Economical drive: Mitsubishi Grandis 1.8 Hybrid - a comeback with new genes

Mitsubishi is reviving the Grandis name – as a C-segment crossover. Developed for Europe, the model shares its technology with the Renault Symbioz. Its strengths: efficiency and a comprehensive range of features.

Mitsubishi is rapidly renewing and expanding its model range, including in the high-volume C-segment of SUVs and crossovers. For this, the Japanese manufacturer is drawing on a familiar name. While the Grandis was a spacious van from 2003 to 2011, the new version breaks with this tradition.

The new Grandis is a crossover that is expected to arrive at German dealerships in November. Prices start at €28,990 for a mid-hybrid with a manual transmission. The full hybrid with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that we tested, however, costs a hefty €40,890 in the Diamant Top trim level.

Next result of the partnership with Renault-Nissan

The high number of new models has a simple explanation. The new Grandis is the latest result of the partnership with Renault-Nissan. Like the Colt (Renault Clio) and the ASX (Renault Captur) before it, the Grandis now also relies on French technology – making it a close relative of the Renault Symbioz. Both utilize the alliance's CMF-B platform.

Mitsubishi is trying to give the Grandis a distinctive look. Its front end features the brand's signature "Dynamic Shield" design. This consists primarily of striking headlights and a closed grille with vertically positioned, inwardly curved chrome bars.

Our initial test drives in Mallorca focused on the full hybrid. This powertrain is the top-of-the-line engine in the series. It combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors. The system output is 116 kW/158 hp. A small 1.4 kWh battery stores the electricity. A clutchless multi-mode automatic transmission manages the interaction of the three motors. Mitsubishi promises high efficiency.

Up to 80 percent purely electric in the city

In city traffic, the Grandis is designed to operate up to 80 percent of the time on electric power alone. Ideally, this reduces fuel consumption by up to 40 percent. On Mallorca's country roads and in the towns and villages, the sophisticated drive system operates discreetly. It seamlessly and imperceptibly shifts the power output between the electric motors and the combustion engine. Only the start-up of the combustion engine is noticeable, accompanied by a deep, resonant hum. The drive system is clearly designed for both comfort and efficiency.

Mitsubishi offers the Grandis as a mild hybrid option. This combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 12-volt belt-driven starter generator. This entry-level version delivers 103 kW/140 hp. It is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. These engines are also sourced from Renault.

According to Mitsubishi, the Grandis is aimed at frequent drivers looking for a reliable and economical vehicle. The full hybrid achieves a combined fuel consumption of just 4.4 liters of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers (WLTP), while the mild hybrid consumes 5.9 liters. In reality, we were able to achieve fuel consumption figures between 4.5 and 5 liters per 100 kilometers with the full hybrid under moderate driving conditions on country roads.

The Grandis tested was the top-of-the-line Diamant Top trim. This included black leather seats and a large, electrically dimmable panoramic glass roof. A nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided rich, immersive sound. Unfortunately, playback of the particularly spatial Dolby Atmos format was not possible.

The cockpit has a modern and uncluttered look. A vertically oriented 10.4-inch touchscreen in the center console dominates the interior. A nearly equally sized 10.25-inch instrument cluster displays the instrumentation. The infotainment system uses Google built-in, meaning Google Maps and Google Assistant are integrated into the vehicle. Inductive charging for smartphones is also included.

The Grandis has compact dimensions. It measures 4.41 meters in length, 1.58 meters in height, and two meters in width. The interior design cleverly utilizes these external dimensions.

Advantage: Variability

A major advantage is its versatility: the Grandis' rear seats are adjustable. They can be moved 16 centimeters forward or backward, allowing for a flexible compromise between rear legroom and trunk space. This provides between 492 and 624 liters of cargo space. A double load floor creates additional storage. The Diamant Top trim level also features a sensor-controlled power tailgate.

The list of driver assistance systems is also extensive in the top trim level. It includes a 360-degree surround-view camera, active lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist. Additionally, it features a reversing emergency braking system and an exit assist system.

Prices for the Grandis in Germany start at €28,990 for the mild hybrid with manual transmission. The tested 1.8-liter full hybrid in the top-of-the-line Diamant trim costs €40,890.

Mitsubishi Grandis 1.8 Hybrid - technical data

• Five-door, five-seater compact crossover (C-segment)
• Length: 4.41 meters, width: 1.8 meters (2.0 meters including side mirrors), height: 1.58 meters, wheelbase: 2.64 meters, trunk volume: 492-1582 liters
• 1.8-liter gasoline engine: 80 kW/109 hp, torque 170 Nm and electric motor: 36 kW/49 hp, torque 205 Nm; system output: 116 kW/158 hp, front-wheel drive, transmission: multi-mode automatic transmission, 0-100 km/h: 9.1 s, top speed: 180 km/h, combined fuel consumption: 4.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 101 g/km
• Price: 40,890 euros