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. 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. 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.
Standard on all Accord trims, Agile Handling Assist selectively uses the vehicle's brakes to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability. Agile Handling Assist utilizes brake vectoring to improve corner traceability and promote a confident handling feel. By applying braking force to the inside wheels during cornering at high lateral G, the system creates a yaw moment, thus generating more turning force and reducing understeer. Agile Handling Assist further sharpens the Accord's dynamics when the driving mode system is set to SPORT. The Hill Start Assist function helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward gear when facing up hill or reverse gear when facing downhill. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. The standard Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is simpler, more convenient and comfortable to use than a traditional parking brake. The EPB also frees up center console space, allowing a higher console and an extended armrest length.
Engaging the parking brake now requires only a pull on a switch on the center console. When activated, Automatic Brake Hold retains brake pressure when the vehicle comes to a stop such as at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. This frees the driver from continually pressing the brake pedal to maintain the vehicle in a stopped position until the driver presses the throttle pedal. Once these steps are taken, Automatic Brake Hold will indicate engagement and then maintain brake pressure when the vehicle has come to a stop, even if the driver later releases the brake pedal. A green "Brake Hold" icon on the instrument panel illuminates to show that the system is functioning. The Accord then remains stopped - even on a hill - until the driver presses the accelerator pedal. At this point, Automatic Brake Hold releases the brakes and the vehicle resumes normal braking function. S all-season rating, making them suitable for year-round use in all weather and road conditions. Developed cooperatively with Honda engineers, the tires help to reduce rolling resistance while also helping to improve both ride quality and handling.
