2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor - There's Always Room for an SUV This Good
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| The Endeavor looks ready for action out here on a beach near Santa Barbara, California. The midsize Mitsubishi had no problem getting itself out of the sand but we didn't back it up much farther, its surfing talents are unknown. |
Try to forget the artist's rendering of Mitsubishi's newest SUV that we showed you last month. The real Endeavor has just been unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show today, and it's much better looking than the teaser drawing of the SSU Concept-style vehicle depicted.
Its 'geo-mechanical' design places the tri-diamond Mitsubishi logo front and center, framed by a bold nosepiece culminating from a triangular hood bulge. Its angular headlamp clusters flank twin dual slat grille openings, just above a strong lower fascia incorporating opposing fog lights, each separated by a gaping lower air vent. The front fenders, appearing as if chiseled rather than molded into shape, wrap around the wheels in animalistic aggression. The look is similar to the full-size Montero SUV in form but its overall design is closer to the Eclipse sports coupe and Sypder convertible in execution. This theme follows through to the rear fender swells, and finalizes in a set of refreshingly compact taillamps.
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| The Endeavor's center stack looks like a high-end audio system and equipped with its optional 7-speaker, 315-watt premium stereo with its in-dash, 6-disc CD player it sounded like one too. Its 4-spoke steering wheel mirrors the t-shaped center stack, framing large and easily legible gauges. |
Actually the Endeavor captures the spirit of Mitsubishi's popular GT better than any of its other models, which should bode well for its acceptance into the Canadian marketplace. It even shares Eclipse interior styling cues, highlighted by its soft-touch, almost rubber-like dash surfaces. Just behind a leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel (optional) Mitsubishi has integrated a trio of aluminum accented instrument dials, industrially large for effective readouts and technologically hip in design.