Family values Mitsubishi Fuzion

Quite a bit of hype surrounded last year’s introduction of the Fuzion, Mitsubishi’s 8-passenger answer to the dominant Toyota Innova. After years of the aging Adventure, which had been a worthy rival to the Isuzu Crosswind and Toyota Revo but not the Innova, it was time for a change. It was quite a tall order, too. How to come up with a multi-passenger, multipurpose, tall wagon using common elements from existing vehicles while giving it a distinctive identity?

Fortunately for Mitsubishi, the Fuzion has some good production siblings to share parts with. The engine (gasoline only, for now) is the proven 4G64 unit shared with the Space Gear minivan. With a single overhead camshaft and sixteen-valve head (but no variable valve timing), it’s rated at 134 horsepower and 20.7 kg-m of torque; simple, reliable, and it’s a safe bet every halfway-decent mechanic will know how to maintain it. The standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic with a conventional PRND2L layout and Overdrive button, and the gearing is just right for the usual stop-and-go driving and occasional, sub-140kph cruising.

The underpinnings are likely shared with other Mitsubishi vehicles as well: front double wishbones and three-link coil springs, front disk and rear drum brakes, and ABS for the high-end GLS Sport. The steering setup is a power-assisted rack and pinion. Style-wise, the Fuzion plays it safe with a rounded silhouette that makes it anonymous in traffic, but the front fascia with the sharp headlamp cut-lines and gaping lower air intake gives it some visual impact. Painted silver as our test unit was, it looks perfectly unobtrusive and could be mistaken for a utility fleet unit. So get one in red or black.

Like the Innova, it uses a body-on-frame chassis that tends to add visual mass and height vis-à-vis monocoque designs, but ingress and egress are easy enough to forego side stepboards. Inside, passengers will first note the spaciousness of the interior, magnified in part by the generous greenhouse area that gives everyone a great view out. From the driver’s seat, the thick A-pillar is more vertical than the Innova’s, minimizing that annoying blind spot common to most new vehicles these days. The cockpit prioritizes function over form with plenty of cupholders (a total of seven) and coin pockets, yet the designers were creative enough to add some styling chutzpah with the curves of the dashboard and center console. The blue gauges look handsome and are easily legible, while the few secondary controls for the A/C are idiot-proof. Only the stereo, a JVC unit, clashes with its tiny buttons and constantly changing graphics.

For the price (P950k for the GLX, P1.150M for the fully kitted GLS Sport), the Fuzion excels as a family cruiser. The seats are quite comfortable and amply cushioned even down to the third row (commonly a hard, cheap seat in other MPVs). The second row split bench’s middle position, usually stiff in most cars, is actually bearable for extended periods of time, although there’s no armrest. There’s a lot of head- and legroom for second-row passengers, who are also blessed with a seatback that can recline to a near-horizontal position. Back in the third row, the seat may be pliable but space is still at a premium; six-footers need not apply. The second and third row seats can be folded to maximize space.

The Fuzion drives respectably well for a ladder-frame MPV. The rear-wheel drivetrain pushes it along with alacrity (although the engine just sounds industrial), shifting gears quickly and smoothly most of the time. The body structure is quite stiff and free of the usual quivers common to body-on-frame chassis, although the steering is overboosted for my preferences. Those who frequently weave through traffic and crowded parking lots will like the effortlessness, but at speed, the steering feels disconnected from the road, lessening high-speed confidence.

The suspension is spot-on in comfort though. Even with no passengers on board, it’s compliant over rough spots while rolling modestly in corners. While there’s no diesel engine option yet, don’t expect fantastic mileage with the 2.4. Our light-footed driving yielded 6-7 kpl in city/highway driving. The fuel tank holds 60 liters of unleaded, by the way.

The GLX is reasonably equipped with the automatic transmission, 4-speaker stereo, tilt-adjustable steering column, rear wiper/washer, front skid plate, 15” wheels and tires and keyless entry with alarm. Splurge for the GLS Sport and you get leather upholstery, automatic climate control, 6-speaker stereo with DVD and dash-mounted 7” LCD screen, ABS, dual airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, High Intensity Discharge Headlamps, 16” wheels and tires, and rear parking sensors; quite a lot of high-value items for the P200k premium.

Is it the MPV to knock out the Toyota Innova? It has its strengths and its weaknesses, and while we’re waiting for a diesel option, it’s not a direct challenger yet, but it’s a strong alternative for MPV buyers. Mitsubishi fans will find a lot to like with its newest family cruiser, while those swinging between the other MPV choices would do well to consider this Mitsubishi.

The Good

• Functional, good-looking interior

• Strong drivetrain

• Roomy cabin

The Bad

• Overboosted steering.

• No diesel option… yet.

• Anonymous exterior styling.

The Verdict

• A family cruiser that goes for the middle ground.