The Mitsubishi RVR is a range of cars produced by Japanese manufacturer

Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), and the model introduced in 2010 is a

subcompact crossover SUV Subcompact crossover SUV is an automobile segment used to describe the smallest segment of crossover SUV, a type of sport utility vehicle, below the compact crossover SUV. Subcompact crossover SUVs are usually based on a platform of a subcompact ...

. The RVR was Mitsubishi's Recreational Vehicle debut during the Japanese economic boom. The cars were sold at the Mitsubishi Japan dealership chain called Car Plaza. RVR is an acronym for "Recreation Vehicle Runner". In addition, the original logo had a

Cyrillic , bg, кирилица , mk, кирилица , russian: кириллица , sr, ћирилица, uk, кирилиця , fam1 = Egyptian hieroglyphs , fam2 = Proto-Sinaitic , fam3 = Phoenician , fam4 = G ...

Я on the first letter, so that it reads ЯVR. It had a convenient size passenger cabin and spacious 4–5 person capacity with a youth-oriented approach, making it appealing to young people. Television commercials in Japan used

Bugs Bunny Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character created in the late 1930s by Leon Schlesinger Productions (later Warner Bros. Cartoons) and voiced originally by Mel Blanc. Bugs is best known for his starring roles in the '' Looney Tunes'' and '' ...

and

Daffy Duck Daffy Duck is an animated cartoon character created for Leon Schlesinger Productions by animators Tex Avery and Bob Clampett. Styled as an anthropomorphic black duck, he has appeared in cartoon series such as ''Looney Tunes'' and ''Merrie Mel ...

as spokespeople. It was also developed and released during Japan's "

bubble economy An economic bubble (also called a speculative bubble or a financial bubble) is a period when current asset prices greatly exceed their intrinsic valuation, being the valuation that the underlying long-term fundamentals justify. Bubbles can be ...

", and gained popularity due to the convenience of a passenger side sliding door. It was a tall wagon with some off-road characteristics, targeting the "sports gear" or outdoor lifestyle market. This approach was similar to the one used by Honda when they introduced the Honda CR-V. The RVR had an especially good sales record in the beginning, even with the decline of the RV sales boom. Sales later declined, and the original RVR was discontinued in August 2002. The reintroduction of the "Sports Gear" RVR nameplate is an attempt to inherit the popularity of the first generation vehicle. It was released in Japan on 17 February 2010. It does not feature a rear sliding door, due to the current perception that SUVs have conventional doors, and sliding doors are typically installed on family vehicles. The RVR logo no longer uses the inverted Cyrillic "Я" on the first letter. __TOC__

First generation (N10/N20; 1991)

The first generation RVR, introduced February 1991, is a

compact MPV Compact MPV (an abbreviation for Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a vehicle size class for the middle size of MPVs. The Compact MPV size class sits between the mini MPV and large MPV (minivan) size classes. Compact MPVs remain predominantly a ...

, manufactured for 1991-2002 and marketed as the Mitsubishi Space Runner in Europe and Mitsubishi Expo LRV in the United States. Export markets in Asia and Oceania used the Japanese market name. The RVR was also marketed by

Chrysler Stellantis North America (officially FCA US and formerly Chrysler ()) is one of the " Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is the American subsidiary of the multinational automoti ...

as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Wagon and Eagle Summit Wagon

captive import Captive import is a marketing term and a strategy for a vehicle that is foreign-built and sold under the name of an importer or by a domestic automaker through its own dealer distribution system. The foreign vehicle may be produced by a subsidia ...

s in North America. Its "tall wagon" configuration traces to

Italdesign Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A. is a design and engineering company and brand based in Moncalieri, Italy, that traces its roots to the 1968 foundation of Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A. by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani. Best k ...

's 1978

Lancia Megagamma The Lancia Megagamma is a small, almost one-box, concept MPV, designed by Italdesign and introduced at the 1978 Turin Motor Show. In retrospect the Megagamma was more influential on later designs than it was itself successful, becoming the "con ...

concept.

The Hyper Sports Gear R trim package in Japan used the drivetrain of the first

Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 (Viscous Realtime 4WD) was the range-topping version of Mitsubishi Motors' Galant model, available in the sixth (1987–93), seventh (1993–96) and eighth (1996–2002) generations of the vehicle. Originally introduced to ...

; the '' 4G63T'' 2.0 L 16V

DOHC An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion c ...

turbo In an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger (often called a turbo) is a forced induction device that is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. It uses this energy to compress the intake gas, forcing more air into the engine in order to pr ...

straight-4 A straight-four engine (also called an inline-four) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft. The vast majority of automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout (with the ...

mated to either a four-speed

auto Auto may refer to: * An automaton * An automobile * An autonomous car * An automatic transmission * An auto rickshaw * Short for automatic * Auto (art), a form of Portuguese dramatic play * ''Auto'' (film), 2007 Tamil comedy film * Auto (play), ...

or a five speed manual which was not offered in North America. Open front and rear differentials were used on vehicles equipped with 4WD. Power output was rated at . In Japan, the RVR saw competition from the

Nissan Rasheen The is a compact crossover SUV with four-wheel drive capabilities produced from November 1994 to August 2000 by Nissan. A prototype was first shown at the October 1993 Tokyo Auto show. It was offered with three different inline-four engines: from ...

, the

Toyota RAV4 The is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Considered the first ever compact crossover SUV, it made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 19 ...

, the Honda CR-V, the

Subaru Forester The is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the thi ...

, and the

Suzuki Escudo The Suzuki Vitara is a series of Sport utility vehicle, SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second, third-generation and 2022 models are known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, with the fourth generation eschewing the "Grand" ...

1992 Mitsubishi Space runner GLXI (8102854967)

The RVR was essentially a second generation

Mitsubishi Chariot The Mitsubishi Chariot is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1983 to 2003. It is a small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Based on the SSW concept car first exhibited at the 23rd Tokyo Motor Show in 1979, the MPV derives its n ...

(marketed in some markets as the Space Wagon) with a shortened chassis but sharing the components of the longer variant. Its tall wagon body style featured two rows of seats, equipped with a single rear door and, in all markets, a single sliding door on the passenger side. The Mitsubishi sliding door latched to a "B" pillar, whereas those of the Toyota and Nissan vehicles did not. The rear windows did not retract but were forward hinged. The rear windows on the longer Chariot did retract into the doors. The fuel tank access door was on the right side for all versions sold internationally. In the LHD models, which had the sliding door on the right side, an interlock prevented the door from opening too far when the fuel filler door was open. The standard installed fixed position rear bench seat arrangement could accommodate three persons and the seatbacks had a 50:50 split: the reclining seat backs could be folded forward, flat upon the seats, and then the seat cushion could be detached at the rear and folded up and forward towards the front seats, leaving a flat floor for large cargo items. When the entire bench was removed, the flat floor extended all the way from the back of the front seats to the rear hatchback door. The optional sliding bench rear seats could accommodate three people, with the setup allowing rear seat passengers additional leg room by sliding the entire rear seat assembly back. Depending on seating arrangements, the rear seats can then produce a large enough interior space by sliding the seats completely forward, then extending the seatbacks completely flat. Originally installed with a naturally aspirated 2.0L/1.8L petrol engine, it was later introduced with a diesel turbo engine model thereafter. The mid-model sports model with a detuned type of turbo engine 4G63 is also carried on the

Lancer Evolution The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, popularly referred to as the 'Evo', is a sports sedan and rally car based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016. There have been ten official versi ...

its "X3" and "Super Sport Gear" and offered an optional sliding metal

sunroof A sunroof is a movable panel that opens to uncover a window in an automobile roof, allowing light and fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs can be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and styl ...

. In North America, a 2.4L (2,351cc) 101 kW engine was available on FWD versions, and standard on AWD versions at least as early as MY 1993. The final and most powerful model, the "Hyper Sports Gear", was added in January 1997. Due to platform sharing with the longer Chariot, and the benefit of development time, many of the mechanical components from past Galant contributions with new mechanism improvements, the RVR is basically reliable and robust. However, the individual is about 60,000 km Automatic Transmission capable, greet life with a plug cord about three years, would upset the sensors and around the throttle servo mechanism (such as not idling as symptoms appear), etc. Automatic Transmission shift lock was mechanism instead of an electrical control, a unique method that deregulation was mechanically wire extending from the brake pedal. This was also the advantage of being unaffected by the battery. * History (Japan) ** February 1991 – initial release. Three grades are available; 2WD models were "S" while 4WD vehicles were either "R" or "X" trim. All versions were available with manuals as well as automatics. ** June 1991 – The new 1.8-liter engine was added; this model was called "Z". ** October 1992 – "Sports Gear" added. At the same time a diesel 4WD version of the "Z" was introduced. ** May 1993 – "Z Special Version" released. Based on the 2WD "1.8 Z" model, it added roof rails, grille guard, and keyless entry as standard equipment. ** August 1993 – 3-door specifications adopted an open roof in the front seat electric "open gear" added. ** January 1994 – Another "Special Edition" was released, this time based on the 4WD "1.8 Z" and featuring standard roof rails and front sports seats. ** June 1994 – 2.0 "Open Gear" special edition models equipped with keyless entry and a grille guard on the base 2WD models "open gear limited" release. ** September 1994 – minor. Add a 2.0L intercooled turbo engine, turbo intercooler diesel engine was. You can also change the shape of the headlights and front bumper, the car was designed almost from the RV. Lineup "X2" and the intercooler turbo engine with "X3", "sports gear" with wide fenders and turbo "Super Sport Gear", "open gear" with wide fenders and turbo "Super Open Gear" four grades newly added. ** October 1994 – 2.0 "Sports Gear", based on specially designed vehicles equipped with private bars and stripes and large under guard "Wild gear 'sale. ** May 1995 – some improvements. Diesel vehicles meet the emission control (vehicle type is "Y-" from "KD-" change), and changed some of the body color. ** June 1995 – "2.0S" roof rail-based, special edition models such as the driver-side airbag-equipped version "S" on sale. ** October 1995 – special edition models, "Wild Gear" was released again. Only added a large new front grille guard. ** December 1995 – "1.8 Sport Gear" based on, roof rails, driver airbag, special edition models equipped with keyless entry, such as "Sports Gear Limited 1.8" release. ** January 1996 – special edition models, "Sports Gear Limited 2.0" and "X3 Special" on sale. The former is a 2.0 "sports gear", based on aluminum wheels with a cassette deck. The latter "X3" is equipped with a spoiler and rear spoiler and front-side based. ** May 1996 – some improvements. "Sports Gear" will be the only car 2.0L, the new "Sports gear Z" established. In addition, the driver airbag is standard on all models. ** September 1996 – "Sports Gear" based on, roof rails, keyless entry, and other special edition models employing ABS "Field Express" released. ** January 1997 – equipped with large-scale aero "Hyper Sports Gear Z" · "Hyper Sports gear R" added. At the same time, "Sports Gear", based on vehicle specifications and special features such as keyless entry ABS "sports gear V20" on sale. ** July 1997 – "Open Gear" specifications were changed.

North America

The Mitsubishi RVR was sold at north american Mitsubishi dealerships under the Expo nameplate, they were available in a few different trim levels, all wheel drive or front wheel drive were offered, 2.4 4G64 and 1.8 4G93 four cylinder engines, diesel engines were not offered, transmission options were 4 speed auto or a 5 speed manual, the expo models were sold from 1991-1995 at the end of 1995 year the expo model was discontinued in north america. Eagle Summit Red Wagon Front

In North America the RVR was also sold and marketed by

as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon and Eagle Summit Wagon

s in North America. as station wagon models of the Dodge/Plymouth Colt and the

Eagle Summit The Eagle Summit is a line of subcompact cars produced for two generations by Mitsubishi and sold by Eagle from 1989 until 1996. It was marketed as a captive import by the Jeep-Eagle sales division that was established after Chrysler Corporati ...

. As those were rebadgings of the

Mitsubishi Mirage The Mitsubishi Mirage is a range of cars produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1978 until 2003 and again since 2012. The hatchback models produced between 1978 and 2003 were classified as subcompact cars, while the sedan and s ...

and Lancer, the cars didn't share much beyond the nameplate. These Wagons were sold for model years 1992-1996 and replaced the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista and the Canada-only Eagle Vista Wagon, all based on the previous generation

. The Summit Wagon was available in DL and LX trims, as well as in a

four-wheel drive Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer case ...

version considered a trim level of its own. As a

, it was marketed as a small car with the roominess of a

minivan Minivan (sometimes called simply as van) is a North American car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows. The equivalent classification in Europe i ...

with its interior offering high seating positions and removable rear seats.

Second generation (N60/N70; 1997)

The second generation was introduced in 1997. This generation was split into the regular, more minivan-like RVR GDI and the RVR Sports Gear with sporting off-road pretensions. Thanks to various bumper and fender extensions, the Sports Gear was too large to classify as a compact car in Japan and was thus placed in a considerably higher tax grouping. This generation RVR was not sold in North America (except Mexico). In Europe, this car was restyled and sold as the Mitsubishi Space Runner. The model offers a significant facelift, which was done to mirror the image design of the Chariot Grandis and its brisk sales in 1999 at the time. Standard grades of "X" (later the "Exceed") and type of sport "sports gear" is classified into, the standard type "X" is a 1.8L gasoline engine, "Sports Gear" is a 2.4L GDI engine with a turbo engine or 2L 4G63. Vehicles installed with the 2.4 L. engine were liable for additional yearly tax charges in Japan due to the engine size exceeding the Japanese regulations concerning engine displacement, and the width of the vehicle was . Vehicles with the smaller engines were installed in vehicles with reduced width at so that buyers weren't liable for additional taxes. The high performance model "Sports Gear X3", came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with self-leveling xenon headlights, and the original seat had been an interwoven pattern image of hummingbirds. File:1997 Mitsubishi RVR 01.jpg, 1997 Mitsubishi RVR (pre-facelift) File:Mitsubishi RVR 012.JPG, Mitsubishi RVR (facelift) File:2003 Mitsubishi Space Runner (4793929030).jpg, The narrow-bodied version, here a European-market Mitsubishi Space Runner File:2000 Mitsubishi Space Runner 2.0 GLXi (rear).jpg, 2000 Mitsubishi Space Runner 2.0 GLXi (facelift, Netherlands)

Third generation (GA/XA/XB/XC/XD; 2010)

The third-generation RVR, which is a

, first released in the

Japanese domestic market Japanese domestic market (JDM) refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts. There is a common misconception that any Japanese branded car is JDM; however, this is not true. Only a vehicle made in Japan specifically to be sold i ...

on 17 February 2010."Mitsubishi Motors Launches RVR New Compact Crossover"
Mitsubishi-Motors.com Press Release, 17 February 2010 The name RVR is only used in Japan, South Korea, and Canada. In most markets, it is sold as the Mitsubishi ASX (an abbreviation of "Active Sports Crossover"), and as the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Indonesia. The design was influenced from the Concept-cX prototype first exhibited at the 62nd

Frankfurt Motor Show The International Motor Show Germany or International Mobility Show Germany, in German known as the ''Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung'' (''IAA'' – International Automobile Exhibition), is one of the world's largest mobility shows. It cons ...

in July 2007."Mitsubishi Concept-cX: Global unveiling of at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show"
Mitsubishi Motors press release, 30 July 2007
, Mitsubishi Motors press release, 29 August 2007 Mitsubishi has concentrated on emphasizing the RVR's fuel economy and low emissions, as part of the company's plan to reposition itself as a maker of smaller and more efficient cars, in contrast to its previous successes building large

SUV A sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a car classification that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive. There is no commonly agreed-upon definiti ...

s."Geneva motor show: Mitsubishi ASX SUV"
''Autocar'', 15 February 2010

References

External links

* (global)
Driving Report Mitsubishi ASX
{{Eagle Timeline RVR Cars introduced in 1991 2000s cars 2010s cars 2020s cars Compact MPVs Mini sport utility vehicles Crossover sport utility vehicles Front-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles Vehicles with CVT transmission