Jeremy Clarkson
MPH 2008
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From
February 2, 2008
Mitsubishi Grandis Elegance
Rating 
Verdict Practical interior, utterly uninspiring to drive
At first I thought the Grandis was about the size of a Vauxhall Zafira. It’s styled in such a way that it seems small and convenient. But then, in a London underground car park, I discovered that it’s not small and convenient at all. It was so huge, in fact, that it simply wouldn’t fit in my regular space.
Another surprise. Under the bonnet there’s an unusually large 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine. Quite why they’ve chosen such a configuration, I have no idea. Even so, in the automatic, 0-62mph takes nearly 12sec, which is very slow.
You might not care about this sloth, but you will care about the quality of the power delivery, and the gearchange and the suspension, all of which feel as if they’re made from MDF.
But wait, the back seats can be erected so they face forwards or backwards. That way you have somewhere comfortable to sit, under the shade of the tailgate, while you try to sober up a bit. If this doesn’t work, the interior can be converted into a giant bed.
You can tell I’m struggling, can’t you. Reviewing this car is like reviewing central Canada. How many different ways can you say there’s a lot of wheat?
The Grandis, then, is a one-trick pony. It is exceptionally good at being a seven-seat family car. And not much else.
Current price (Warrior model) £22,349
Price when tested (Oct 2004) £22,999
Engine 2378cc, four cylinders
Power 162bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 159 lb ft @ 4000rpm
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Fuel/CO2 28.2mpg (combined) / 237g/km
0-62mph 11.7sec
Top speed 118mph
Cheers Jeremy. I am trying to sell my Grandis (the old gag ‘Comp car forces sale’) and the article made my morning. As the article states the Grandis is good at one thing, being a 7 seat MPV. Yes it’s long, however it does have 7 proper seats and good rear storage space. No, this car will not give you the drive of your life, all the controls are incredibly light, however MPV’s are bought for kids not for adults and that where the Grandis excels. My children love the car. The fact that the on the limit handling is not up to Supercar standards is of no interest to them. I could have bought a sports saloon however with three kids fighting over space in the back the last thing on my mind would be timing my heel and toe ready for the apex of a corner. One day when they are busy with their own cars, sticking stripes down the sides and aircraft wings on the back I will be able to get myself a drivers car, until that day thank God for cars like the Grandis that can move a family around in comf
Brian, Hartley Wintney,