Challenger is a modest seller for Mitsubishi Australia, with its 947 deliveries in the first half of 2013 representing a sales decline of more than 25 per cent compared with the previous year.
The MY2014 Challenger update comes at the same time as Mitsubishi adds a new 2.2-litre diesel engine to its line-up.
