Cars Service

Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo

THE Mitsubishi Airtrek joined the growing number of compact people carriers like the Renault Scenic, Honda Stream and Opel Zafira, but it came without a third row seat. Every car manufacturer today has not only one but a few variants in their MPV line-up. The MPV range has become a much-needed entity for manufacturers. No more are they just satisfied with just one model and variants are provided for potential buyers to choose from.



The Airtrek was positioned as a ‘sports’ MPV for the daddy to drive something a little exciting as a detuned EVO VII engine was shoehorned in the front. For the less financially fortunate, a stock 2.0-litre was also available. The bulletproof Mitsubishi 16-valve 2.0-litre petrol engine does not excite nor does it disappoint. The Airtrek is quite compact, roomy, easy to drive and economical. The 2.0-litre engine performs well making the Airtrek quite practical for the average family needing a little bit more room for the tonnes of ‘equipment’ needed to move an average family of four these days, though it is not as practical as others of its type.

If youve ever driven a Mitsubishi Evo VII youll know that its as brutal and intoxicating as any road car money can buy. Theres no concession to comfort and an almost clinical, obsessive focus on going as quickly as possible above all else. The Evo makes you drive faster than you would in other cars but at the same time engages you on a personal level - goading you mercilessly until you give it all of your attention and start working to its agenda. If youre not committed it sulks and you feel like a wimp, and when you do give in and push the Evo anywhere near its limits your licence is in grave danger. People who buy them must be very strong-willed or have no regard for the law whatsoever.

The four-wheel drive five-door has a muscular, high-shouldered look, enhanced by its semi-SUV layout. An almost chopped look about the roof and side glass emphasises the wedgy lines; the bonnet scoop for the intercooler and the 16-inch diameter alloy wheels reinforce the impression of power and purpose.

The Airtrek Turbo is a high-performance boosted 2.0-litre that joins the rather anaemic front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive naturally-aspirated Airtrek 2.0s.

Its chalk and cheese between those non-boosted cars and the 177kW Turbo.

Its basic powertrain comes from the automatic gearbox version of the high-performance Lancer Evo 7.

The 16-valve, intercooled turbomotor delivers hefty peak torque of 343Nm. Mitsubishi says thats good enough to tow 1500kg loads.

Its also good enough to supply very rapid acceleration and sparkling open road passing power.
The car launches smoothly and instantly from rest.

Though theres a little turbo lag and a hefty push when the turbocharger comes on boost, the lag isnt great enough to be really annoying.

It shifts smoothly if left in Drive, and has good, smooth and instant kickdown.
The car rides on sports suspension and that adds up to a rather jiggly ride around town and somewhat bumpy progress on uneven open road surfaces.

Handling is generally good, though biased towards understeer.

The accommodation is excellent with comfortable, well-shaped seats that gave sufficient support during brisk cornering. The seat trim was an attractive blue velour pattern.
The Airtrek Turbo is pleasant to drive, with secure handling and grip. Its also pleasant to travel in and is a good long-distance conveyance. Fuel economy? Not a strong suit. .


Fuel economy is the aim of this 2.0-litre engine especially with the recent fuel price increases. On the highway, the Airtrek gets around 8.5km/l, which is good, but by no means startling. The automatic transmission doesn’t help, but the INVECS-II four-speed autobox is a terrific unit. Shifts are always smooth and you’re never left floundering in the wrong gear. You just engage D and forget it’s there. The engine is torquey and smooth, which helps. Quiet, too, unless revved hard. Remember this is not the performance version.

If you reckon regular MPVs are too van-like then the Airtrek solves that problem. Take a look at the pictures. It looks almost like a four-wheel drive stationwagon. The headlight treatment is in line with the current trend following the twin look, either with oval or round lamps. The rear lamps follow the same design as the popular Evolution VII.

Overall, the Airtrek offers little real accommodation advantages over the bigger hatchbacks and estates, such as the Ford Lynx S and the Nissan AD Resort nor does it offer quite the versatility of the Renault Scenic, Honda Stream or Opel Zafira. The fact that this car is fully imported the used selling price starts from RM$110,000 for a two-year-old unit. It still represents a good buy as it comes with all the necessary goodies that buyers deem as necessary today.