The challenge has always been finding a vehicle that bridges the divide – a machine that offers the school-run sophistication of a unibody passenger vehicle but retains enough capability to handle a corrugated farm road or a trip to the coast without falling apart. Enter the all-new Mitsubishi Destinator, an exciting new chapter for the Diamond Brand that has just touched down at Mitsubishi Motors Menlyn.
For years, South African motorists have had to compromise. You either bought a rugged, ladder-frame SUV that felt heavy in city traffic, or a soft-roader crossover that you were too scared to take off the tar. The Destinator is here to fill that void with unapologetic confidence. It trades the bakkie-based judder for refined comfort, without sacrificing the proven DNA that Mitsubishi has honed over decades.
Now that the official specifications are out, let’s take a look under the skin of the new Destinator and see why it is poised to shake up the local market.
Punchy Performance for the Highveld and Beyond
South African drivers demand responsive power, especially up on the Highveld, where the thin air leaves naturally aspirated engines gasping. Mitsubishi has equipped the Destinator exclusively with a punchy 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Don’t let the displacement fool you. This powerplant pushes out a highly capable 120 kW of power and a solid 250 Nm of torque. Driven through a smooth-shifting Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the power delivery is designed to be immediate and efficient, making overtaking long trucks on the N4 a stress-free affair.
Gravel-Ready Grip
While the Destinator serves as an incredibly comfortable daily driver, it is engineered with our deteriorating road infrastructure in mind. The suspension and drive systems are explicitly designed to tackle washed-out dirt roads without flinching.
The Destinator features an intelligent driver-selectable mode system beautifully displayed on the infotainment screen. You can seamlessly switch between Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, and Tarmac modes to suit the conditions beneath your tyres.
Coupled with Mitsubishi’s legendary Active Yaw Control (AYC)—which actively manages braking and traction to tuck the vehicle’s nose securely into corners—alongside Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control (TCL), the Destinator handles dirt roads with surprising, planted agility.
Two Distinct Trims: GLS and EXCEED
Mitsubishi Motors Menlyn will be offering the Destinator in two highly specified trim levels, ensuring there is a model tailored to both the pragmatic adventurer and the luxury seeker.
The Destinator GLS: The Pragmatic Adventurer
The GLS model is anything but “entry-level.” It rides on tough 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels and features the imposing “Dynamic Shield” front grille finished in material black, paired with a rear spoiler.
Inside, the GLS is designed for durability and family practicality. It features:
- Comfortable, hard-wearing fabric seats.
- Driver and passenger seatback tables (perfect for kids on long road trips).
- An 8-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) system with dual USB ports.
- A 4.2-inch multi-information driver display.
- Hands-free voice control and a 6-speaker audio system.
Safety is paramount, with the GLS boasting 6 airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), ABS with EBD, Emergency Stop Signal System (ESS), rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera to make manoeuvring a breeze.
The Destinator EXCEED: The Premium Experience
For those who want to cross the Karoo in absolute luxury, the EXCEED trim takes the Destinator to a completely different level. Visually, it stands out with 18-inch machined-cut alloy wheels, a gloss-black front grille, chrome side window moulding, and practical roof rails for your outdoor gear.
The cabin of the EXCEED is a genuine sanctuary. The headline feature is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, utilising 8 strategically placed speakers to create a concert-hall experience on the road.
Further EXCEED exclusive upgrades include:
- Heat-Guard Seating: Synthetic leather seats featuring a specialised anti-temperature rise function—an absolute blessing under the harsh South African sun.
- Tech Upgrades: A massive 12.3-inch SDA infotainment screen paired with a full 8-inch digital driver display.
- Unmatched Comfort: A power panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control featuring nanoe™ X air purification technology, and a cooling function in the floor console box to keep your drinks chilled.
- Convenience: A smartphone wireless charger, front rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power tailgate with a memory function.
- Advanced Safety: The EXCEED adds a Multi Around Monitor (360-degree camera), front parking sensors, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The Verdict
The new Mitsubishi Destinator is not pretending to be a hardcore rock-crawler, and that is its greatest strength. It knows exactly what it is: the ultimate support vehicle for the energetic South African family. It offers the clearance and intelligent drive modes to explore, the premium tech to keep you entertained, and the comfort to make long-distance travel a joy.
If you are looking for a vehicle that fits your adventurous lifestyle without the clunky compromise of a commercial chassis, take a drive to Pretoria East. The Destinator might just be the best gravel-travel companion you haven’t met yet.
Contact Mitsubishi Menlyn today to book your test drive.
- Address: Cnr January Masilela & Garsfontein Road, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
- Tel: 012 369 9800
For more information or to book a test drive, please fill in the enquiry form below. The dealership staff are on standby and ready to assist you. Alternatively, you can contact Mitsubishi Motors Menlyn on 012 470 9200 or visit their showroom at Cnr January Masilela, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria.
