5 Christmas Gift Ideas For Car Enthusiasts

Christmas is just a few short weeks away! It’s a good time to plan ahead and start thinking about what gifts you’re going to be giving to loved ones, which is no easy task. Often it can be more difficult to think of gift ideas for people that are very close to you. As you well know, it’s a good idea to think about the interests of the person you’re buying for.

There’s plenty of rev heads (otherwise known as car enthusiasts) in Australia and chances are you’ve got one in your close or extended family. If this is the case, you’re in luck. Below we’ve listed some innovative gift ideas for people obsessed with all things cars. At Chadstone Mitsubishi, we know better than anyone.

Car TV

In the perfect world, just about everyone’s dream car has a mini screen somewhere or other. There are plenty of options and they differ in price quite a bit, but for standard TV monitors, you’re looking at $150 minimum for a 9” screen.

Most can be installed in the front for easy viewing from the drivers’ seat (although not while operating the vehicle of cause!), while others are typically installed on the back of the driver and passenger seats.

The next step up is to have the screen fold down from the roof and you can even hook up a Playstation or Xbox.

Massage Cushion

This is as good as it sounds. It helps in particular for those long journeys and road trip, to ensure you’re comfortable the whole trip. A massage cushion is quite affordable and keeps the driver’s neck and back loosened up. Most can be adjusted and you can choose how strong massage you want while you’re at the wheel.

There are also heated massage cushions, which start at around $100 online. Most cars seats are fairly comfy. But there’s comfy, and there’s heated massage cushion comfy.

Underdash Lighting Kit

These LEDs make the experience of driving in the night time quite a thrill for passengers. Lighting kits vary in price somewhat and we should mention that some may be deemed illegal, although it’s somewhat of a grey area as far of the law are concerned. However, common sense should prevail on the part of the driver - you can reduce the amount of light they give off and if it interferes with the drivers’ eyesight, obviously it’s a good idea to tone it down. They can be switched while the car is being driven too.

Interior Mats

It might seem a little boring compared to the other things on this list, but it’s just as important to someone that’s nuts about their car. We’re quite impressed with these 1 Gallon mats - they can soak up a large amount of liquid in case of a spillage, which is otherwise a car owner’s worst nightmare. Protective mats for the back of seats are also handy if there are kids in the equation. For expensive cars with nice leather interiors, these are almost a must.

Australian Grand Prix Tickets

It’s true that the Melbourne event is still a few months away, but tickets to the Grand Prix are basically the best thing you can buy for a true car lover. The event in 2016 starts quite a bit later in the year than it has before, but this just means receiving them on Christmas gives them more of a chance to get excited and prepared themselves for the 4-day race. It begins March 31, 2016, only 3 months from Christmas day!

So there you have it, five of the best Christmas gifts for car nuts money can buy! If you want to go one step further and buy them a new Mitsubishi car (wink, wink) head on down to Chadstone Mitsubishi today and check out Melbourne’s biggest range. To all our readers, enjoy your Christmas!

4 Of The Fastest Mitsubishi Cars Of All Time

With a long, successful history, Mitsubishi has built and released vehicles of all kinds including people movers, small cars, family vehicles and of course, sports cars. While they all have their specific purposes and appeal to different kinds of people in different circumstances, there’s no doubt that the cars that turn the most heads tend to be the sleek, speedy 2-door sports cars. Mitsubishi has released its share of fast cars in the past 40+ years; let’s take a look at some of our favourites below!

Lancer Evolution

Photo by Baku13 / CC BY

You might or might not be surprised to know that the Lancer Evolution is by far and away the fastest car Mitsubishi has built. Always one of the top performing rally cars on the circuit, the Evolution obviously comes in many different forms and they are many models on the market.

The Lancer Evo GSR 2011 is one that comes to mind; with 215 kilowatts of power, this model can accelerate from 0-100 in just 4.3 seconds.

Lancer Ralliart

  

The Mitsubishi Lancer’s dominance as far as fast Mitsubishi’s car is illustrated by the fact that out of the top 10 fastest released to the market, Lancer models account for 9 of them. The only non-Evo in the top 9 is the widely praised Ralliart.

The cousin of the more talked-about and more-expensive Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart is not to be underestimated. The 2009 model goes from 0-100 in just 5.4 seconds.

The latest 2015 Lancer Ralliart is currently on the market and is worth a look for those on the hunt for an exhilarating performance vehicle. With a 2.0 litre, 177kW engine and excellent handling to boot, this is one of the highest-selling sports cars in its class.

3000GT Spyder VR-4

Photo by web2carz

1995’s high-powered, turbocharged Spyder is one for the ages when it comes to fast cars. Racing from 0-100 in roughly 5.1 seconds, this sleek, 6-speed all-wheel driver is extremely rare today but it left its mark as one of the fastest cars and most powerful (238kW) Mitsubishi ever released. As an aside, the convertible was infamous for its slow folding roof, which took around 24 seconds. As well as being fast, in our opinion it was really something to look at too!

Eclipse

Photo by dave_7 / CC BY

The Eclipse range is rather varied with quite a few models being released in its lifeline between 1989-2011. A compact sports car, the Eclipse has been associated with drag racing and the 1995 model, in fact, made an appearance in the first film in 'The Fast and the Furious' series. With the third-generation Eclipse, Jett Racing have the record for the world’s fastest 4-cylinder car, as this monster recorded a top speed of 358km/h and completed a quarter-mile in just 6.57 seconds. While this model was heavily done up and worked on, you can see just how much potential the Eclipse had.


Mitsubishi has released catalogue of award-winning Mitsubishi cars and continues to provide some of the very best in terms of comfort, performance and versatility. Check out the full range on offer at Chadstone Mitsubishi.

The Mitsubishi Challenger Review

The Mitsubishi Challenger was launched to much acclaim in 1996 for its tough build quality, its rugged looks and its promise to deliver in terms of performance and handling. It led to further enhancements along its range and with updated engines, enhanced technology and all the creature comforts you’d expect of a vehicle of this kind, the second generation launched in 2008 and built on its previous model's success.

This latest generation of Mitsubishi Challenger digs deep into the ethos behind the original model, offering a rugged, all-terrain vehicle that is able to handle the most rugged of terrain, as well as the smooth tarmac of the city streets. The Challenger offers both a 2.5 and a 3.2-litre diesel engine as well as an outstanding 3.0 and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that provides a workhorse like a powertrain to keep you rolling in even the toughest environments.

Available In A Range Of Configurations And Extras

 

Available in either 5 seats or 7 seat configurations, the Challenger offers a wide range of people a powerful vehicle that can handle the rough with the tumble as a personal as well as a commercial vehicle, the Challenger sits at the top of the list of similar vehicles in its class.

The 2015 model is Mitsubishi’s greatest yet, with a full five-star ANCAP rating and priced at A$49,000 you are still getting a lot of bang for your buck with this reliable, durable all wheeler. With plenty of room in the interior, you will be able to fit all of the family and their luggage, or alternatively your work colleagues and their toolkits in a comfortable ride.

Spacious Cabin And Ample Rear Space

 

The cabin provides plenty of comfort with ample room for anyone of any size with plenty of legs and head room. The ride height ensures you great visibility of the road ahead which is important on the city streets and vital in off-road situations.

Due to the long wheelbase, the ample room in the back seats followed by the luggage space is huge, allowing you to pack plenty of luggage, shopping or even a couple of large dogs. The large floor space is one of the key features of a long wheelbase model, and the Mitsubishi Challenger does not disappoint.

An Intelligent 4WD System

 

The outstanding model in the series to choose from appears to be the Super Select 4WD version available in the LS model. This allows the vehicle to smartly drive in High Range 4WD and allows the car to figure out what surface it is rolling on.

This allows anyone to get out of a tricky off-road situation without a lot of fuss, especially on loose surfaces. Unlike its rivals, the Mitsubishi Challenger can be left in 4WD all of the time, leaving you free to enjoy your on-road and off-road adventures with ease.

Featuring a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinders turbocharged diesel engine, the LS model features a fuel usage of 9.8 litres per 100km which is pretty reasonable for a vehicle of this size and power. The LS variant produces 131kW of power and 350nM of torque which is plenty to pull a mid-sized boat trailer or similar.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Challenger is the best of the bunch when it comes to simple, robust, reliable and rugged multi-function utility or family vehicles in this price range and offers a host of benefits to tempt many. With ample leg room, huge rear luggage space and a clever 4WD system that takes the bumps out of the most rugged of terrain, this Mitsubishi Challenger is currently head of the pack.

Images: 2, 3, 4

How to Choose the Right Tyres for Your Car

When it comes to road safety, economical driving and fuel efficiency, tyres are the first port of call for those wishing to make the most out of their driving experience. As important as the engine itself, the tyres take the brunt of your journey and give you the best possible ride from A to B, but what kind are best for your vehicle? 

Choosing the right type of tyres for your car doesn’t have to be confusing, as there are specific tyres created for specific purposes. Depending on where you live and the climate you live in, the right tyres for your car can be found in your vehicle's manual, which allows you to keep check of your correct tyre pressure and health as part of your regular maintenance check-up.

There are a number of factors that determine which type of tyre your vehicle requires, which include:

• Vehicle weight
• Vehicle size
• Vehicle type
• Vehicle Use

The most important factor is in fitting the right size tyre for your vehicle. If your tyres are rated for less a value as instructed in your vehicle's manual you will put your tyres under strain in terms of weight which will mean your tyres will wear out faster and give you a little chance in terms of braking ability and manoeuvring ability in corners.

Purchase Original Equipment Tyres For Your Vehicle

One of the easiest ways of choosing car parts and accessories especially tyres is to use an OE tire (original equipment) sold by many car servicing outlets that are produced for your specific car. OE tires are the original tyres fitted to your car by the factory, and so choosing the original tyre for your specific car is a simple and easy way of maintaining your vehicle.

If you wish to upgrade to a different tyre, you can take into account the type of driving style you have to help with cornering, traction, sporty driving and other performance characteristics. If you make frequent long journeys, for example, hard wearing and long lasting tyres are a better choice than super grip sporty tyres that will wear down faster on longer journeys.

In some parts of the world where temperatures frequently drop below 7c, a set of winter tyres would work best for that climate. In areas where very high temperatures are common, your tyres will take the heavy stress and will need to be more flexible and durable in these conditions. To learn more about Mitsubishi parts and accessories click here.

Understanding Tyre Codes

Tyre codes are the numbers printed on the sidewalls of each tyre that gives specific information relating to a number of factors that a driver or fitter needs in choosing the correct tyre for their vehicle. This information holds a code that relates to specific regulations and testing results relating to the maximum speed of the tyre in safe usage, its load-bearing ability as well as the tyres key limitations.

The codes have come into line with strict testing and legal regulations but have grown with a number of manufacturers adding additional information on the tyre such as its traction rating, temperature resistance as well as tread wear ratings. Tyre sizes are given in ISO metric ratings; whereas some sports utility vehicles and light trucks use the LTHF or light truck high flotation rating system.

Quality Rating and Tyre Pressures

For a quick way to upgrade your vehicle's tyres, simply note the tyre codes on your vehicle and then opt for the same tyre code with additional features such as a harder wearing tyre, a tyre that allows more grip or traction. Purchasing AA graded tyres ensure their quality and will last you longer when your driving style is taken into account.

Whatever type you choose for your favourite Mitsubishi car, you should always take note of the official documentation on how to correctly inflate it. Inflation levels are printed on the sidewall of the tyre itself, and by sticking to these pressure levels you will get the most out of your driving experience.

Always change your tyre before it wears too thin and takes into account the wear pattern on the tyre to inform you of other issues relating to wheel alignment that could also arise to keep you motoring on safely and comfortably.

 Image Sources: 2, 3

The Mitsubishi Mirage 2015 in Review

Not often does a car come along that succeeds at standing out from the crowd, and does it well? The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage has managed to be able to capture everyone’s attention and is certainly turning heads everywhere it is seen. This versatile Mitsubishi car offers a tardis-like compactness that other manufacturers have failed to deliver on and allows both drivers and passengers ample room inside such a tiny interior.

Image: cars.axlegeeks.com

The first thing that you notice about the Mitsubishi Mirage is its compact size. It sits somewhere between a subcompact and a micro car but offers the versatility of being a 5-door hatchback. Due to its size and powertrain, the Mirage has a fuel economy that has electric vehicles running scared, and for that reason alone, the Mirage is a formidable addition to the Mitsubishi range.

Quick, Responsive Handling

As you would expect from such a small car, the handling is nippy and at low speeds is definitely fun to drive. It features sensitive steering that allows you to feel the road better than a much larger car ever would, but with such a small engine inside, don’t expect anything too sporty from it.

This Mitsubishi car was built for small road trips, with five doors and ample room inside, those short breaks with a small family make this the ideal city runner in most circumstances. Its snappy handling at lower, city speeds makes it perfect for an everyday car to commute with, especially considering its fuel economy.

Impressive Fuel Economy

Its lofty fuel economy rating of 44mpg makes it one of the most fuel efficient cars, not only of its class but of any car on the road today. Only beaten out by a few electric cars on the market, this car is the perfect addition to any family on a budget, as well as younger drivers – especially young female drivers, and here is why.

The only colours available for this car may seem a little cutesy for many mature tastes, and as Mitsubishi have tried to tailor specific cars to a specific audience in the past, the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage is no different. It seems all too obvious that this Mitsubishi car is aimed at a younger female, but as far as the car itself is concerned, that targeted audience would be more than pleased be its performance, handling, looks and fuel economy.

Additional Extras and Upgrade Kits Abound

The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage is a great little car that does the job it was meant to do perfectly. As a city car, the fuel economy alone is enough for this car to sell by the bucket loads, and when you add to that the additional extras that come at reasonable prices into the mix, the Mirage is a superbly priced car that is far more imaginative than meets the eye.

Why not take a test drive of the latest 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage at your local Mitsubishi dealership today to take advantage of the great offers available across the line. There is a large range of added extras included on the Mirage, as well as a huge range of upgrade packs to tailor the car to your liking. The Mitsubishi Mirage is a compact, sleek, fuel saving and stylish car, which includes all of the creatures comforts a wise car buyer needs to enjoy a fun and nifty driving experience. Here are some tips to keep you on the road.

A Look At The Mitsubishi Outlander 2015

If you are looking for a new utility vehicle in 2015 that packs power, agility, and fuel economy into a rugged all-wheel drive frame, then the new 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander may be the ideal Mitsubishi car for you. Unlike many production vehicles, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 variant takes a dramatic shift in styling compared to the previous model, but does the car match up to the performance of the earlier models?

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in a range of variants as you’d expect, so choosing the right model for you may depend on performance, fuel economy as well as drive train options. There are two 2WD versions, the LS which is a 2.0L Petrol driven, five-door available in manual or automatic, and the XLS 2.0L petrol driven, CVT automatic.

A Full Range of Drive-Train Options

Further up the range, you get the first AWD version in the shape of the LS 2.4L Petrol engine in CVT automatic and the EXCEED 2.4L Petrol five-door CVT Automatic. The Diesel versions are at the higher end of the range and include the XLS DiD 2.3L turbo diesel with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the top of the range EXCEED DiD 2.3L turbo diesel five-door variant with 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Within the range, you can expect to find the regular extras and upgrade packages to customise your vehicle the way you see fit, as well as exterior style packages, interior style packs, interior protection packs as well as the obligatory towing and adventure packs we have come to expect from Mitsubishi. The car itself comes with a fantastic 10-year or 100,000Km warranty.

Smart-key Access and a Revamped Interior

The Outlander features a passive smart key system that utilises the buttons on the driver and passenger door handles to lock and unlock the car without the use of the key. The car detects that the keyfob is near and so no key is needed, offering ease of use with added security.

On the interior, the new design has improved to bring with it a more modern feel and in line with other similar cars of its class. With a newly designed steering wheel and central dashboard, many of the best features of the car are easier to reach than ever. The steering wheel layout has changed to give access to all of the necessary buttons for radio, telephone, and information, keeping it within reach of your fingertips at all times.

Noise Reduction and a Quieter Engine

Mitsubishi has made over 39 improvements to the noise, vibration, and handling of the ride and it certainly makes a difference in all of those areas. The new Outlander is a much quieter ride and offers a distinct difference when compared to older models, making for a much more comfortable ride for families.

There has been an extensive implementation of noise reduction and soundproofing on the interior of the car, and when you add that to the overall reduction in noise from the engine and the exhaust, the new 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander feels like a different beast altogether.

A Popular Model With Families

The New 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is a great utility vehicle, family car and off-road vehicle for those areas of the country that have a balance of nice clean tarmac and a little dusty road adventure to them. Be sure to take a test drive in the new 2015 model Mitsubishi Outlander to not miss out on one of the best all-rounders money can buy in this category.

For more information about Mitsubishi Outlander and to see our collection visit http://www.chadstonemitsubishi.com.au/new-vehicles/outlander/

The Mitsubishi Triton 2015 revealed

The brand new Mitsubishi Triton made its world premiere in recent months, with the reveal treating fans of the Mitsubishi car maker with a little surprise. Based on the latest technology developed in the Mitsubishi design center, as well as over 36 years in the SUV/utility vehicle market, the Triton has clearly drawn on Mitsubishi’s ability to bring us this new, updated model.

The Mitsubishi Triton 2015 is available with three different engines to choose from - a 2.4L petrol, 2.5L diesel or a 2.4L turbo diesel. There are also three options for a single cab, double cab or a club cab to choose from. The truck will be built at Mitsubishi’s own plant in Laem Chabang in Thailand.

Built on a Foundation of Innovative Technology

While there is a raft of options on the interior and finishes, it is in the drive system that really intrigues most customers. With a clear reference to the concept shown at the Geneva motor show in early 2013 depicting the power of the GR-HEV drive train system, the Mitsubishi Triton revealed a work-in-progress attempt to get this new technology into the hands of the consumers.

Having been developed as the ultimate sports utility truck, the Triton focuses on its workhorse likeability on all terrain and the power that is under the hood. With generous space and a large payload ability, the Triton is bound to be used by multiple industries from farming to construction and a variety of personal uses. The Triton stands head and shoulders above many of its often more expensive counterparts.

Environmentally-Friendly Power Train

The new 2.4L MiVEC*3 engine is a clear nod to the environmental changes that have occurred across the world, and the consumers demand for a more environmentally-friendly alternative to a petrol-chugging truck of the by-gone days. This new engine allows many more miles per gallon than its predecessors, features a top speed of 125mph and with 133 horsepower and a torque figure of 317 at RPM, the Triton certainly packs a punch compared to its rivals.

The Mitsubishi Triton 2015 model also features a number of added extras in the security department, featuring a sturdy and durable chassis that also employs the RISE 2 impact safety body, with high levels of safety improvements built on Mitsubishi’s years of progress in that department.

A Smooth and Comfortable Ride

The ride of the Mitsubishi Triton is smooth and comfortable thanks to the new diesel engine, combined with the suspension optimization that Mitsubishi has made to this vehicle. The Triton certainly feels like an everyday car, which for a large utility truck like this is a huge achievement.

All of the customization options will be employed as standard in all regions the car is to be sold in, featuring cab layout customization, a choice of different commercial and private additions to the back tray and rear of the truck, making it the perfect option for any tradesman or commercial user looking for a workhorse of a vehicle that packs a punch and is also environmentally friendly. 

Will A New SUV Be Replacing The EVO Series?

Whilst many die-hard motoring fans will herald the death of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO series as one of the last great Mitsubishi cars of all time, Mitsubishi has been planning to replace the series with something a little different.

Many car manufacturers have made changes to their cars to bring in more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars to help drivers save money on gas and boost the environmental impact that greener cars have made.

It seems that Mitsubishi too has got into the green vehicle market with plans to launch a new range of performance SUVs that is thought to replace the EVO range of vehicles. These SUVs are slightly different from many other vehicles in that they will be designed to meet the expectations of fans of performance cars, such as the EVO.

Build on a Foundation of Excellence

The Mitsubishi EVO range had grown from the companies experience with rally cars and was built on performance, engineering and electronic advances that made the road car versions a superior car in many different ways. From the all-wheel drive system that almost single- handedly changed the entire industry, to the intelligent gearbox that is still used today.

Mitsubishi isn’t foolish to think that they could just end an award-winning car without bringing forward its achievements into newer cars. This is where the new Mitsubishi SUV will take precedence. Featuring a number of systems taken directly from the last EVO to move along the production line, the all-wheel drive system has been improved upon into the next generation of four-wheel drive systems.

An All-New EV Hybrid Drive System

One major change in the way this new Mitsubishi SUV will make headlines is in the drive-train. The new system will incorporate a hybrid system that uses electric and gas powered engines to power the car. Mitsubishi has worked closely with its electronic motor laboratory to create a system that can be used on and off the road and give all of the necessary power needed.

A hybrid system is a perfect inclusion to an all-wheel drive car, being that torque is much higher with an electric motor than is achievable with a regular gas system. We will have to see if the power ratios are anywhere near the thunderously powerful EVO X versions that set some records in what was possible in a street-legal sedan.

The Best is Yet to Come!

It is thought that production of the yet undisclosed hybrid SUV will appear sometime in 2017 or later, but keep your eyes peeled to find out the latest details. What we do know is that the electric system will include the S-AWC all-wheel drive, 8-speed dual clutch transmission and a plug-in hybrid EV drive system to look forward to.