A modern-tasting minivan
Mitsubishi Canada is currently exploring the possibility to expand its product lineup by bringing over new models. We were allowed to borrow the Grandis for a few days worth of road testing. This minivan is sold all over the world except in North America. Yet, considering its 7-passenger capacity, it could easily answer the needs of young active families. Actually, given its size and shape, the Grandis could probably be marketed as a crossover-type vehicle.
Aerodynamic styling
Smaller than the Dodge Caravan, this minivan is positioned between the old 2006-2007 Mazda MPV and its replacement, the Mazda5. Compared to the latter, it's 16-cm longer and 4-cm wider. The Grandis boasts an extended front end and a sloping beltline that emphasizes the overall sleekness of the vehicle. Vertically-stretched taillights complete this functional design. As far as I'm concerned, the package appears modern and well executed. Build quality is pretty good, too.
Spacious and versatile
The Grandis can accommodate seven passengers or a sizeable amount of luggage and gear -- or a combination of both. The third-row seats can be folded out of the way to offer an impressive cargo capacity (from 345 to 1,545 liters). This is also made possible thanks to the more compact multi-link rear suspension.
The wide front doors allow easy access to the comfortable leather seats offering armrests and easy adjustments. On the other hand, the narrower opening angle of the rear doors makes access a bit harder. The second-row mechanism proves easy to use and offers a fairly flexible access to the two rearmost seats, which are more suitable for children. The second row can comfortably sit either teenagers or adults.
The dashboard-mounted shifter frees up a lot of space between the front seats -- enough to fit a large purse. Storage compartments and bins are particularly abundant considering the size of the vehicle.
Mitsubishi Canada is currently exploring the possibility to expand its product lineup by bringing over new models. We were allowed to borrow the Grandis for a few days worth of road testing. This minivan is sold all over the world except in North America. Yet, considering its 7-passenger capacity, it could easily answer the needs of young active families. Actually, given its size and shape, the Grandis could probably be marketed as a crossover-type vehicle.
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| The Grandis is similar in size to the Mazda5, but does not offer sliding doors. |
Aerodynamic styling
Smaller than the Dodge Caravan, this minivan is positioned between the old 2006-2007 Mazda MPV and its replacement, the Mazda5. Compared to the latter, it's 16-cm longer and 4-cm wider. The Grandis boasts an extended front end and a sloping beltline that emphasizes the overall sleekness of the vehicle. Vertically-stretched taillights complete this functional design. As far as I'm concerned, the package appears modern and well executed. Build quality is pretty good, too.
Spacious and versatile
The Grandis can accommodate seven passengers or a sizeable amount of luggage and gear -- or a combination of both. The third-row seats can be folded out of the way to offer an impressive cargo capacity (from 345 to 1,545 liters). This is also made possible thanks to the more compact multi-link rear suspension.
The wide front doors allow easy access to the comfortable leather seats offering armrests and easy adjustments. On the other hand, the narrower opening angle of the rear doors makes access a bit harder. The second-row mechanism proves easy to use and offers a fairly flexible access to the two rearmost seats, which are more suitable for children. The second row can comfortably sit either teenagers or adults.
The dashboard-mounted shifter frees up a lot of space between the front seats -- enough to fit a large purse. Storage compartments and bins are particularly abundant considering the size of the vehicle.
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| With a versatile interior, the Grandis could prove a judicious choice for small families. |