What the hell is it?

Well, simple… its a Mitsubishi RVR X3 Sports Gear.

Oh, ok. So, what is it? Well, those smart people over at Mitsubishi hatched a plan quite a while back. Take an unassuming, family transport looking….. thing. Give it a little more ground clearance. Improve the brakes, change the wheels, fit bigger tyres(yes, I know thats a y) add various bits and pieces to the bodywork, such as front fogs, chunkier bumpers and arches. Your probably thinking, “that bonnet scoop must mean its a turbo diesel? Nope. Its turbo alright, but check the name of the blog again…..

What you find upon raising the bonnet(hood) on this car, is at first, a bit strange. Intercooler – check. Petrol engine – check. Turbo – check. “That engine looks like the one in my Evo” – thats because it is a 4g63 also. Its no coincidence its white, it looks like a big metallic sheep, but under the skin its a rabid wolf!

The car is fitted with a 4 speed auto box. But, if you want a little more interaction on the gearchange front, then slide the lever to the left and now you have a tiptronic type box. Handy.

The eagle eyed among you may have noticed there is only 1 rear passenger door. That door slides and closes with a similar soft-close action to that found on high-end German luxury saloons. I had the feature pointed out to me recently by someone on his S-Class. He was so impressed by this “new technology” that I just couldn’t bring myself to burst the bubble by telling him my 1999 Mitsubishi has the same tech…… and they accuse the Japanese of copying the Germans!

The rear seat is a bench type. It can be folded and moved into a number of positions, giving options like extra large boot space, or ridiculous amounts of leg room instead. The seatback can be folded down, the seat can be folded up, then slid forward, or back. Yes, it is fun. All the seats can be folded flat and the car doubles as a tent. A tent that won’t blow away when the winds picks up. Once that you don’t have to pitch in the middle of the night, after returning from the pub, with no flashlight.

This particular car was imported into Ireland from Japan. It is one of only 4 in the country apparently. Why? I have no idea, its a truly great car.

The seats are comfortable, yet supportive. Visibility is, unsurprisingly, quite good. The large sunroof allows lots of light in. The aftermarket stereo, and subwoofer, provide plenty oomph, enough to overcome the wind noise from the huge mirrors at motorway speeds. Those mirrors are electric, heated and folding. Using the remote key, one can lock and unlock. Yes, really. Also, you can open and close the windows, fold the mirrors and operate the passenger ejector seat. Ok, the last bit I made up.

Remember, this car is over 15 years old now. How many engines has it been through……still on the original engine. It must have had lots of parts replaced. No, nothing more than the usual servicing and tyres. Then the mileage must be low. No again, its got over 145k on the clock. So, to those of you who think that buying your new, diesel econobox, is going to help the polar bears and save you a fortune, and that I’m the root of all evil in the petrol 4×4, think again.

Oh yes, for those that are wondering what its like to drive? Well, its fun. A lot of fun. Yes it leans in the corners, what would you expect with such high profile tyres combined with off road capable suspension. It also accelerates quite nicely. Think hot hatch. Well, it does have 240bhp!

It allows one to cruise effortlessly, in comfort, with reasonable economy, but packs a punch should you need it – wicked stuff.

I love the fact that people look at it and think its someone bringing the kids to school. I really like the hummingbird patterns on the seats. The multiple 12v sockets. 3 huge storage bins in the rear. Cupholders – 2 in front, 2 in the back, as well as massive, comfortable arm rests. What a car.