Mitsubishi has a long heritage with rallying and off-road cars, the 2007 Nativa SUV is put to the grind.
By Tushal Bhadang
There are classy and expensive looking off-roaders and then there are the kind that don’t look as good but do just as well or even better. The Mitsubishi Nativa doesn’t offer much in terms of appearance, it resembles the last generation of L200 4x4 pick-up truck (marvellous machine) but with better finishing and body garnish. Something like a spruced up, family friendly pick-up truck without an open cargo bay. The term “Bang for your buck” holds true for the Nativa.
A 3 litre 24-valve V6 gasoline powerplant gives the Nativa its low end grunt and mid range torque. Maxing out at 188 bhp @ 5000 RPM and with impressive torque of 264 Nm @4500 RPM the engine though powerful, seems to wheeze as it ploughed through dunes and rock scattered craters. The gearbox is again reminiscent of the L200 but with a 4-speed INVECS-II auto box mated to a 2WD/4WD selector (exactly like the L200) which required the shift to neutral before locking the transfer case for high/low range. Ground clearance at 215mm is more than sufficient for almost any terrain you can throw at it. Weighing in at 1.8 tons on the kerb, it coasts through deep burrows and slick sand. We were so sure footed with the Nativa, it gave us the confidence to take on near 50 degree uphill climbs and even steeper downhill drops. In 2WD mode it provides sporty fun with all power being pushed to the rear wheels.
Handling in the rough is very impressive with a stable track despite the long wheelbase of 2725mm. The excellent suspension with a double wishbone with torsion bar springs in the front and rigid 3-link coil springs in the rear provide the stability that defines its ride. 245/70R16 wide and chunky tyres mounted on light weight alloy rims gave the best of both looks and traction on varying surfaces. Fog lamps add extra visibility in night time driving.
Interiors on the Nativa are rugged and purpose built. The ball and nut power assisted steering wheel can only be adjusted for rake and doesn’t do justice to provide proportion to the cars size, should’ve been thicker. Leather covered seats (drivers seat is height adjustable) and gear knob are added luxury. The air conditioner is powerful but still controlled by knobs. Power adjustable and retractable side mirrors, power locks, power sun roof and power windows are brilliant to have. A multi-meter compass featuring a battery volt meter, navigation compass, outside temperature display and oil pressure is centrally mounted on the dash. Cruise control in the Nativa’s price range is a bonus. A cassette player (CD player is optional) is offered as standard with 6 speakers. The Nativa has a number of storage spaces enough for a family of five. The rear reclining seats have abundant legroom and can be folded down (60:40 split) to increase rear luggage room.
Safety off the road is important, the Nativa features well placed grab handles on the inside for front and rear passengers. Driver and front passenger air-bags are standard. All round disc brakes with ABS and EBD provide excellent brake feel and stopping power.
Last word
The Mitsubishi Nativa is a solidly built off-roader with all the essentials in place. The engine is powerful but the automatic gearbox doesn’t complement its rev happy nature. Pulling power in lower gears is sedated while the mid-range and top end provide all the thrills. Road handling is mediocre but sharp and precise turning radius earn it extra brownie points. The Nativa is a brave soul, she won’t skip a beat even when you are in doubt of its potential. It even makes an ideal city vehicle as the exterior dimensions are parking lot friendly and interiors passenger friendly. Its a lot more for reasonably less, Japanese style.
Rating 4/5
Car supplied by Zayani Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain
By Tushal Bhadang
There are classy and expensive looking off-roaders and then there are the kind that don’t look as good but do just as well or even better. The Mitsubishi Nativa doesn’t offer much in terms of appearance, it resembles the last generation of L200 4x4 pick-up truck (marvellous machine) but with better finishing and body garnish. Something like a spruced up, family friendly pick-up truck without an open cargo bay. The term “Bang for your buck” holds true for the Nativa.
A 3 litre 24-valve V6 gasoline powerplant gives the Nativa its low end grunt and mid range torque. Maxing out at 188 bhp @ 5000 RPM and with impressive torque of 264 Nm @4500 RPM the engine though powerful, seems to wheeze as it ploughed through dunes and rock scattered craters. The gearbox is again reminiscent of the L200 but with a 4-speed INVECS-II auto box mated to a 2WD/4WD selector (exactly like the L200) which required the shift to neutral before locking the transfer case for high/low range. Ground clearance at 215mm is more than sufficient for almost any terrain you can throw at it. Weighing in at 1.8 tons on the kerb, it coasts through deep burrows and slick sand. We were so sure footed with the Nativa, it gave us the confidence to take on near 50 degree uphill climbs and even steeper downhill drops. In 2WD mode it provides sporty fun with all power being pushed to the rear wheels.
Handling in the rough is very impressive with a stable track despite the long wheelbase of 2725mm. The excellent suspension with a double wishbone with torsion bar springs in the front and rigid 3-link coil springs in the rear provide the stability that defines its ride. 245/70R16 wide and chunky tyres mounted on light weight alloy rims gave the best of both looks and traction on varying surfaces. Fog lamps add extra visibility in night time driving.
Interiors on the Nativa are rugged and purpose built. The ball and nut power assisted steering wheel can only be adjusted for rake and doesn’t do justice to provide proportion to the cars size, should’ve been thicker. Leather covered seats (drivers seat is height adjustable) and gear knob are added luxury. The air conditioner is powerful but still controlled by knobs. Power adjustable and retractable side mirrors, power locks, power sun roof and power windows are brilliant to have. A multi-meter compass featuring a battery volt meter, navigation compass, outside temperature display and oil pressure is centrally mounted on the dash. Cruise control in the Nativa’s price range is a bonus. A cassette player (CD player is optional) is offered as standard with 6 speakers. The Nativa has a number of storage spaces enough for a family of five. The rear reclining seats have abundant legroom and can be folded down (60:40 split) to increase rear luggage room.
Safety off the road is important, the Nativa features well placed grab handles on the inside for front and rear passengers. Driver and front passenger air-bags are standard. All round disc brakes with ABS and EBD provide excellent brake feel and stopping power.
Last word
The Mitsubishi Nativa is a solidly built off-roader with all the essentials in place. The engine is powerful but the automatic gearbox doesn’t complement its rev happy nature. Pulling power in lower gears is sedated while the mid-range and top end provide all the thrills. Road handling is mediocre but sharp and precise turning radius earn it extra brownie points. The Nativa is a brave soul, she won’t skip a beat even when you are in doubt of its potential. It even makes an ideal city vehicle as the exterior dimensions are parking lot friendly and interiors passenger friendly. Its a lot more for reasonably less, Japanese style.
Rating 4/5
Car supplied by Zayani Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain
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