Review: Mitsubishi BA.I Grandis (2004-06)

Overview

Released in May 2004, the Mitsubishi BA Series I (BA.I) Grandis was a seven-seat people mover. Manufactured in Okazaki, Japan, the front-wheel drive Grandis was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – with a single overhead camshafts and variable valve timing – that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Grandis range initially consisted of a single, unnamed variant, though a ‘luxury pack’ was available as an option. In October 2005, however, the Grandis underwent a minor update with revised interior trim and the introduction of a ‘Luxury’ variant.

Compared to the UG Nimbus which it replaced, the Grandis was 170 mm longer (at 4760 mm), 20 mm wider (1795 mm), 5 mm taller (1655 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2830 mm). Inside, the Grandis featured a 2-3-2 seating configuration. The second row seat was a 60/40 split bench that could slide, tip-and-tilt and fold flat; the third row seat had a 50/50 split and could be stowed under the floor or flipped to a rear-facing position. Furthermore, the Grandis had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, semi-trailing arm rear suspension.

Mitsubishi BA.I Grandis specifications
Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
[Unnamed]	2004-06	2.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto	121 kW at 6000 rpm	217 Nm at 4000 rpm
Luxury	2005-06	2.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto	121 kW at 6000 rpm	217 Nm at 4000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BA Grandis included dual two-stage front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and second row occupants, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features: Grandis and Grandis Luxury

Standard features for the BA Grandis included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning (with second and third row ducts), velour upholstery, cruise control, front fog lamps, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering column, front and rear door courtesy lights, a power-operated tailgate, trip computer and an immobiliser.

As part of the October 2005 update, the dark blue/light grey interior trim was replaced with a black/grey interior with dark grey cloth seat trim.

The optional Luxury pack added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, dual sunroof, roof rails, privacy glass, a woodgrain gearshift lever, a woodgrain and leather-wrapped steering wheel, ‘metallic-look’ power window switch panels and inner door handles and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Compared to the entry-level Grandis, the Grandis Luxury was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, leather seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, dual sunroof (front manual, rear power slide), roof rails and privacy glass. Inside, the Luxury variant was differentiated by its leather and wood steering wheel, woodgrain gearshift lever, chrome interior door handles, silver mesh power window switch panels, illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors.

Review: Mitsubishi BA.II Grandis (2006-10)