The Mitsubishi Destinator has arrived in South Africa, surprising many with its exceptional performance and features. Initially, the author was underwhelmed by the brand's compact crossover, the Outlander Sport, due to its sluggish engine and poor interior materials. However, the Destinator has changed their perspective entirely. With a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it delivers 120 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque, making it a highly responsive and urgent vehicle on the road.
The Destinator's suspension setup is geared towards comfort, providing a smooth ride and soaking up potholes and speed bumps with ease. This makes it an ideal vehicle for long family road trips. Additionally, Mitsubishi has included its rally-bred Active Yaw Control as standard, keeping the vehicle planted and confident in various weather conditions. The Destinator's exterior design is a natural extension of the Outlander Sport's design language, with a bold, muscular front fascia and signature Dynamic Shield grille.
The interior of the Destinator is a significant improvement over the Outlander Sport, with premium and robust materials that can withstand daily family life. The addition of fold-down tray tables on the back of the front seats is a practical feature that will keep children entertained and fed on long journeys. The Destinator is a true seven-seater, comfortably accommodating seven passengers, both big and small, without any fuss.
The Destinator's packaging is impressive, with a flexible second row and excellent legroom. The third row can house adults on shorter trips without inducing claustrophobia. The vehicle's power delivery is smooth, urgent, and responsive, thanks to its turbocharged engine and Continuously Variable Transmission. This makes it an excellent choice for daily errands and highway cruising.
Priced from R479 990 for the GLS derivative and topping out at R569 990 for the flagship Exceed model, the Destinator represents incredible value for money. It enters a competitive segment with a distinct advantage in standard specification and practicality. The vehicle's features, such as its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and clever design, make it an attractive option for families.
The Mitsubishi Destinator is a game-changer in the family SUV market, offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. Its impressive features and value for money make it a top contender for families seeking a reliable and honest seven-seater. With its exceptional driving dynamics and spacious interior, the Destinator is a must-consider for anyone in the market for a family-friendly SUV.
Key points
- The Mitsubishi Destinator offers exceptional value for money, with a price range of R479 990 to R569 990.
- The vehicle's interior features premium materials and practical design elements, such as fold-down tray tables.
- The Destinator is a true seven-seater, comfortably accommodating seven passengers with excellent legroom and flexibility.
