The Japanese company Mitsubishi released the first mid-size crossovers Outlander on the world market in 2001. After another 4 years, the manufacturer introduced the second generation, going to new platform GS. And by 2012, the third version of the SUV appeared. Outlander 2017, now on sale, is a third-generation restyling. Despite 16 years of production, the car is still popular - even among domestic consumers, whose purchasing power has dropped slightly over the past few years. And Russian motorists are interested in where the Mitsubishi Outlander is assembled now - and assembled before, since many choose models from the secondary car market.
Where were the first Outlander models assembled?
The first enterprises where they collect Mitsubishi outlander from the very beginning of its release, located in Japan. In addition, a number of the company's models are manufactured in the Philippines. However, the most popular factories that assembled crossovers for the Russian market and still produce them for Europe and Asia are:
- Nagoya Plant located in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. One of the largest Mitsubishi factories, where most of its products are manufactured;
- Mizushima Plant, an enterprise located in Okayama Prefecture (Kurashiki). The second most important plant of the auto concern, hundreds of thousands of cars have been assembled. Including Mitsubishi Outlander of all three generations.
Rice. 2. The Nagoya Plant from a bird's eye view.
For the first 4 years, this model was supplied both to Europe and to the salons of our country only from these two enterprises. And there were practically no complaints about the quality of its assembly. However, due to the poor quality of the road surface, even the crossover had problems with undercarriage and steering. In addition, delivery from Japanese factories led to a noticeable increase in the cost of the car. As a result, the company decided to produce cars in the territory of the Russian Federation.
Assembly lines in the USA
In the early 2010s, the crossover manufacturer made a statement that the ASX model, marketed to the North American market as the Outlander Sport, would be assembled in the United States. The new country in the list of Mitsubishi enterprises allowed to reduce shipping costs and increase the competitiveness of the car. The place where the American version of the car was supposed to be assembled was a plant in the state of Illinois.
By 2016, it turned out that the US-made Outlander Sport was not as popular as expected. Crossover demand has fallen short of even the initial projections of 50,000 units per year. Therefore, assembly lines in Illinois have now been stopped, and Rivian Automotive has become interested in the plant, which is going to produce budget electric vehicles here. And yet you can find American-made Mitsubishi models on the market - especially since their production stopped a little over a year ago.
Models for the domestic market
Question, where is Mitsubishi Outlander assembled in Russia, worries domestic motorists more recently - since 2012. Although the first crossovers of local assembly appeared back in 2005. From now on it can be said that Outlander is manufactured at the plant in Kaluga... Although in fact the car is only assembled in Russia - all parts from 2005 to 2012 are exclusively Japanese. And specialists from Japan are involved in the production of cars.
Thus, all crossover models for Russia can be released:
- until 2005 - only at Japanese enterprises;
- in 2005–2011 - in 90% of cases in Japan, in 10% - assembled from Japanese spare parts in Kaluga;
- Since 2012, almost every third Outlander in the Russian motor show can be said to have been produced by a Kaluga enterprise.
Starting from the 3rd generation, almost all of these crossovers were completely assembled at a Russian plant. And production, well-established Japanese company together with the Italian carmaker PSA, it copes well with the demand for the model. Moreover, lately there have been almost no complaints from consumers about its quality.
The quality of the model of the Russian assembly
The second generation of Outlander began shipping to Russian market from Japan and from one of the domestic enterprises - "PSMA Rus". And, although at first no more than 10% of all models sold in Russia were produced here, since 2012 the production line that produces crossovers has increased its production volumes. By 2015, the figure had reached 30 percent, which means that no more than 70% of Outlander will continue to come to us from abroad. Moreover, since 2014, when manufacturers made changes to production plan factory, the models are assembled using new procedures.
Russian motorists who are going to purchase a Japanese crossover should know that only 10% of car parts are produced in Kaluga, which include:
- car seats;
- glass;
- exhaust system.
Some of the parts come from Japan. The remaining elements of the car are made and assembled by personnel, which are almost entirely Japanese. Assembly, commissioning and testing are carried out by domestic craftsmen. The management of the Russian branch expects in the future to produce more parts for Outlander on its own, which will further reduce its cost and should not affect the quality. Although, according to buyers, how not to assemble a car in Russia, its reliability will still be lower than that of the Japanese version.
Complaints about the domestic version of the crossover
Until the beginning of 2014, there were many complaints against the Outlander assembled in Russia regarding poor soundproofing of the cabin and not very high-quality suspension. However, immediately after the restyling, the number of claims decreased. New production methods made it possible to forget about many problems even for models produced in our country for sale on the Russian market.
Among the few remaining drawbacks of the model is the quality of the interior trim. The cheap plastic used in the domestic version of the Japanese manufacturer is not very attractive either in appearance or in the touch. In addition, the material begins to creak in less than six months of machine operation. Another drawback of the place where the Russian Outlander is produced is the lack of original spare parts... Therefore, in the event of a breakdown, wait for deliveries from authorized dealer takes months, and the cost of maintaining the model is higher.
But the model is equipped with good modern security systems. During crash tests according to the Euro NCAP standard, the car, which was assembled in Kaluga, was rated 5 stars, which is the maximum number of points. According to the test results, the crossover received from 64 to 100 percent of the rating in all categories.
Where is Mitsubishi Outlander assembled
updated: August 11, 2017 by the author: dimajpWhere is it assembled, where is the SUV produced, which countries are assembling the Mitsubishi model Pajero sport in 2015, where they assemble cars for the Russian market.
Where collect Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
You can bet that the cars of the Japanese concern Mitsubishi are known in every corner of the world. Today this brand is one of the largest in terms of production Vehicle... During its time, the company has produced a lot of high-quality and reliable machines. The most popular SUV in our country is the model - Mitsubishi pajero Sport. This inexpensive car took the leading position in the domestic market and a place in the heart of every fan of the Japanese brand. I wonder where they collect Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for Russia?
Until 2014, this model was supplied to our market from Thailand. And since 2014, the Japanese have opened the PSMA Rus enterprise in Kaluga. Replacing the timing belt with Mitsubishi Pajero sport - Mitsubishi forum. A SKD assembly of the "Japanese" has been established here. An interesting fact is that this SUV is still being produced at the plant in Laem Chabang (Thailand). In addition to this car, the Kaluga enterprise assembles: Peugeot 408, Mitsubishi Outlander, Citroen C-4. The PSMA Rus plant is a joint project of the company Mitsubishi Motors and Peugeot Citroen. At a domestic plant collect models from model year 2013 onwards. And the 2008-2012 models are supplied to us from Thailand. Since 1998, a thoroughbred "Japanese" has been brought to Russia, and since 2004, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of American assembly has been sold on the domestic market.
Where are the other factories of the concern located?
The world saw the updated SUV in 2008. The model was supplied to the Russian market from four different countries. The homeland of this SUV is Japan, where, until 2010, cars were assembled in the province of Nagoya at the Nagoya Plant. This is the largest plant Japanese brand... All car models are supplied from here to every corner of the Universe. In second place, where Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and other models are produced, is another Japanese enterprise, Mizushima Plant, located in the city of Kurashiki. Most of the models of this brand are produced here.
In the United States of America, there is also a factory that collects "Japanese" for the world market. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is located in the state of Illinois (city of Normal). Well, and the last plant where Mitsubishi cars are produced is our Russian - "PSMA Rus". The French and Japanese joined forces and created a joint venture on our territory that produces machines exclusively for domestic market... The Kaluga assembly line has been operating since 2010, and to this day it produces cars for Russians.
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SUV characteristics
After restyling, you will not see strong noticeable changes. The manufacturer installed a new radiator grille on the car, replaced the old bumper with a new one, and refined the side mirrors with turn signal repeaters. The lights on the rear of the SUV were slightly sub-lattice and wheels of a different design were installed. The dimensions of the "Japanese" have not changed at all: 4695 mm × 1820 mm × 1840 mm. The wheelbase also remained the same - 2800 millimeters. Especially for operation on Russian roads, the clearance of the car was made 215 mm. It turns out that the fact where the Mitsubishi Pajero is produced plays an important role. Sport... Our Kaluga enterprise assembles an SUV taking into account the operation in Russian conditions.
The interior of the car, too, has not been much updated. A new multimedia system and some finishing elements were installed on the car. The car is still designed for five people, there is still a lot of space in the cabin. For our compatriots, they offer this model of "Japanese" with gasoline and diesel units to choose from. The basic version of the SUV is equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine that meets Euro-4 standards. This power plant produces 178 Horse power power. On a more expensive configuration, a 6-cylinder 3-liter engine is installed, producing 225 horsepower. Cars with gasoline units work together with a 5-speed "automatic", and diesel ones - with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of fuel consumption, this model should be classified as an average car. In the city you will need 16.5 liters, on the highway - 10 liters.
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Domestic build quality
If our Pajero Sport is compared with a Thai-assembled SUV, they do not differ much in quality. 2017 Both cars have the same headlights, but our "Japanese" has different bumpers and a radiator grill. Does it matter where Mitsubishi is assembled? Pajero sport or not? Reviews about this model Russian production very different, some are happy, others are not.
To the pluses Russian assembly can be attributed:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- rear white turn signals
- interesting finish
- spacious salon
- new multimedia system
- corner instrument panel with large touch screen.
Our Pajero Sport also has disadvantages. For example, the owners speak negatively about the low landing, which is not suitable for Russian roads. It will be very uncomfortable for an oversized driver to sit behind the wheel of an SUV. After all, the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach and the seat back is too narrow. On a broken road surface, you will hear the suspension loose and feel uncomfortable. Perhaps the manufacturer will fix these defects with the next model update.
You can bet that the cars of the Japanese concern Mitsubishi are known in every corner of the world. Today this brand is one of the largest in the production of vehicles. During its time, the company has produced a lot of high-quality and reliable machines. The most popular SUV in our country is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport model. This inexpensive car has taken the leading position in the domestic market and a place in the heart of every fan of the Japanese brand. I wonder where Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is collected for Russia?
Until 2014, this model was supplied to our market from Thailand. And since 2014, the Japanese have opened the PSMA Rus enterprise in Kaluga. A SKD assembly of the "Japanese" has been established here. An interesting fact is that this SUV is still being produced at the plant in Laem Chabang (Thailand). In addition to this car, the Kaluga enterprise assembles: Peugeot 408, Mitsubishi Outlander, Citroen C-4. The PSMA Rus plant is a joint project of Mitsubishi Motors and Peugeot Citroen. At the domestic plant, models are assembled starting from the 2013 model year. And the 2008-2012 models are supplied to us from Thailand. Since 1998, a thoroughbred "Japanese" has been brought to Russia, and since 2004, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of American assembly has been sold on the domestic market.
Where are the other factories of the concern located?
The world saw the updated SUV in 2008. The model was supplied to the Russian market from four different countries. The homeland of this SUV is Japan, where, until 2010, cars were assembled in the province of Nagoya at the Nagoya Plant. This is the largest factory of the Japanese brand. All car models are supplied from here to every corner of the Universe. In second place, where Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and other models are produced, is another Japanese enterprise, Mizushima Plant, located in the city of Kurashiki. Most of the models of this brand are produced here.
In the United States of America, there is also a factory that collects "Japanese" for the world market. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is located in the state of Illinois (city of Normal). Well, and the last plant where Mitsubishi cars are produced is our Russian - "PSMA Rus". The French and Japanese joined forces and created a joint venture on our territory that produces machines exclusively for the domestic market. The Kaluga assembly line has been operating since 2010, and to this day it produces cars for Russians.
SUV characteristics
After restyling, you will not see strong noticeable changes. The manufacturer installed a new radiator grille on the car, replaced the old bumper with a new one, and refined the side mirrors with turn signal repeaters. The lights on the rear of the SUV were slightly sub-lattice and wheels of a different design were installed. The dimensions of the "Japanese" have not changed at all: 4695 mm × 1820 mm × 1840 mm. The wheelbase also remained the same - 2800 millimeters. Especially for use on Russian roads, the clearance of the car was made 215 mm. It turns out that the fact where the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is produced plays an important role. Our Kaluga enterprise assembles an SUV taking into account the operation in Russian conditions.
The interior of the car, too, has not been much updated. A new multimedia system and some finishing elements were installed on the car. The car is still designed for five people, there is still a lot of space in the cabin. For our compatriots, they offer this model of the "Japanese" with gasoline and diesel units to choose from. The basic version of the SUV is equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine that meets Euro-4 standards. This power plant produces 178 horsepower. On a more expensive configuration, a 6-cylinder 3-liter engine is installed, producing 225 horsepower. Cars with gasoline units work together with a 5-speed "automatic", and diesel ones - with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of fuel consumption, this model should be classified as an average car. In the city you will need 16.5 liters, on the highway - 10 liters.
Domestic build quality
If our Pajero Sport is compared with a Thai-assembled SUV, they do not differ much in quality. Both cars have the same headlights, but our "Japanese" has different bumpers and a radiator grill. So does it matter where the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is assembled or not? Reviews about this Russian-made model are very different, some are satisfied, others are not.
The pluses of the Russian assembly include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- rear white turn signals
- interesting finish
- spacious salon
- new multimedia system
- corner instrument panel with large touch screen.
Our Pajero Sport also has disadvantages. For example, the owners speak negatively about the low landing, which is not suitable for Russian roads. It will be very uncomfortable for an oversized driver to sit behind the wheel of an SUV. After all, the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach and the seat back is too narrow. On a broken road surface, you will hear the suspension loose and feel uncomfortable. Perhaps the manufacturer will fix these defects with the next model update.
After the news about the start of assembly of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUVs in Kaluga in the summer, the Internet was filled with "funeral" comments like "That's it, the car is missing!" But is the devil as terrible as he is painted? To find out, we went to the test in the Kaluga region and, I must say, learned a lot of interesting things.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nativa, Pajero Dakar, Challenger - the current generation of the Pajero Sport frame SUV, which appeared in 2008, has many names. As well as the markets where it is sold, as well as the factories where it is produced. Let me remind you that Pajero Sport was previously supplied to Russia from Thailand. But after the flood in the fall of 2011, the factories there stopped for a long time, which is why, according to the results of Russian sales in 2012, Pajero Sport lost almost 13%. Considering that Pajero Sport is popular with us (6,762 cars were sold even in the "bad" last year), and Russia is the most important market for Mitsubishi, it is not surprising that the Japanese decided to look for a drier place to assemble an SUV.
By the way, at the joint Kaluga plant "PSMA Rus", where Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroen produce their cars, since November 2012 a new one has been riveted with might and main, and they make it in a full cycle. But Pajero Sport is assembled using the SKD method and in Russia, in fact, only the frame of the future "rogue" is born. It is brought in the form of separate parts to the "GAZ" in Nizhny Novgorod, welded in conductors of the Mitsubishi company, applied anticorrosive, primed, painted and sent to Kaluga, where, in turn, bodies with salons, motors, boxes come in a completely finished form. gears, suspension and axles. In Kaluga, the frame is hung with aggregates and the chassis with the body is "married". Here, in fact, is the whole assembly. The degree of localization (now about 2%) is planned to be increased in the future, but so far this is only due to small parts such as interior mats, glasses, etc. By the way, in addition to the fact that Kaluga is not a raging tropics, there is also another nice "bun" from the Russian assembly, but more about it below.
From January to August 2013, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport sales surged up 41% over the same period in 2012. And with the result of 5630 cars sold, Pajero Sport is still the second in the class of large SUVs, second only to the more expensive (from 1.7 million rubles) and pretentious Toyota. Land cruiser Prado.
In the meantime, I wander around the well-known SUV and look out for the changes that have been endowed with the cars assembled in Russia. So, the car has the same headlights, but the radiator grill and front bumper- already new, the design of alloy wheels has been changed for 16 and 17 inches, plus turn signals in taillights now white. And that's all ?! Yes all. Moreover, it seems that this is the last noticeable restyling: the company no longer plans to update the appearance of Pajero Sport. And in this form, the SUV will remain until the release of the new generation of the model. When? In 2015, a new generation of the L200 pickup is expected to be released, based on the Geneva concept. And the Pajero Sport created on its chassis, according to tradition, should appear a year after that.
In the meantime, in the cabin - the former simplicity and minimalism in decoration, inexpensive hard plastic, which is not scary to smear and easy to clean, an angular instrument panel with large buttons and "twists", massive transmission control levers ... There are no frills and glamor, everything is harsh and business, as befits a serious "muzhik" car. The visibility is also in order: the frontal pillars are not too thick, and the hefty "mugs" of the side mirrors eloquently remind that the Pajero Sport is based on the L200 truck, albeit a small one.
The updated Pajero Sport assembled in Russia is equipped with a multimedia system with a high-resolution screen (pictured). The rest of the torpedo is the same. And on the instrument scale, for example, there is still not enough indication of the included lowered row in the transfer case.
But the inconveniences are the same. Landing in front and behind is typical for frame "Japanese" of the 90s, that is, you sit lightly low, which is sharper and most uncomfortable in the back row. And in terms of width, large-sized drivers may not be entirely at ease while driving. Plus, the back of the driver's seat feels too narrow, and there is still not enough steering wheel adjustment for reach and you have to either sit closer or reach for the steering wheel. Hopefully, the new model will change all this.
Under the hood, too, no change. The first one I get is an SUV with a 2.5-liter diesel engine and a 5-speed "automatic". This proven engine with the long name 4D56 DI-D High Power dates back to 1980. But today the third generation of this diesel engine is being installed on the Pajero Sport, equipped not only with direct injection and fuel system common-rail, but also a variable geometry turbocharger. Paired with automatic transmission the motor produces 178 hp. and 350 Nm of torque, which develops in a wide range for a diesel engine of 1800-3500 rpm (with manual transmission - 400 Nm at 2000-2850 Nm). By the way, the L200 pickup (on its chassis and built by Pajero Sport) is sold in Russia with a weaker version of the same diesel engine, equipped with a conventional turbine, which "blows" only 136 hp from the engine. and 314 Nm. Not fair! In response to this, the Russian representatives of Mitsubishi are transparently hinting that next year we may have some versions of the "Elka" with a 178-horsepower diesel engine.
Intense and Instyle trims include trip computer with a flow meter and a proprietary inclinometer with an altimeter. But in the top version Ultimate (pictured) with a multimedia system and navigation, there was no place for this computer! In cars of the 2014 model year (on sale - since April) this misunderstanding was corrected, but no less strange: an "extension" for a small display of the "route guide" was simply made over the large multimedia screen. It will not work to put such a combination on old cars: the shape of the upper part of the torpedo has been changed under the second screen.
Only the Pajero Sport equipped with this engine is still lazy like a well-fed bear. You translate the selector "automatic" into Drive, release the brake pedal, and the car is stopped. The hedgehog is a proud bird until you kick it ... But there is no point in kicking hard either, the two-ton SUV hurries slowly: acceleration to "hundreds" takes 12.4 seconds. Not a slow-moving, of course, you won't fall out of the stream and you flow in it quite dynamically. But there is no reason to expect any special agility from the "strangled" engine, plus during overtaking and sharp accelerations one will have to adapt to the slow reactions of the gearbox to the gas and cheer it up with manual shifting with the help of fashionable paddle shifters. All this is accompanied by a uterine metallic growl, but this will not frighten a connoisseur of brutal SUVs, "the sound of a diesel engine is sweet and pleasant to us." Much more annoying here is the constant shaking of the lever transfer case, to which vibrations from the motor are transmitted.
Against this background, the smoother working 3-liter gasoline V6 (222 hp and 281 Nm) sounds like a pleasant baritone, on paper more than a second faster than its diesel counterpart (11.3 seconds), but in fact, on gas and the engine, and the same 5-speed "automatic" reacts more sharply. But still, the "petrol" does not have the traction that a diesel engine has, and this is felt not only on the highway, when, when overtaking, the downshift gives more noise than tangible acceleration. So a second gain in acceleration to "hundreds" is clearly not worth the fuel consumption and the transport tax that have to pay for choosing a V6 engine. There are, of course, fans of gasoline versions who have their own arguments, but their share in Russian sales of Pajero Sport is only 10%.
If you need to transport a large load, the rear separate seats fold down and recline forward. The cup holder on the left on the fender is for the third row of seats, but the seven-seater version of the Pajero Sport is not supplied to Russia, although it is available for other markets, for example, in Thailand.
In what both diesel and gasoline versions are similar, it is in the "ship" habits on the go. "Padrezhik" is waddling like a sailor. On a straight line, it is more or less stable, but it is worth replacing a straight line with turns and irregularities with "waves" on the track - and that's it, rolls, swinging and walking in azimuth, like a yacht on a large wave, went. Braking is also accompanied by a trim on the nose, and you have to push hard on the tight and long-stroke pedal in order to get the necessary deceleration from the "cotton" brakes, which the SUV performs as if through force. It looks like a Pajero Sport yacht even in a state close to rest: you stop it abruptly with a slow speed - and the SUV stands for a couple of seconds, swaying and calming down, as if it had just docked at the pier. At the same time, the accuracy and sharpness of the steering are also comparable to those of a ship, where the steering wheel only sets the direction of travel. And, like on the ship, the steering wheel of the Pajero Sport literally has to "wind" - from lock to lock, the steering wheel makes 4.2 turns. And the turning radius is probably the same as that of a tanker? Fortunately, the opposite is true: only 5.6 meters, the smallest in the class, although the wheelbase is the longest - 2800 mm!
However, if with such imposing habits you expect a yacht-soft ride from this SUV, then you will be severely disappointed. Unlike the L200 pickup, the Pajero Sport has a rear axle and is supported by springs instead of leaf springs. On broken asphalt and a gravel grader, the suspension "holds a blow" and allows you to go fast, but the passengers shakes and chatters, as in a rattle, and even clearly gives off to the steering wheel. And then there's the vibrations from the heavy 17 '' wheels rear axle and a massive front suspension that spreads through the body and interior like circles on water. So the energy-intensive suspension will endure a long "voyage" on broken roads (for this it is sharpened, in fact), but the crew and, especially, the rear passengers are not far from motion sickness and other delights of "seasickness". By the way, "crickets" also appeared from the shaking in the cabin: the shelf below the climate control unit creaked. But this is already a claim to the overseas assemblers: their work in the salon, alas, cannot be called ideal.
"Armor" made of aluminum and steel for the engine, gearbox and handouts are installed by dealers for an extra charge. With frequent sorties on the off-road, it is better not to save on protection, with it it is much calmer to crawl on the ground on your belly. But if you get stuck and jerk the car, be careful with the tow hooks on the left side in the direction of travel: there are known cases of their extension from the jerk when pulling out.
But one has only to move out "into the fields", as everything falls into place and much is forgiven. Total off-road is the native "water area" of this car. On the slippery and rain-soggy cross track "Kondrovo" we successfully splashed all the puddles and plowed alumina "virgin soil", climbed all the descents and ascents, straightened the bottom of the relief in all tracks ... And all this on universal road tires! The tractor saved to rescue the stuck was never needed! If you put more "toothy" mud tires, and even lower it before the assault on the "directions", then the SUV will turn into a small stubborn tank, which, perhaps, will not climb the wall. By the way, if you really need to, a winch will help you climb the wall - it's not for nothing that Pajero Sport is so popular both among off-road tuning lovers and among manufacturers of auto components that offer a lot of additional equipment for the car: power bumpers, snorkels, guards, lift kits for suspensions and bodywork ...
In general, having changed its registration, Pajero Sport has retained its utilitarian essence and serious off-road talents. And he even received a small bonus from Russian "citizenship". Thanks to him, the basic version of Pajero Sport assembled in Russia with a diesel engine, "mechanics" and air conditioning has fallen in price by 20,000 rubles and now costs 1,319,000 rubles. Diesel versions with automatic transmission (now they cost from 1,390,000 to 1,580,000 rubles) and petrol V6 (from 1,400,000 to 1,600,000 rubles) have also "lost weight" by 30,000 rubles.
Pajero Sport is equipped with Super Select I all-wheel drive transmission with symmetrical center differential(it divides the thrust along the axes 50:50, for "just" Pajero - 33:67), allowing you to connect front axle even on asphalt. This is convenient when the grippy surface is constantly interspersed with the slippery one. When the wheels slip on the top row in the transfer case, the "inter-axle" is slightly clamped by the viscous coupling, and when the lowered row is turned on, it is locked rigidly. The basic equipment also includes a forced locking of the rear "diff", but at speeds above 12 km / h, it is disabled.
Competitors? Nearest by price - Ssangyong rexton with a 2-liter diesel engine (from 1,399,000 rubles), but it is positioned as a more luxurious version. Much closer to "Pajero Sport" in ideology - a new frame, but it is even more expensive: from 1,444,000 rubles. Five-door Land rover Defender? A living classic who does not need an introduction, but he does not have long to live, the price tag starts at one and a half million, for the convenience of landing in the cabin - no better than in the UAZ-469, but in terms of passive safety- last century. Let's not forget about the Nissan Pathfinder with a price of 1,580,000 rubles for a 2.5-liter diesel engine. Only he lives out his last months: soon he will be replaced by another "parquet" with the same name.
In such a scenario, it is no wonder that among foreign cars Mitsubishi Pajero Sport actually took a special position in the market. On the one hand - the price: only UAZ and "Chinese" are cheaper. Plus a well-deserved reputation and respect for those who like to get away from civilization, to hunt or fish, and not to detour, but directly. On the other hand, under the onslaught of crossovers, the tribe of classic frame SUVs is dying out, so that Pajero Sport's rivals and classmates are becoming less and less. Even in the ranks of Mitsubishi itself, losses are coming: the new "just" Pajero, which, however, is not expected until 2016, the Japanese also promise to turn into a crossover! However, the new Pajero Sport in the company promises to keep its current concept. It is all the more pleasant to hear this in the age of glamorization and "curing" of the world car industry, because the need for strong, hardy and brutal "crooks" has not yet been canceled.
The crisis of 2014-2016 in the Russian car market led to very interesting changes in the model lines of a number of manufacturing companies operating in our country. At Mitsubishi, for example, the mid-size Outlander crossover, produced in Kaluga, became the main strike unit. The Dvizhok magazine saw with my own eyes how japanese crossovers with a Russian residence permit, and found out how many primordially Russian details are in them.
The Mitsubishi and Peugeot-Citroen (PSMA Rus) plant, located in the Kaluga Region, was founded in January 2009 and started operating in 2010. In September of the same year, the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover appeared on the conveyor of the enterprise - then it was called Outlander XL. From that moment to the present, the plant has produced more than 75 thousand Outlander: both the former XL and the current Outlander III, assembled, unlike its predecessor, using the CKD (Complete Knock Down) small-knot assembly technology.
The production facilities of the PSMA Rus plant include a body shop, as well as painting and assembly shops. The first and the last have two lines: C-segment (for passenger cars Peugeot and Citroen) and SUV (for Mitsubishi crossovers). But cars of all three brands are painted together, on the same line. There is no stamping production at the plant: stamping parts are supplied to PSMA Rus from Benteler and Gestamp enterprises located in Russia.
The assembly process of Kaluga Outlander begins in the body shop, divided into a number of sections: preparation, welding, installation of attachments and body refinement. The body parts, which must go to the main welding line, are made by the operators by hand at special posts of the preparatory sections from ready-made stamped parts. The finished body parts go to the main welding line, and at the beginning the body is also assembled by hand, and then goes to the Body Flexor robotic station. The Kaluga plant's SUV welding line employs a total of 26 robots, the largest of which is 7 m high.
From the main welding line, the body goes to the attachment assembly area, where operators install the doors, hood and trunk. Then, at quality control posts, experts check the finished body: evaluate its geometry and identify visual defects such as dents, scratches, etc.
All sorts of minor defects are eliminated at the stage of finalizing the body, after which it is sent to the paint shop. There he will have to spend about 9 hours, during which ten robots work on him, which apply about 6 kg to the body different types coatings.
The paints used at PSMA Rus are made exclusively on a water basis (taking care of the environment!), And the only solvent-based material is varnish. All waste water, before entering the regional sewer, undergoes special treatment at the exit from the plant
The doors are removed from the finished body before the finished body enters the assembly line, making it easier for operators to access the interior for interior trim. The doors are assembled on a separate line and installed on the car at one of the final stages of assembly. On the first of them, the operators put electrical equipment on the Outlander, dashboard, airbags, interior trim and soundproofing, suspension struts, headlights and ABS unit.
But the most interesting thing happens at the mechanics section: here they assemble and install braking system, suspension, exhaust system and power plant... And then the so-called "wedding" takes place: the transmission assembly with the engine is connected to the body. On the same site bumpers, wheels and protective "screens" under the body are installed - at the exit of the Outlander it almost looks like a "commodity" car. "Almost" - because after the mechanics' section, the car is filled with technical fluids, the seats, the steering wheel, the previously removed doors are installed and the windows are glued: the windshield - using a special manipulator, the rear and side - using suction cups.
In the final part of the assembly line, there are quality control posts in the light tunnel: operators check appearance cars, gaps, door locks; in addition, cars are tested electronic systems, wheel alignment angles (on a special stand) and tightness (in a special shower), and are also tested on a test track.
The degree of localization of production of the Kaluga Mitsubishi Outlander is currently 32.8%. By the end of the year, the company intends to reach the level of 36%. Mitsubishi buys glass, bumpers, seats, soundproof materials, airbags, cooling and stamping system parts, exhaust system, windshield wipers and washer reservoir, tires, steering parts, hood lock and ventilation grill, fuel and brake pipes, dashboard
At the same time, the overwhelming majority of suppliers of these parts are in fact foreign companies operating in Russia. Only one of them is originally Russian - Standartplast, which supplies floor noise insulation mats to PSMA Rus.
Why is the pool of such suppliers not expanding? As the deputy general director of the plant, Yoshiya Inamori, told us, it is sometimes difficult to agree on the terms of supply with Russian manufacturers of spare parts.
“We wanted to buy seats from one of the Russian companies, but we need the chairs ready-made - we don't have the opportunity to assemble them at home. However, the Russian potential partner was ready to supply them only disassembled. As a result, we started purchasing seats from the American Lear brand, ”said Inamori.
Deputy General Director of the plant Yoshiya Inamori
What's the bottom line?
In conclusion, about the production line of the Kaluga Mitsubishi plant. At the moment, there is only one model in it - the Outlander crossover. In the Russian representative office of the company, as follows from the statements of its management, they are thinking about expanding the range of cars produced near Kaluga, but at the expense of which models, it is still a secret.
It would be logical to assume that the assembly line "PSMA Rus" can get compact crossover ASX, which will return to Russia this year. However, most likely, it will be outstripped by Pajero Sport in the near future. During the tour of the plant, we saw a couple of such off-road vehicles out of the corner of our eyes, one of which was under a cover, and the engine compartment of the other was examined by the engineers of the enterprise.
According to Mr. Inamori, the decision to start production of Pajero Sport in Kaluga has not yet been made, but the plant's management purchased these two SUVs so that specialists would study their device in advance. As for the prospects for the Russian car market, Mitsubishi looks at them with cautious optimism.
“In general, the demand for Russian automotive market shows a positive trend, in connection with which we are positive and plan to increase production by the end of 2017 by 5% compared to 2016, ”said the deputy general director of the PSMA Rus plant.
