Do you remember the old Mitsubishi Express van? It was popular with small fleets and tradies because it was cheap and practical. Maybe not that safe compared the it’s peers at the time, but a proper workhorse. After seven years with only one commercial vehicle in its range, Mitsubishi will be launching the all new Express can in 2020.
It will be available in short and long wheelbase with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and, like the previous generation, it will come standard with dual sliding doors across the range to enhance flexibility and functionality. Manufactured in France in partnership with Renault it be released in Australia and then New Zealand.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott said: “Mitsubishi is known for bringing Australians a range of flexible, dependable and capable vehicles, and the Express retains these Mitsubishi characteristics.
“For customers who need more flexibility, we will offer both short and long wheelbase, our dual sliding doors and a number of accessories to ensure easy configuration of the van for different business requirements.
“We think these practical features – along with a strong value proposition – will make businesses and fleet managers consider the Express when it comes to building more capability into their business.”
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Engine specifications and powertrain
The Express will be offered in short and long wheelbase, with both 1.6L twin turbo diesel engine, and a 2.0L single turbo diesel engine fitted with a 25 litre AdBlue tank for improved emissions. The 1.6L engine is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the six-speed dual clutch transmission (6DCT) automatic models are available with the 2.0L diesel.
Drivers will be able to choose from a standard six-speed manual or optional 6DCT, based on their needs. All Express variants are front wheel drive with Extended Grip – a traction control mode activated by the driver to assist in low grip conditions.
Load area
The load area comes in both 5.2m3 (SWB) and 6.0m3 (LWB) volumes, so that business owners can select the right size for their needs. In addition, Mitsubishi has worked with a number of suppliers so that this space can be configured to suit the load.
The van’s gross combination mass gives businesses the ability to carry loads within the van, or across van and trailer.
|
|
SWB Manual |
SWB Auto |
LWB Manual |
LWB Auto |
|
Unladen mass (kg) |
1810 |
1870 |
1860 |
1920 |
|
Gross vehicle mass (GVM/ kg) |
2960 |
2985 |
3060 |
3070 |
|
Trailer Mass (kg) |
2000 |
1715 |
2000 |
1630 |
|
Combination mass (GCM/ kg) |
4960 |
4700 |
5060 |
4700 |
Features
Exterior
The Express’s exterior is built to support busy delivery drivers, with dual sliding side doors and glazed rear barn doors with 900 and 1800 stops. The rear bumper has an integrated step for easy loading and unloading. 16” steel wheels are standard, and a full-size spare is stored under the cargo floor.
Interior
Inside, the Express has three seats. For comfort, the driver’s seat is complete with centre retractable armrest, manual height and lumbar adjustment, as well as height and reach steering wheel adjustment. The audio unit is enabled for Bluetooth and USB connection, offering hands free telephone and music streaming.
The driver can gain easy access to equipment, utilising the open storage on top of the dash while all variants include an integrated smartphone cradle.
Safety
The EXPRESS has a number of key driver assistance features so that the driver can feel confident they have the right safety technology to back them up when they are trying to get the job done.
Standard features include cruise control with speed limiter, auto stop and go (with manual off switch), hill start assist. Also standard are Rear park assist, Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a driver blindspot mirror in passenger sunvisor.
The Express features five airbags: driver and passenger front and curtain airbags, in addition to a driver thorax airbag. It is possible to manually deactivate the passenger front airbag in instances where the cabin is configured for other uses.
To assist drivers to load and unload safely, the 6DCT model has a rear view camera with display in the interior rear view mirror. It also has dusk sensing auto headlights and rain sensing windscreen wipers.
Colours and trims
The Express will be available in white, black, red and platinum grey (silver). The interior trim on all models is a hardwearing black fabric.
Pricing and more details will be released prior to launch.
