Fitted to a new lightweight and compact 1.8 petrol engine is a new version of the company’s variable timing system and the latest version of the company’s Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology. These technologies are expected to play an important part in helping the car maker meet its own environmental targets.
The new ‘4J10’ engine will power the Japan-market RVR (known as the ASX in the UK) compact SUV, the Galant Fortis sports sedan (Lancer saloon ), and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback) 5-door sports hatchback. With this engine, the three models show an improvement of 12 per cent in fuel efficiency. The RVR will be launched on October 20, and the Galant Fortis models on October 27.
The development of these technologies stems from the Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015 that forms a key part of the company’s Jump 2013 mid-term business plan. Targets for achievement by 2015 set forth in the Program include a 25 per cent reduction in on-road CO2 emission of new vehicles compared to the global weighted average for the 2005 fiscal year.
Mitsubishi is also progressing with its rollout of electric vehicles, led by its i-MiEV vehicle and plans for further electric and plug-in hybrid models to follow.
