2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD Review

Next time you’re driving, take a quick look around and you’ll agree there is no shortage of compact CUVs on the roads these days; nearly every manufacturer with something to offer. And while the all-new 2011 Mitsubishi RVR may be a bit late to the party, it is certainly a contender. In fact, the relatively unknown RVR is perhaps the best-styled, most fuel-efficient in the segment.

RVR Trims

Available in three trims, The 2011 Mitsubishi RVR starts at $21,998 MSRP CAD for the base SE 2WD (front wheel) version; $24,998 for the SE 4WD; and  $28,498 for the GT 4WD (as tested here). All three RVR versions are powered by the same 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder MIVEC engine, producing 149 hp at 6000 rpm and 145-lb ft of torque at 4200 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard with the entry-level SE 2WD, or go for the optional Sportronic CVT with 6-speed and wheel paddle shifters, a welcomed standard feature on the 4WD versions.

These all-wheel-drive trims find a control knob in the cabin, allowing the driver to electronically toggle between 2WD and/or 4WD/4WD-lock modes—a tremendously useful, fuel saving, function all compact CUVs should employ but don’t. Not all CVT systems are built equally, but my RVR GT felt great, shifting on point, and getting the most out of this 2.0-litre engine.

Styling

From front to back, the 2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT is proportioned just right with aggressive overall styling without going overboard or overcompensating for its smaller size (as a few competitors are guilty of doing). The front end is stout yet stylish with the classic Mitsu-styled front grill. The side shoulderlines running along the doors are boldly indented and flow on an angle giving the beefy RVR a more sporty appeal. 

The super-wide range HID headlights come standard on the GT version, along with the chrome grille surround, a single exhaust outlet with a chrome tip, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic roof with power sliding sunshade and LED lighting. The RVR GT also finds larger, standard 18-inch aluminum rims over the 16-inch wheels. Offered in seven colours, the Kingfisher Blue Metallic looks hot, but so did my tester in the Diamond White Pearl.

Interior

The 2011 RVR cabin is spacious with a simple, easy-to-use centre console layout including three large dials nestled below leading to a cleaner setup above. Magnesium-alloy paddle shifters for the CVT; a high-contrast meter with a full-colour display; and a Multi-Information Display (in colour) all come standard with the GT (the lower trims also find this MID but without colour and a few less features).

All three RVR versions find a healthy dose of included cabin features, but a few exclusive to the GT, as per my tester for the week, including an automatic climate control with pollen filter; a one-touch Start/Stop engine switch; visor vanity mirror with illumination; a rear seat centre armrest with two cup holders and a pass-through; the FAST-key passive entry system with panic feature; and premium 3D emboss fabric-trimmed seats.

Perhaps the greatest leap from the SE models is the audio system, going from a 140-watt, 4-speaker setup to the GT’s 710-watt, Rockford-Fosgate 9-speaker system with a 10-inch sub, including Sirius satellite radio with a 6-month free subscription. This sound system is stellar, but this large 10-inch sub eats into the cargo space behind the rear seat, offering 569-litre (20.1 cu. ft) of storage real estate.

Takeaway

Consumers today have an array of choices when shopping for that more-storage-than-a-sedan but not-as-overwhelming-as-an-SUV vehicle. And if Mitsubishi’s reputable, next step-up Outlander SUV is perhaps a bit much, then the 2011 Mitsubishi RVR is the perfect compromise—with excellent fuel efficiency, stunning looks, and the company’s 10-5-5 Warranty with limited 5 years for 100,000km, and 10 year/160,000km coverage, it’s easy to see why.

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.