Mitsubishi first in AWD race

It's one thing to have exciting concepts, upcoming new models and free hors d'oeuvres for all, but perhaps the most difficult task of any marque - at any motor show - is to get the attention of showgoers.

Mitsubishi's exhibit was one such attention grabber, easily one of the top two most impressive stands at the show.

The other stand that stood out was the Land Rover exhibit, which showed off its new models on angled, raised platforms, towering above the heads of on-lookers.

But the honours for most dazzling, ocular-blurring, attention-grabbing exhibit go to Adelaide-based Mitsubishi, and more precisely, the new AWD Magna display.

Not only was a great way for Mitsubishi to garner interest for what will be Australia's first AWD large sedan, but it was also functional. Basically the Mitsu crew set up a rig upon which the AWD Magna sat upon - fairly commonplace in the Sydney Exhibition Centre.

What was different about this display though, was the way the entire rig pivoted up to almost nintey degrees, showing not only the underside of the car, but also 4-wheels rotating at once.

There was also plenty of high-voltage lights winking on and off as the car rose into the air, ensuring nobody could miss it. Sadly though, the Mitsu boys wouldn't let us ride it...

But more than just a pretty display, the new AWD Magna, if as good as its makers claim, will have the likes of Toyota, Ford and Holden scratching their heads.

• AWD Magna: 4 door AWD large sedan

• CZ2: 5 door prototype hatch

• Outlander: 4 door AWD soft-roader/wagon

Other new offerings from the triple diamond marque included Mitsubishi's answer to the burgeoning small 4WD wagon market – the Outlander.

The Outlander has an aggressive front styling, which we reckon is tops, while its gets a fairly decent four cylinder engine, 4WD and flexible interior packaging.

Outlander will come in two specification levels and its pricing will be competitive with the other entrants in that market segment when it is released.

A pointer to Mitsubishi's new styling designs was also evident with the showing of the CZ2 concept car. Designed by Olivier Boulay, Mitsubishi's new global head of design, the car is a modern, space efficient package, and is hoped that a production version of the car might be seen in Australia in the next few years.

Apart from the featured cars, Mitsubishi's stand will also displayed the majority of the marque's popular range, including a wild yellow version of the performance-oriented Ralliart Magna, and the 163kW 'performance' Verada model.

The Pajero also comes in for a tweak or two, with considerably more safety features. The new model gets a fresh new look to the exterior body styling and a host of additional safety features when it goes on sale at the end of October, 2002.

The NP will replace the NM model Pajero, with new design front and rear bumpers fitted to all models. Round apertures, which house projector fog lamps in Exceed specification, are also new to the range, adding a touch of sophistication. GLS and Exceed also feature new smoother looking side cladding which replaces the fluted design of the previous model.

At the end of the day, the Mitsubishi exhibit was far more exciting than we would have given it credit for - and kudos to all involved for the coolest display at the show. 2003 looks set to be a huge year for Mitsubishi with a model upgrade for the Magna, Pajero and the tempting new Outlander all adding potency to its range.