Mitsu Airtrek Turbo-R

[Madarmour]

Blue lights on the undercarriage and windscreen wiper too! Maybe a running LED on the grille.

[Madarmour]

Wow! I think I'd better stay away from PIs!

[Vtim]

I've a appointment in the morning & hopefully can finish my work before lunch . Will call you by 2.30 pm to confirm. It's the C & C in Leng Kee right?

[Madarmour]

That's right. C&C at Leng Kee.

[Vtim]

Ok! Will call to confirm

[Mondeo]

  Quote

Supposed to be there from 3pm to 3.30pm. If you're interested, you're welcome to join me. My office's no is 6-442 0494. Do give me a call by 2.30pm.

 

Right, right..time to change car!

[Madarmour]

You also think I should buy????

[Mondeo]

Since U were asking Airtreck last time. And now got T-R version, why not? Buy and keep the 156 also.

[Madarmour]

No, I don't believe I've asked about the Airtrek the last time. It was Toyota Harrier but now it seems like the the Turbo-R is BADDER!

[Super7]

Hi All,

 

I am trying to figure out the logic: why put a high performance engine in a car which has high centre of gravity like a SUV such as the Airtrek T-R? Yes, the power is there, but how on earth is it gonna corner well on tarmac road (where it's expected to spend most of its life on, unless it's used mainly off-road - unlikely in singapore)

 

Please don't get me wrong and start hammering me :- I am a great fan of SUV and owned a V6 Pajero few years back before SUV started being appreciated locally, but i must admit that i really bought it for the 'macho' image, of course the extra power, 7-seat capacity, and all terrain ability came in handy on rare ocassions when i did use them.

 

I guess at the end of the day it's all about 'feel good' factor and that's a reason good enough for making the choice......... i will get one if the bank manager says ok

 

Cheers

[Renegade]

Very, very good point you've raised there, Y - and I totally agree with you., esp when cornering is taken into consideration. More to the point would be someone who buys it with the expectation that it would perform close to the original engine's home....ho boy.....of course, they could do silly things like lower/stiffen the suspension and every other thing imaginable but then again, that would defeat a lot of its original intention, wouldn't it ?

[Super7]

Yes, Renegade- talking about tweaking a SUV/Off-roader to perform like its road hugging tarmac cousins , i think there are a few local Vitaras which have been lowered and run on fat low-profile tyres......... Cool looking but not sure about their handling, must admit the owners' efforts are in a way admirable

 

The Airtrek T-R looks much better than the Forestor, IMO. Some of the other SUVs with turbo diesel power in Malaysia are real beasts, too bad we can't have them in sgp tho we do have turbo diesel powered pickups with mean looking stainless steel roll bars at the back

 

More on the lifte-style theme: you think there's a market in spg for cars like the Chrysler Prowler? Boy, wish i could lay my hands on one

 

Cheers

 

I want a PROWLER

[Renegade]

Actually, while I've got nothing against it, I always felt the Forrester looked like nothing more than a pumped-up station-wagon. And, yes the Airtrek does look better, or to be more precise, up-to-date. The F's just a bit too boxy for today's landscape. First time I saw the Airtrek parked outside my office a couple of months ago, I couldn't for the life of me figure it out.

 

And, yes, I do believe I've seen a Vitara or two in the low-hunkered form before. Around my neighbourhood, too, interestingly, enough. Weird, really, to have a raised vehicle lowered that much.

 

Market for the Prowler ? Considering that there are people willing to splurge on really individualistic cars like the Nissan Figaro, Rasheen, Honda Mobilo and, to a lesser scale, it's sister-car, the PT Cruiser, yes, I believe there is, albeit a small one. Probably fit for someone who's got a love for it's looks, individuality (I kinda do, actually - just look at those wheels) and don't mind sacrificing a lot (practicality in several aspects, putting up with the weather, etc) for the love of it.

 

Why ? Thinking of joining this hyper-exclusive club ? If you do, please, oh do please let me have a ride in it......

[Super7]

Actually i wonder sometimes why they ended up with such a boxy n uninspiring aesthetics with the Forrester? Even when it first came out, i think a lot of people already found it dated and even ugly. Hope the next generation will do better.

 

Hyper-exclusive club? i am afraid i am not even in the vaguely-exclusive league unless i strike 4-D ...... emotionally i definitely want a Prowler, but they sure won't give me the discount i need based on my passion

 

my hope will be a replica if they will ever produce one..... something more attainable will be a Chaterham 7:- no frill, light weight, kit-car with unbelievable power to weight ratio, only 1400 or 1600cc near stock engine but goes like a rocket and handles almost like track car, down side: no creature comfort and strictly two-seater. I like it cos' it's good value for $ if we are looking at handling and speed and all else are unimportant......... while i was in UK last year for work, i followed behind a few of these weekend/fun C7 in my rented Focus on the motorways/A and B roads, and boy they really handled , if you visit kit car websites, you will find out how much fun these cars can be

 

Cheers

[Madarmour]

I think the Turbo-R is intended to be a lifestyle machine with a bit more oomph, not like the anaemic normal version. Think of BMW X5, Porsche Chayenne, etc which are just as powerful, if not more. In the end most will end up on tarmac, with minimal, if ever, off road exposure. Of course it's not intended to be taken to the tracks, so cornering abilities in not the main priority. The beefed up version takes advantage of the 2.0l engine with regards to the road tax structure while offer additional power for safer overtaking.

[Madarmour]

OK, here's the field report. Just managed to rest drive the car for a relatively short distance along Commonwealth Road and Jervois Road. The test drive car just has just 15km on it's odo.

 

My first impression is, it feels that it has much less horses than it's published 240. While it rapid, it's certainly not fast (manufacturer's claim of 0-100kph in 8.2s). The torque is impressive though, with the vehicle of such heavy weight (1550kg) very eager to pull away so very driveable in city conditions.

 

Dash has the Italian feel with the 156-like instrument binnacle, Alfa like aircon vents and Maserati-like central analogue clock. Very spacious with lots of leg room in the rear. Cabin is pretty well insulated.

 

Ride is quite stiff with the uprated sports suspension and it surprisingly hold it's line quite well in corners with much less roll as anticipated with a vehicle of such height.

 

Overall IMO, it's a vehicle that can easily satisfy the family's need and the occasional need for speed. However, where are the horses?!! And somehow my babe sounds much nicer!

[Super7]

Hey, thanks for the explanation......... it now sounds really logical to produce and market such a car ........ plus the look, the whole package does present itself as a good and sensible proposition ......... and thanks also for the review, nice stuff .

 

Talking about look, how do you guys compare the Airtrek T-R with Nissan's X-Trail?

 

My earlier comments were made from the angle of either a hardcore off-roader or tarmac racer, both of which are not the target user of the T-R.

 

Cheers

Edited August 7, 2002 by Ysfoo

[Madarmour]

< My earlier comments were made from the angle of either a hardcore off-roader or tarmac racer, both of which are not the target user of the T-R. >

 

No worries fren. Your views are invaluable and there's no reason for me to take it personally.

 

< Talking about look, how do you guys compare the Airtrek T-R with Nissan's X-Trail? >

 

There's an X-Trail Turbo coming soon! [laugh]