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Read this today and thought this would be a good revision on the Airtrek's background since it's intro sometime back early in the year:- As the modern automotive landscape evolves, traditional and distinct vehicle categories like the sport utility vehicle (SUV) and estate are becoming increasingly blurred. Not content with an elaborate re-packaging exercise of one of its existing estates or SUVs, Mitsubishi has launched the all-new Airtrek. Billed by Mitsubishi as a "crossover recreational vehicle", the Airtrek is a clever blend of the practicality of an estate with the off-road muscle of an SUV. The brawny yet elegant exterior lines exude just enough machismo such that it wouldn't look out of place frolicking off-road or cruising down town. On the inside, circular dials and vents lend a retro and sporty air to the cabin while the panel-mounted shift lever liberates space upfront. The seats have been strategically placed 600 mm off the ground for easy ingress and egress while extensive sound insulation and foam-filled pillars ensure that noise intrusion is kept to a minimum. The luggage compartment holds a useful 402 litres with 5 passengers in place and 1049 litres with the rear seats folded forward. Powering the 24 series is Mitsubishi's 4G64 2.4 litre engine with fuel-sipping GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) technology while the 20 series draws life from the proven 4G63 2.0 litre ECI-Multi unit. Although the GDI unit has an edge in both the power and fuel economy epartments, both engines deliver enough grunt for off-road jaunts and have the flexibility necessary for relaxed urban and highway cruising. Power reaches the wheels via Mitsubishi's intelligent and adaptive 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, which comes with a sequential-type sport shift mode. On the safety front, Mitsubishi's "RISE" body dulls impact forces while dual airbags further cushion the front passenger and driver. Anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution are standard as well. With superior ride comfort in mind, the wheelbase has been stretched to a class-leading 2625 mm while ample ground clearance (195 mm) keeps the bodywork clear of uneven terrain. Its rigid monocoque construction, which not only dampens vibrations and noise, and relatively low vehicle height (1550 mm) contribute greatly to handling stability. Automotive design usually involves trade-offs. Ride comfort often comes at the expense of handling stability while a purposeful off-roader usually sacrifices some on-road ability. The Airtrek's unique design makes it more practical than an SUV for daily use and yet more flexible than a traditional estate in terms of the types of terrain it can handle. Its balance of form and function, tempered with clever engineering enable it to transcend the barriers that have, until now, kept the concrete and evergreen jungles apart. Instead of photo shoots, here are some 'artistic' sketches.........

Hi Guys, If your good fren (not so knowlegeable one) wanna get the Asstrek TurboR, how would you advise him/her??? ....... any other comparable alternatives in the market to consider???? Cheers n very many thanks