Mitsubishi Motors launches New eK Wagon & eK X keicars
Tokyo, March 28, 2019 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today launches the
new eK Wagon height-wagon keicar, the first full model change in six years, and adds
a new eK X*1 crossover SUV variant to the lineup. Both models go on sale today at
MMC dealerships throughout Japan, with manufacturer’s recommended retail prices
ranging from ¥1,296,000 to ¥1,506,600 for the eK Wagon and from ¥1,414,800 to
¥1,765,800 for the eK X (incl. 8% consumption tax).
Planning and development management of the New eK Wagon and eK X have been
the responsibility of Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor joint venture NMKV. With
all-new platforms, engines, CVTs and other major components developed and
produced through new processes, the new models offer a new kind of height-wagon
keicar. They bring together Mitsubishi Motors’ 60 years of keicar knowhow and Nissan
Motor’s advanced technology.
eK Wagon champions the customer’s “desire to seek out new destinations with
greater reassurance”, offering easy-to-live-with qualities that stem from its
easy-to-drive nature and improved comfort. These qualities are augmented by
MI-PILOT*2*3 single-lane driver assistance for highway driving, a first on a MMC model,
and other advanced technologies.
eK X is a crossover model that incorporates the SUV taste distinctive to MMC. Its
principal features are a powerful SUV-taste design that embodies a true
Mitsubishiness and the essence of the “Drive your Ambition” global corporate tagline,
and a new hybrid system that delivers powerful acceleration and low fuel
consumption. It responds to the wishes of adventurous customers seeking new
challenges.
1…Named from the way it crosses height-wagon proportions with SUV powerfulness.
2…Mitsubishi Intelligent PILOT
3…Advanced Comfort Package (MI-PILOT, electric parking brake, MI-PILOT steering wheel button) is a
factory option available on all eK Wagon and eK X trim levels, except the M.
eK Wagon
eK X
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1. Product Overview
1) Exteriors: Elegance and originality
The eK Wagon exterior has been developed to a “Cute Chic” concept. Setting the
benchmark for height-wagon keicars, the exterior is composed of taut curved
surfaces which give shape to a cute, quality design that projects a stirring vibrancy.
The front face accentuates a sense of width as the styling creates a continuity
that extends from the chrome horizontal bar grille into the headlamp units.
eK Wagon is available in a palette of seven chic body colors, including a new Mint
Blue Metallic, that paint a casual elegance into the exterior.
Developed to a “Cute Beast” concept, eK X’s exterior styling projects an SUV taste with
the active, playful presence that is distinctive to Mitsubishi Motors.
The front face uses Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield front design concept that
projects a sense of SUV power and toughness. The combination of the horizonal
keynote grille with vertical chrome bars communicates a feeling of confidence.
The front position lamps are located below the engine hood line for better
conspicuity. The inner lens is fashioned to create an attractive crystal look.
In the vertical 3-lens LED headlamp units, the two upper lenses are given to low
beam and the bottom lens to high beam to give the driver a good view of the road
ahead while reducing glare for oncoming cars.
In the side view, the cabin silhouette uses the long wheelbase to maximum effect
and with the sculpted, fluid character line projects a sense of power. The black
finish used for the side sill garnish and wheel arch gives accent to eK X’s SUV
looks.
Roof rails that give further accent to eK X’s SUV looks are available as a factory
option.
The rear end styling uses a deep bumper supporting a taut upper cabin to create
a look of characteristic SUV stability. Distinctively styled rear combination lamps
appear to flow in from the C-pillars, complementing the wide tailgate opening.
eK X is available in a palette of 11 richly varied body colors. In addition to six, some
new, monotone colors, the palette offers five two-tone colors, including Sand
Yellow Metallic/White Solid (roof color)*4 that give further accent to the SUV taste.
*4…¥81,000 extra (incl. 8% consumption tax)
2) Interiors: Roomy with attention to detail
The interiors have been developed to a concept of “comfortable space,” “stimulating,
attractive detailing” and “smart usability,” with attention given to fashionable looks
and practicality. From a “perceived quality” viewpoint, excellent functionality and
quality looks are carefully built in.
< eK Wagon>
The interior uses a light grey color scheme to create a cabin space that is chic and
elegant.
The seats use a chunky fabric upholstery for optimum ride comfort with a simple
casual-look pattern.
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The interior uses a black tone color scheme with blue accents to create a sporty
and stylish cabin.
The seats are upholstered in a crinkled fabric with a honeycomb embossed finish
that presents a tough, functional look.
The factory-option premium interior package uses a black and tan color
combination while multi-material seat upholstery with a striped pattern imparts a
playful presence look to the cabin.
The dashboard uses MMC’s Horizontal Axis concept in providing excellent forward
visibility in a clean design.
The auto climate control system*5 uses a touch-operated panel that offers
excellent legibility and a quality look. The vent airflow controls and function
indicators are neatly integrated in a clean and smart design that gives improved
operability.
The instrument cluster uses clear raised dial bezels for a better quality look. With
generous small-item storage, the functional dashboard design places priority on
ease of use.
The Multi Information Display presents a variety of information in multicolor.
Included are an Eco Pedal Guide, which shows how hard the driver is pressing the
accelerator pedal, and a Wheel Angle Indicator that shows the turn direction and
angle of the wheels when maneuvering to park the car.
*5…Standard on all eK Wagon and eK X trim levels, except the M.
eK Wagon
eK X
eK Wagon
eK X
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eK X
(Premium Interior Package)
3)Powertrains: Quieter, more nimble performance
A new engine and new CVT are mated in powertrains that deliver better fuel mileage,
more nimble acceleration across the rev range and quieter performance. eK X uses a
new Hybrid system that delivers even more torqueful and lower-consumption
performance.
The new engine features lower friction levels and a higher compression ratio than
the current unit, while the new wide ratio CVT uses a high efficiency oil pump and
lower-friction belt. The resulting powertrains return improved fuel mileage while
delivering stress-free and nimble acceleration across the full rev range.
eK X uses a Hybrid system in which engine and motor work together to improve
fuel mileage and to deliver more powerful and smoother driving performance.
During acceleration, the system uses electric power stored in the drive battery to
assist engine-generated torque. During deceleration, the system recovers kinetic
energy and uses it to charge the lithium-ion drive battery. eK X uses MMC’s Auto
Stop & Go system (with coast-stop mode) which turns the engine off at speeds
under 13km/h and while it is stationary.
4)Advanced technology enhances peace of mind
A) MI-PILOT*6*7: Single-lane driver assistance.
A first on a MMC model, this system supports the driver on expressways by
assisting operation of the accelerator, brakes and steering to mitigate stress and
fatigue on longer trips.
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Active Cruise Control (ACC*8)
Automatically adjusts the distance to the car ahead by matching its changes in
speed up to a vehicle speed preset by the driver, and automatically keeps*9 the
vehicle stationary when the car ahead is stopped*10. If the car ahead moves off,
the driver only has to press a button on the steering wheel or press the
accelerator pedal to release the car from stationary and start off again.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA*11)
Reduces the driving burden by detecting lane markings and assisting the driver’s
steering inputs to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane. LKA works not only
along straight sections of road, but also through corners.
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B)
Grip Control help in all seasons
Assists the driver when moving off or accelerating on slippery surfaces. The
system gives improved all-terrain performance by braking any wheel that starts
spinning on snow-covered or muddy surfaces and by feeding more torque to
wheels that have grip. Grip Control is standard on all 4WD and 2WD models.
C)
Multi Around Monitor*12 assists parking
Allows the driver to check for people or obstacles behind his vehicle by displaying
a birds-eye image of the vehicle in a monitor housed in the rearview mirror. A new
Moving Object Detection function detects people or bicycles moving in the
perimeter of the vehicle and warns the driver by showing them in the rearview
mirror and by sounding an alert.
D)
Digital Rearview Mirror (with Multi Around Monitor display) *14
In a first for keicars*13, eK Wagon and eK X use a Digital Rearview Mirror that
shows an image from a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle. An LCD
monitor housed in the rearview mirror allows the driver to check behind the
vehicle when their field of view is obstructed by passengers or luggage in the rear
seats, or when the weather makes it difficult to see behind the vehicle. In night
mode, the mirror dims to reduce headlight glare from following vehicles ..
*6…Mitsubishi Intelligent PILOT
*7…The Advanced Comfort Package (MI-PILOT, electric parking brake, MI PILOT steering wheel
switch) is a factory option on all eK Wagon and eK X models, except the M.
*8…Adaptive Cruise Control
*9…Preset speed range: 30km/h to 100km/h (also operates below 30km/h if there is a car in front)
*10…System restarts automatically for up to three seconds after stopping.
*11…Lane Keeping Assist
*12,14 …Available for all eK Wagon and eK X trim levels (except the M) as a factory option is the
Advanced Safety Package [Digital Rearview Mirror (with Multi Around Monitor display) and Multi
Around Monitor (with moving object detection)].
*13…As at March, 2019 (in-house data).
5) New features in e-Assist active safety package / Other safety equipment
The active safety systems fitted to current models – Forward Collision Mitigation
(FCM*15) braking, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication, Lane Departure
Warning (LDW*16), Automatic High Beam (AHB*17) – are now joined by Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP*18) to earn all eK Wagon and eK X models “Sapo Car
S-wide*19” classification.
LDP. If the system judges the vehicle is about to stray from its lane unintentionally,
LDP urges the driver to return the vehicle to its lane by generating a momentary
braking force that acts to move the vehicle back toward the lane.
All models come standard with driver and front passenger SRS airbags, as well as
front seat side airbags and curtain airbags that can protect the body area from
the shoulders to the hips in a collision.
*15…Forward Collision Mitigation System
*16…Lane Departure Warning
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*17…Automatic High Beam
*18…Lane Departure Prevention
*19…Sapo Car (Safety Support Car) are vehicles fitted with advanced technologies that support safe
driving. This is a new vehicle safety concept being promoted by the Japanese government (METI and
MLIT) and designed to prevent traffic accidents and to mitigate injuries to drivers, particularly older
drivers. Vehicles are classified as “Sapo Car” or "Sapo Car S (basic, basic + wide)” depending on the
level of safety functions fitted.
6) Comfortable cabin encourages getting out and about
As with the current model, 65mm longer wheelbase create a comfortable living
space. The rear seats also provide a comfortable space with knee room extended
by 70mm to allow the occupant to sit with legs crossed even with the front seats
all the way back on their slide. Rear seat foot space is flat and unimpeded by any
bulges. This makes for easier entering and exiting, and keeps luggage on the floor
from tipping over.
The rear seats can be moved in a single one-handed operation by lifting the slide
lever and moving the rear seat back and forward.*20
The driver’s seat has a vertically optimized seatback angle and incorporates a
spinal support for the thorax and pelvis regions This makes for a high-function
seat that reduces driver fatigue on longer journeys.
The windshield forward field of vision angle, as with the current model, has been
increased by 4.7-degrees giving improved visibility that makes for easier driving.
Sound absorbing and proofing material is strategically fitted so as to embrace the
engine and reduce the intrusion of noise into the cabin. The result is a very quiet
cabin in which passengers can talk to each other without having to raise their
voices.
*20…Standard on eK Wagon G, and on all eK X trim levels.
7) Comprehensive dealer option lineup
To concepts of “Practical and reassuring” and of “Exciting and fun-loving” a variety of
dealer options is available.
New to the option lineup is an in-car infotainment system with a 9-inch display.
Easier to read than the current 7-inch display, it offers improved operability and
user-friendliness. The factory option Multi Around Monitor*21, meanwhile, shows a
birds-eye view of the vehicle in a large display, allowing the driver to check the
periphery.
All-weather floor mats are now available in addition to the standard floor mats.
Light in weight, not having the distinctive “rubber” smell, and easy to wipe clean
makes them ideal for trips to outdoor pursuit destinations.
Two exterior trim packages are available: “Exterior Chrome Package (chrome door
handle covers, chrome door mirror covers)” and “Decal Package (front under
decal*22, side decals, tailgate decal)”. eK X is also available with several other
options including an “Exterior Garnish Package (front bumper and tailgate)” that
allow the customer to personalize their car.
Available for the inside is an “Interior Panel Package (door switch panel, air vent
garnish)” that makes coordinating the interior with the body color fun.
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*21…Available for all eK Wagon and eK X trim levels (except the M) as a factory option is the
Advanced Safety Package [Digital Rearview Mirror (with Multi Around Monitor display)and Multi
Around Monitor (with moving object detection)].
*22…eK X only.
9-inch display
eK X
(with the dealer option)
2. Sales Information
Monthly sales target:
4,000 / month (FY2019)
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3. Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: (Prices do not include recycling fee, insurance,
taxes other than consumption tax or registration costs)
Model
Trim
level
Engine
TransDrive
mission
M
eK Wagon
3-cyl 12-valve DOHC
CVT
G
3-cyl 12-valve DOHC
(Hybrid)
M
eK X
G
T
3-cyl 12-valve DOHC
Intercooler/turbocharger
(Hybrid)
CVT
Vehicle price
(incl. tax)
2WD
¥1,296,000
4WD
¥1,425,600
2WD
¥1,377,000
4WD
¥1,506,600
2WD
¥1,414,800
4WD
¥1,544,400
2WD
¥1,555,200
4WD
¥1,684,800
2WD
¥1,636,200
4WD
¥1,765,800
(Websites in Japanese only)
eK Wagon website: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/ek_wagon/
eK X website: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/ek_x/
Special eK Wagon / eK X website:
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/ek_series/special/index.html
About MITSUBISHI MOTORS
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan,
which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles. Since the Mitsubishi group produced its first car more than a century
ago, we have demonstrated an ambitious and often disruptive approach, developing
new vehicle genres and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. Deeply rooted in
Mitsubishi Motors’ DNA, our brand strategy will appeal to ambitious drivers, willing to
challenge conventional wisdom and ready to embrace change. Consistent with this
mindset, Mitsubishi Motors introduced its new brand strategy in 2017, expressed in
its “Drive your Ambition” tagline – a combination of personal drive and forward
attitude, and a reflection of the constant dialogue between the brand and its
customers. Today Mitsubishi Motors is committed to continuous investment in
innovative new technologies, attractive design and product development, bringing
exciting and authentic new vehicles to customers around the world.