Faults:

The diesel engine is rough, vibrates noticeably at idle, and is noisy inside the cabin due to lackluster sound insulation.

Weighing over 1,700 kg, the engine struggles in high gears if the revs drop, requiring constant use of the gear lever.

The rear door window regulators often stop responding over the years.

Surface rust in the wheel arches.

Timing belt failure.

General Comments:

During the years I owned the car (just over ten), it performed reliably; aside from the timing belt, I didn't have to replace anything other than what was required for routine maintenance. With the exception of the electric windows, everything worked perfectly.

It is a relatively large MPV, though less spacious than a Sharan or Galaxy, it is superior to an S-Max (and comes at a lower price). A family of five can travel in complete comfort. It performs very well on the open road, offers a smooth ride, and (one might say) its size is deceptive; ultimately, it handles just like a larger Colt.

The engine is a Volkswagen 2.0 turbodiesel; generally quite reliable, it may not be the most technologically advanced, but it is quite responsive and offers relatively low fuel consumption considering the type of vehicle. It delivers strong performance across the entire rev range and offers good fuel economy (with the Grandis, we recorded a weighted average of 7.6 L/100 km). However, it lacks the level of refinement found in its HDi or TDCi rivals, which feature common-rail fuel injection.

It is paired with a six-speed gearbox that requires a firm hand but offers good precision, a necessity, given that driving the Grandis calls for frequent gear changes. At 1,772 kg, the Mitsubishi feels quite heavy, and this takes a toll on the engine; at times, it struggles more than expected to haul the vehicle's mass. If engine speed isn't carefully managed, the motor labors under the weight and loses momentum, especially in higher gears, forcing the driver to work the gearbox hard. Fortunately, the gear ratios are very short, allowing the vehicle to quickly regain its verve with just a single downshift.

The car handles high cruising speeds well, though it is no speedster. The suspension is rather soft, tuned for comfort, yet it doesn't detract from the chassis's excellent engineering. Despite some body roll (due to its substantial weight), the car tracks through corners effortlessly, with poise and predictable handling. It only succumbs to slight understeer when pushed hard, a result of the heavy load on the front axle. Conversely, the rear end holds its line perfectly, making the Grandis incredibly easy to drive. Other factors contributing to this ease of use include the competent steering (though not exceptional), powerful brakes, and the ever-watchful stability and traction control systems (the latter being non-deactivatable).

In short, handling that is very appealing to those who believe a minivan should be something more than just a miniaturized bus.

Faults:

Blown interior bulb.

It's had a smoker in it.

Worn wiper blades.

General Comments:

I bought this car to accommodate the needs of our young family, and have been very pleased with it on most counts. Our previous wagon was getting a bit long in the tooth, and we were looking for a personnel carrier and were totally sold on the modern, swoopy styling of the Grandis. I have to say that as a life long petrol head, I never thought I’d ever be keen on something like this – maybe it’s maturity catching up with me? It is however very smooth to drive, has plenty of room for the family, and what really sold me on it is the 50/50 split rear seat, which is very handy for large loads or picking up visiting relations while still retaining more than ample room for 5, or 6 if the mid seat has three abreast. The middle seats fold upright and can be slid forward for a huge, near flat rear load area.

Plus points are.

* Comfortable, multi-adjustable seating all round

* Loads of covered storage compartments

* 7 interior lights, plus lighting in foot-wells and doors

* Good steering lock

* Commanding driving position

* Tinted rear windows, with curtains

* Smooth and quiet progress

Negatives are:

* 25 – 26 mpg, probably because it weighs 1,660kg empty

* 4 speed only automatic transmission

* auto air conditioning is a little too clever for its own good

The only other personnel carrier I seriously compared this to was the Mazda MPV, and the Mazda looked like a much older car in comparison. Honda Odyssey’s have bad reputations for transmission problems, so they were ruled out.

Overall, I love it!