Issue 3_MiMagazine_EN

ISSUE 3

Electrified Adventures in a Plug-in Hybrid

PLUS: • Mitsubishi gives back • Delightful Delica • RVR runs free in B.C.

Turn your experiences into extraordinary memories.

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Features

The Faces Behind the Brand Kathryn Soubliere

Celebrate Canada 2024 Winter Events

Mi Weekend Escape 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Electric Vehicles on the Rise

Mi Owner Profile Nine Years. 275,000 Kilometres. No Regrets

The Art of Travel Exploring Vietnam

Making a Difference Mitsubishi is Driving Healthy Change

West Coast Road Tripping

Gear and Accessories

Nomadic Indulgence Must Stay Hotels and Resorts

Mi Time

Mi Build Building The Ultimate Fuel-Efficient Weekend Camper

New Roads Bucket List Drives - Go West!

The Cottage Experience Chef Alexandra Blagdon

All Mitsubishi trademarks and logos in Mi Magazine ‘Magazine’ are owned by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. or Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and are used under licence. All rights reserved. In addi- tion, the look and feel of the Magazine may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.’s (MMSCAN) prior written permission. The Magazine is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws. All other trademarks, registered trademarks, product names and company names or logos mentioned in the Magazine are the property of their respective owners. Their inclusion is for information purposes only and does not reflect sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. or any of its products or services. Products and services advertised in this issue are not necessarily en- dorsed by Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. Complaints or in- quiries should be forwarded directly to the advertiser. All purchases are at the complete discretion of the consumer. Printed in Canada.

Mi Team

PRESIDENT AND CEO Kenji Harada EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Carter, Director, Marketing EDITOR Dan Dakin, Manager, Communications and PR dan.dakin@na.mitsubishi-motors.com DIGITAL EDITOR Luis Machino, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing and CRM

The Perfect Pairing Sommelier Pairing

Mi Adventure Discovering Oregon by Delica

Service Tips and Advice It’s Time for Winter Tires

Contributors DON ULMER Senior Manager, Corporate and Product Strategy KRISTY SINGER Manager, Product Planning ROSS CARVELLI Manager, Aftersales Marketing SYLVAIN GILBERT Manager, Technical Services

Columns A Message From the President and CEO Kenji Harada

Design and Layout Jennifer Elia

8 6

Advertising Inquiries advertising@trqmedia.com

From the Editor Dan Dakin

Publisher TRQ MEDIA Inc.

Last Word Steve Carter

Mitsubishi Motors Customer Care Centre 1-888-576-4878 mitsubishi-canada@mmcan.ca

@MitsubishiMotorsCanada https://www.facebook.com/MitsubishiMotorsCanada @mitsubishican https://www.instagram.com/mitsubishican/ @MitsubishiCAN https://twitter.com/mitsubishican Mitsubishi Motors Canada https://www.youtube.com/user/mitsubishicanada

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Mi Magazine

A Message From the President and CEO

Welcome to Mi Magazine!

One year ago, we launched Mi Magazine with the goal of helping Canadians get a better understanding of the Mitsubishi Motors brand in Canada and, more importantly, introduce our readers to the people behind the famous tri- ple-diamond logo. Whether you’re reading this magazine in print while visiting one of our 96 dealerships from coast to coast to coast, or you’re flipping through the digit- al version at home, I hope what you take away from this third edition of Mi Magazine is that Mitsubishi makes vehicles that are made for adventure. Perhaps you’re a weekend warrior who works hard during the week and then heads out into the backcountry for camping, hiking, mountain biking or fish- ing on weekends. Maybe glamping or five-star hoteling is more your style, and you need a vehicle that you can pack full of suitcases and golf clubs.

Our 2024 model year vehicles have now arrived in showrooms and I’m confident that what we offer will fit nicely into every Canadian family’s lifestyle. From the value-packed and fuel-efficient Mirage to the fun and agile RVR to the tech-forward Eclipse Cross and award-winning three-row Outlander and Outlander PHEV mid-sized SUVs, no matter the size of the family or the activities they do when not at work, Mitsubishi makes vehicles that truly do allow people to drive their ambition. If you’re already a Mitsubishi owner, thank you for choosing the vehicle you did and being a loyal customer. If you’re thinking about choosing our brand for the first time, you can have confidence knowing that we’ve now been in Canada for 21 years, and we’ll continue to be here offering the vehicles that fit your lifestyle. We’re proud to call Canada home, and I personally would like to thank you, our customers, as well as our out- standing family of employees at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada and across our network of dealers with helping us achieve record sales. But more important than how many cars we sell is how that growth enables us to enrich society and support the communities we serve. In October, we wrapped up our Driving Healthy Change campaign that saw Mitsubishi and its employees, dealers and customers donate a remarkable $225,000 plus thousands of pounds of food to nation- al and local food banks across Canada. It is because of the hundreds of thousands of past, current and future Mitsubishi owners in Canada that we’re able to offer a helping hand to the community around us. Sincerely,

Kenji Harada President and CEO Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.

Mi Magazine

From the Editor

Welcome to Mi Magazine!

I was 12 years old when a family friend handed me a sealed Revell Monogram box containing a build-it-yourself 1:24 scale Lamborghini Countach model. I had played with Hot Wheels cars since before I could walk, but there was something about the distinctive lines of that Italian masterpiece and perhaps the fact that it would require countless hours of my undivided attention to paint and glue each part that drew me in like never before. I was hooked. In high school, my locker door was covered with pictures of exotic cars. In college, I bought my first car and learn- ed how to drive a manual transmission. (Apologies to the clutch and my neighbours who had to listen as I nearly destroyed it.) I went on to a lengthy career in journalism and then, over the past 10 years, communications and public relations. Through it all, my love of all-things automotive has never waned. So it felt like a dream-come-true in June when I was hired by Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada as Manager of Communications and Public Relations. At some point or another I’ve written about most of the business sectors in Canada, and I’ve worked in media, education and healthcare, but the auto sector is different from them all. Yes, we’re competitive and yes, we want you to buy our vehicles instead of theirs, but ultimately, we’re one big community. The auto industry is at a turning point and nobody can say with 100 per cent certainty what the fu- ture holds. But I do know that Mitsubishi is producing amazing vehicles and I’m proud to be part of the family. I’m also thrilled that part of my role includes serving as editor of Mi Magazine. I’ve been a senior or contributing editor with a half dozen or so magazines over the years, and this one stands out. Mi Magazine is largely about the triple-diamond brand, but it’s a lifestyle magazine first and foremost, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. We’ll be adding new content and features in the coming issues, such as the debut of a watch column in this edition. Happy reading,

Dan Dakin Editor, Mi Magazine Manager, Communications Strategy and PR Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS for 20 prosperous years in Canada.

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As a leading North American transportation and logistics provider we move Mitsubishi finished vehicles from Japan through the Port of Vancouver to our automotive facilities and on to dealers across Canada. Working together for the past 20 years we have formed a true supply chain partnership - helping get Mitsubishi cars into the hands of more Canadian consumers - faster and more efficiently. CN is proud to be Mitsubishi’s Canadian rail provider since day one!

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The Outlander PHEV is driven across a bridge over the Cumberland River near Celina, Tennessee. Photo by Victor Aerden

Celebrate Canada 2024 Winter Events

Our winter in Canada is dependably long, cold, dark… and absolutely beautiful! This list of favourite winter events follows the direction of the sun, starting in the east late in the morning and setting in the west early in the evening. Enjoy.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR NL Winter Games February 24 to March 2 The region surrounding Gander, including Appleton, Benton and Glenwood, plays host to the whole prov- ince, which itself is split into 10 competing regions. The one that earns the most points in the Games wins the Premier’s Cup. The Games feature winter activ- ities you’d expect like hockey, curling and cross-coun- try skiing but some indoor sports count too, including volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, table tennis and even wrestling. Who says they can’t be part of winter?

NOVA SCOTIA Hike the Highlands All winter long

Canada’s National Parks are the envy of the world. Yet even then, few are lovelier than Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its dramatic canyons and breathtaking coastal views on the Cabot Trail. In summer, the place is chock-a-block with visitors but in winter you get it all to yourself. Take note, hiking here in the winter is not recommended for the com- pletely inexperienced. Fortunately, you can drive the Cabot Trail, stop anywhere and take in the gobsmack- ing wintry emptiness at your own pace and comfort level. It’s an experience you’ll never forget — but will be tempted to repeat.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Ice City Festival Late January to early March

NEW BRUNSWICK Fredericton Frostival January 18 to February 4

Just picture it: One of Canada’s prettiest cities, Charlottetown, decorated extra prettily and popu- lated with plenty to do — all just for fun. Enjoy the ice sculptures, art installations, sugar shacks, brightly lit night skating, outdoor patios with hearty meals and refreshing hot and cold drinks, plus horse and wag- on rides. There’s even outdoor yoga, cheekily named Flow in the Slow. One last thought: just how do all those outdoor live musicians play their instruments without gloves?

It’s an epic two and a half weeks of outdoor and in- door fun — picture the most complete celebration of life in Fredericton — making loads of noise at the quietest time of the year. Events range wildly from forest skating to yoga with beer, to local crafts at a farmers’ market, to exploring the wintriest outdoor scenes in town with geocachers and scavenger hunt- ers. Arts lovers take in live theatre and music, plus Frosti Family Cinema and even an Art Battle.

QUEBEC Montréal en Lumière February 22 to March 4

This is the 25th anniversary of Montreal literally get- ting lit. There are loads of outdoor activities from skating to midway rides and fireside drinks. But let’s not forget where you are. In a city famous for its culinary indulgences, this festival still manages to

outshine others, dazzling foodies. And as the name suggests, the festival culminates with Nuit Blanche when Montreal stays awake even later than usual, having a great time with cultural activities for all, all night long.

ONTARIO Winterlude February 2 to 19

While largely known as an extended outdoor party in Ottawa, this annual event offers plenty to do in- doors and shares the spotlight with its twin city of Rideau in la belle province of Quebec. Rated in 2021 by BizBash among the Top 100 Events in the United States and Canada, Winterlude has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1979. Perhaps most famous for its skating on the Rideau Canal other famous ac- tivities include bed races, snow and ice sculptures, tube sliding, and multiple cultural activities.

MANITOBA Festival du Voyageur February 16 to 26

Since 1969, this celebration of French Manitoba’s culture, language and heritage has presented joie de vivre in the depths of winter! As you’d expect there’s plenty of snow sculptures and live music is performed by locals. But then it gets competi- tive and loads of fun! Different age groups compete

in violin recitals and gigue dancing competitions. Men compete for the best beards with subcategories in- cluding interesting shaving, voyageur beards and even innovations in beard presentation. Be sure not to miss the Best Pea Soup competition.

SASKATCHEWAN Frost Regina January 26 to February 3

This sustainable winter festival is supported by Regina’s business community, welcoming visitors and locals alike. Activities include downtown skating amid enchanting light installations, live music, dogsled- ding, costumed curling in the football stadium, lovely ice sculptures with plenty of space for selfies, art and traditional dancing, and much more. Small wonder or- ganizers call the festival and town “a place where the world comes to play.” Keep your eyes peeled for their mascot, Jack Frost, who is a snowman but not at all abominable.

ALBERTA SnowDays Festival January 19 to February 4

Banff and Lake Louise are already among the loveliest places to behold, not just in Canada, but anywhere. The SnowDays Festival just elevates that. Between 4 and 8 p.m. daily throughout the event, Bear Street is overtaken with live music, circus acts and street per- formers. For kids on Wednesdays through Sundays, there’s a Play Zone with innertube sliding hills and a fat-tire bike track. Of course, everywhere you look, there are magnificent snow sculptures. Finally, be sure not to miss “skijoring”, a suite of skilful horse-rid- ing tricks combined with skiing stunts.

BRITISH COLUMBIA Vernon Winter Carnival February 2 to 11

A real DIY local event, this carnival dates back to the early 1960s, although the first-ever Vernon Winter Festival took place in 1893. (No surprise, that was also B.C.’s first.) The theme for this year is ‘Games,’ which makes sense given the number of competitions this annual party entails: elaborate snow sculptures, grade school festival posters, high school essayists, and even the parade floats are judged. Events range from a bingo marathon and 10-km run to a mile-long skating race and (we assume, a much shorter) polar bear swim. Mi

Mi Weekend Escape 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Tennessee Road Trip

Known colloquially as the Music City thanks to a deserved reputation as the song writing capital of the world, Nashville certainly has plenty to appease fans of country and beyond. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the Tennessee capital — and the surrounding counties — which also features beautiful nature and roads, top-tier restaurants, five-star hotels and more. Mi took the mid-size crossover on a summer drive in the area to experience the above, and here are some of the highlights of a quick trip to this scenic region.

cent takes 38 minutes if plugged into a compatible station. In addition, a nifty vehicle-to-load function allows occupants to connect electronic devices to one of two 120-volt AC outlets powered by the vehicle’s on-board 1,500-watt inverter. For example: recrea- tional equipment or the LED lights and coffee maker used during our overnight excursion. The powertrain is comprised of a 2.4-litre Atkinson- cycle four-cylinder engine, complemented by a pair of electric motors and a generator, creating 248 horse- power, 332 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive. When everything is working in concert, fuel consumption is rated at a thrifty 3.6 Le/100 km in mixed city and highway operation. The vehicle truly shines while venturing off the beaten path. The company’s lauded Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system distributes torque to each corner as needed providing optimal traction, demonstrated im- pressively when we took the SUV on rough trails and through thick underbrush in neighbouring Fayetteville. New on the model is rear Active Yaw Control, pre- viously only offered up front, which can individually brake the left or right wheel improving cornering abil- ity. The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is sold in five main trims and starts at $46,538.

DRIVE Picking the right vehicle capable of easily maneu- vering through the city and backcountry, carrying a full load of people and gear, and reducing pain at the pump isn’t always easy. Fortunately, the reimagined 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ticks all the boxes. This second-generation flagship boasts the brand’s latest Dynamic Shield styling language, characterized by ultra-slim LED daytime running lights and signa- ture chrome “X”-shaped elements on the front fascia. A slightly larger footprint equals extra interior space, and due to a repackaged higher-capacity battery de- signers managed to fit a stowable third row in the back to accommodate smaller passengers. Speaking of the battery, its upgraded 20 kilowatt-hour rating yields 61 kilometres of emissions-free mo- toring, or together with the larger 56-litre fuel tank gives the compact-size crossover a total travel range of an impressive 687 kilometres (Fun fact: the latter is exactly the distance between Nashville, Tennessee and Momence, Illinois). A nice bonus is DC fast-charger support, not usually seen in the segment, meaning topping up to 80 per

STAY If you’re looking for a different kind of holiday under the stars, Getaway might be the ticket. Launched in 2015, the company specializes in tiny cabin (think 140 to 200 square feet) wilderness escapes within two hours of major U.S. cities. In Nashville the outpost is located in the nearby community of Moss on a 415- acre lot overlooking a majestic forest. Every compact plot includes a parking spot, firepit, picnic table and Adirondack chairs, and inside each cabin is a comfortable Queen bed or bunk, hot shower stall, air conditioning and heating system, two-burner stove, sink and drinking water and toilet. There’s lim- ited cellphone reception and no Wi-Fi, but that’s kind of the point, right? Don’t worry: a landline is provid- ed in case of emergencies, and the Getaway team is available 24/7.

EAT Nestled on the ground floor of the Joseph Hotel in the heart of Nashville is the fine-dining Italian estab- lishment Yolan. Opened by chef Tony Mantuano who helped Chicago’s Spiaggia earn a Michelin star, the walls of the beautiful airy eatery are lined with curated wine bottles pairing perfectly to the antipasti (appe- tizer), primi (first) and secondi (main) dishes found on the à la carte menu.

Indecisive? Then the tasting menu may be the route to go. Standouts among this season’s eight- course Campania-region-inspired selection are the Tortelli “alla Genovese” (short rib, onion, Parmigiano- Reggiano), Parmigiana di Melanzane (eggplant, scamorza, tomato jam), and Spigola (Mediterranean seabass, chanterelles, zucchini alla scapece).

PLAY Ever want to get behind the wheel of a single-seat, open wheel race car and learn how to actually drive it? At PTC Driving Academy, you can. Offering one- and two-day schools, professional instructors teach the fundamentals such as advanced braking techniques, car control and proper heel-and-toe downshifting on a 2.1-mile-long track, and in the more advanced pro- grams, passing. No previous experience is necessary, though drivers need to be able to operate a manual transmission. Prices start at $1,425 USD. The track is also available for private rental, and on the 420-acre property also sits a classroom and office, bathrooms and kitchen and a merch shop.

SEE The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been called the “Smithsonian of country music” and for good reason — the 350,000-square-foot facility is a sight to behold from the piano-shaped architecture down to the onsite Hatch Show Print letterpress busi- ness that has been making posters for the industry since 1879.

Inside the galleries, visitors can browse the countless priceless artifacts including stage wear and instru- ments, personal effects and the famous Gold Record Wall. One of the notable permanent exhibitions is Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present exploring the genre’s roots in the nineteenth century through today. Mi

Mi Owner Profile Nine years. 275,000 kilometres. No Regrets.

When David Heinrichs and his wife Maria French purchased a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander with the third-row seating option from Waverly Mitsubishi in Winnipeg, Manitoba nine years ago, they could never have imagined the adventures and rough roads it would help them handle.

“I was always a Mitsubishi person,” said Heinrichs. “My wife wanted something reliable, fuel efficient and spacious. She didn’t know too much about Mitsubishis at the time, but we bought it mostly as a city vehicle.” The Outlander saw mostly pavement while the couple lived in Winnipeg for two years, but that all changed once they returned to French’s hometown of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, located about 100 km northeast of Dryden (and nearly 1,800 km north of Toronto). Heinrichs and French still use their Outlander for com- muting to work and regular trips to the city (Dryden) on paved roads, but it has also become a frequent off-roader through the challenging terrain around Sioux Lookout. “Out in the bush it has done extremely well,” Heinrichs said. “Maria grew up on the backroads, so she knew them very well. When we first started taking it out, she tested it on the easier routes and loved it. Since then, we’ve just taken it as far as we can take it.” In its 275,000 km of use, the couple’s Outlander has been up steep, rock-covered inclines, through deep water, mud and snow, and across as many dirt and gravel routes as the family has been able to find. It has even been used to pull a few ill-prepared southern Ontario tourists out of the snow. “My wife told me after the first year driving it here that it was the best vehicle she had ever driven. For someone who grew up in the bush driving 4x4s, that’s a big compliment,” Heinrichs said. A particular highlight is off-roading with all seven seats occupied. “We get some looks from people,” he said with a laugh. For some, nearly 300,000 km may be cause for con- cern, but Heinrichs said other than a few minor wear and tear repairs along the way, the Outlander has been rock solid. “There’s a lot of life left in this thing,” he said. “I think 500,000 km is easily accessible.” Mi

Making a Difference Mitsubishi is Driving Healthy Change

With 96 dealerships across the country, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) is part of 96 distinct communities, and supporting those communities is an important part of the brand’s ethos. In the leadup to World Food Day on October 16, Mitsubishi launched its third Driving Healthy Change campaign, which included donations of funds and col- lected food from both the corporate team and dozens of participating dealerships. The end result was more than $225,000 donated to Food Banks Canada and local food banks from coast to coast to coast. That equates to some 450,000 meals for those experiencing food insecurity. “I’m incredibly proud of how everyone came togeth- er to support an important issue facing food banks across Canada,” said MMSCAN President and CEO Kenji Harada. “Our dealers continue to show how they are socially responsible members of their home communities.” A record number of dealers took part this year’s Driving Healthy Change campaign, donating more than $75,000 directly to their local food banks. In addition, MMSCAN made a corporate donation of $150,000 to Food Banks Canada. MMSCAN also hosted

a social media contest with followers guessing how many boxes of cereal would fit in the back of a 2023 Outlander PHEV. As part of that contest, Mitsubishi donated $1,000 to Food Banks Mississauga and $500 to Simcoe Hall Food Bank in Oshawa – the hometown of the contest winner. MMSCAN’s employees at its head office and Parts Distribution Centre donated more than 200 pounds of food and raised money at its company golf tour- nament to support Food Banks Mississauga. Team members also donated their time to volunteer at the food bank in the leadup to the holidays. “Thank you to Mitsubishi and all those who supported the Driving Healthy Change campaign to help those in need,” said Erin Filey-Wronecki, Chief Development and Partnerships Officer with Food Banks Canada. “As we work towards increasing awareness of food insec- urity, we know how tough it is for many that struggle across the country and your donations truly make a difference.” In the three years of the Driving Healthy Change cam- paign, MMSCAN and its employees and dealers across Canada have now donated more than $500,000 to the cause. Mi

It’s no secret that Mitsubishi offers the perfect vehicles for adventuring, thanks to capable entries in the lineup like the Eclipse Cross and Outlander. But when the weather turns nasty, there are some pieces of gear and ac- cessories you will want to bring along to make sure everyone arrives to the winter destination relaxed and enter- tained post-arrival. Here are some of the latest products available now. Gear and Accessories

Amazon Echo Auto 2 Amazon first brought the Alexa personal concierge experience into the vehicle in 2018, and now the e-commerce giant has launched a much more com- pact second-generation version. A clever adhesive dock sticks to almost any smooth surface in the cab- in, and the slick, black 52 x 23 mm device housing both an action and mute button simply clips on mag- netically. An inline speaker is installed on the USB-A cord providing power. After pairing the Echo Auto 2 using the smartphone app and the car’s infotainment via AUX or Bluetooth, the five built-in microphones picks up any verbal commands after an occupant says “Alexa,” (or press- es the aforementioned action button) like “check the weather,” or “take me home.” In the box is also a 12- volt adapter to accommodate older models without a USB input. Soundcore Sleep A10 Wireless earphones are a dime a dozen, however try- ing to find a proper pair designed to help people get a little shuteye can be challenging. The Soundcore Sleep A10 is a new entry in the market that relies on passive rather than active noise cancelling and gentle audio to mask unwanted external noise. No integrated micro- phones and various-sized winged silicon tips allow the buds to stay slim and wear comfortably in-ear, even for side sleepers. The companion app features different types of white noise to play, or users are free to listen to their own music. The software packs extra functionality as well such as data tracking and an alarm. The battery lasts a maximum 10 hours, and the bundled charging case adds an extra 40 hours particularly handy while travelling.

Vessi Boardwalk Searching for an easy-to-wear shoe to drive in that’s not too chunky, resistant to the ele- ments and looks great simultaneous- ly? Then the search is over. The unisex

Vessi Boardwalk is a sleek, minimalis- tic vegan sneaker sporting a grippy green outsole and an upper covered in the brand’s signature lightweight and waterproof Dyma-Tex mesh knit

material. The elastic ankle collar aids the slip-on and slip-off process and the hit of microfibre on the heel is a nice premium touch. Children need not be left out, either. The Kids Weekend possesses the same properties as the above in a

laced style with a durable toe cap, high side panels to protect against splashing and pull tabs. If the pair gets dirty after a muddy puddle session, simply put them in a laundry bag and toss in the washing machine.

Gear and Accessories

Dents Donnington Having produced luxury leather gloves for over two centuries, there’s no doubt UK company Dents knows what it’s doing. Just check out the retro-cool Donnington driving gloves made in Britain from but- tery-soft premium hairsheep, and fine details like the distinctive contrast cotton crochet-knit on the back and thumb, half-pique stitching and reinforced cuffs and vents.

The streamlined pair fit like, ahem, a glove due to an unlined con- struction ensuring hands are snug against the leather, and the elasticated inner wrist and vents on the back reducing any exces- sive tightness around the wrist area. Available in four colours: cork, navy, hunter and black.

Kensington 100W USB-C GaN Power Adapter Already on the road and forgot your charger at home? No problem. The Kensington 100W USB-C GaN Power Adapter should cover most bases. Utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) rather than conventional silicon-based technology, the unit comparatively produces less heat, is built smaller and can last longer. Measuring just 70 x 70 x 30 mm, folding prongs further enhan- ces its portability. Boasting a 100-watt capacity the charger deliv- ers high-speed juice to phones, tablets, laptops and handheld gaming consoles, and a two-metre-long cable means devices don’t have to be tethered to the wall when plugged in. Backed by a two-year warranty.

Worx 4V Cordless Screwdriver Say goodbye to cramped, tired hands during week- end DIY projects. The Worx 4V Cordless Screwdriver is fully automated featuring three different speeds — 22, 33 and 44 in-lbs — to tackle almost any job. A sim- ple press of a button at the base changes the torque level, the current setting shown on the adjacent pro- gressive light display, and in the centre is the direc- tional trigger. The onboard lithium battery recharges via the supplied standard USB-C cord in about 1.5 hours, and has a runtime of 45 minutes. The tool, which accepts ¼-inch hex-shanked bits, comes in a carrying case also containing a number of commonly-sized Phillips, slotted, Torx and Robertson square bits. The 178 mm screwdriver weighs just 680 grams and is made of nylon-composite partial- ly wrapped in rubber. Comfortable to hold, twin LEDs near the shaft illuminate dark tasks. Mi

Mi Build Building the Ultimate Fuel-Efficient Weekend Camper

When air travel, cruises and hotel stays became a significant challenge during the pandemic, camping saw a dramatic rise in interest across North America and around the world.

the Outlander PHEV has everything a solo adventurer or family fun-seekers could want in a mid-sized SUV. When we set out to build the ultimate weekend camp- er, the goal was to transform the Outlander PHEV in a way that didn’t make any permanent changes to the vehicle – that is to say, nothing that would impact what makes the SUV so good as a daily driver. And we didn’t want anything permanently affixed to the vehicle. The idea was to use this particular Mitsubishi as a platform that could show how the PHEV could be customized to fit your lifestyle. It’s also important to note that any accessories you add to the vehicle need to be installed to the specifications of the manufac- turers of both the Outlander and the accessories. Of course, it goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that adding extra bits and pieces may have an impact on things like PHEV range and fuel economy. Consult with your owners’ manual for weight restrictions and other key information.

Outdoor stores started selling out of tents, sleeping bags, kayaks, paddleboards, mountain bikes and any- thing else one might want for a weekend adventure. There was also a sudden and unexpected jump in RV sales, with recreational trailer manufacturers (like many other industries) struggling to pump out prod- uct to keep up with demand. But for many consumers, spending $50,000, $100,000 or even more on something that would only be used a few times a year wasn’t feasible, so they turned to building their own camping rigs out of cargo vans, SUVs and even passenger cars. However, few vehicles make as good a platform for weekend campers or road-trippers as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Combining plenty of cargo space, three rows of seats and Super All-Wheel Control with all the benefits of an EV, including fantastic efficiency, an on-board 20-kWh battery and 1,500-watt inverter,

When we look at who is buying the Outlander PHEV specifically, it’s people who love spending their spare time hiking, camping, travelling, running, fishing, hunting, mountain biking – basically anything that gets them outside. Mitsubishi owners are an adven- turous bunch. The build vehicle we selected for the project was the 2023 Outlander PHEV GT-Premium S-AWC. That’s the top-end of the model spectrum with the stunning white diamond paint job and black roof — the MSRP for 2023 was $57,048, though the base model of the Outlander PHEV was (and remains for 2024) well under $50,000. All models come equipped with Mitsubishi’s advanced safety features and renowned Super All- Wheel Control system. Regardless of the road sur- face or weather conditions, you can have confidence knowing the vehicle is built to handle all the adven- tures you can throw at it. And in the GT-Premium trim, you can enjoy those ad - ventures while being treated to semi-aniline leather seats with built-in heat and massage up front. Mitsubishi makes a whole slate of add-on parts and accessories for the Outlander and Outlander PHEV, so we selected a number of items that enhance either the function or appearance of the compact SUV. To keep things looking good, we added a hood protect- or, chrome bumper plate, scuff plates, mudguards

and all-weather floor guards in the interior (a must for anyone who spends a significant amount of time off the beaten path). For a bit of functionality and ap- pearance, we added side-window deflectors, as well as black mirror covers. Most importantly, in order to maximize how we could transform the Outlander PHEV into a weekend camp- er platform, we added a roof carrier kit (crossbars) to the factory roof rails, and the recently released tow kit including a hitch harness. Although not installed at the time of the photoshoot accompanying this piece, we also updated the wheel and tire package. This is not to say that the stock 20- inch, two-tone alloy wheels aren’t either capable or attractive, because they’re both. Having put the PHEV through its paces in multiple off-road settings on the factory wheels and 255/45 R20 all-season tires, it was incredibly capable. Put the SUV into ‘mud’ mode and it can handle terrain that feels impassable by some- thing that looks and drives so luxuriously. But we also wanted to take this build even further, so we swapped out the factory setup with 18” Summit wheels from Fastco’s HD line and wrapped them in Falken WildPeak 235/60 R18 A/T tires that are rated for all-weather use, including snow. They look great and can handle year-round adventures.

Next, we needed the gear to carry our gear. That meant partnering with Thule, a brand known around the world for making extremely high-quality acces- sories for mounting just about anything you could im- agine on a vehicle. As mentioned, we added the factory Mitsubishi cross- bars to the Outlander PHEV, which gave us the plat- form to add a variety of Thule mounts. For camping, we added the Thule 6’ OutLand Awning, which creates perfect coverage for some camping chairs and a table (or even a small tent if you want to stay out of the rain). That leaves plenty of space for a variety of roof rack mounts. To test out the versatility, we added a Thule Pulse cargo box, as well as mounts for a kayak, bicycle, skis/snowboard and even a standup paddle- board (just not all at the same time). We also added a Thule T2 Pro XTR hitch rack. In order to stay fueled for all those adventures, the next important decision was how to add a removeable kitchen into the Outlander PHEV’s generous cargo space. Some online research led us to Nomad Kitchen Co., a family-run business out of Alameda, California. They make kitchen and drawer systems that fit in the back of SUVs, pickups and even hatchback pas- senger cars. The width of the Outlander is perfect to mount the Original Nomad Kitchen on one side and the Original Pantry Drawer on the other. These con- nect together and to the vehicle’s upper and lower luggage loops using heavy duty ratchet straps, ensur- ing a snug and secure fit. When closed, the system is

just 64 cm deep, meaning you can still use the second row of seats without any issues. But where the magic happens is when you are parked at a campground. Releasing the locking mechanism allows the two-level drawers to slide out revealing a basic sink, storage basket and a separate drawer for a two-burner camping stove. That’s all tucked into the Original Nomad Kitchen. On the Pantry Drawer side is a drawer for utensils, dishes or whatever else you might want packed away. The top of the drawer is a larger countertop that lifts off to access the storage. When parked, we set on top of the Nomad two items that take this system to a new level: a Reliance 15-litre water tank with a spigot that sits above the compact sink, and a Dometic CFX3 35 plug-in fridge/ freezer. The latter offers 36 litres of ice-cold storage and can run off of the Outlander’s 12v system or the 110v/1,500-watt outlet mounted behind the front seats and in the rear cargo area. To keep within the weight limits of the luggage hooks, we stored the water tank and fridge in the back seat during transit and then set them in place while camping. With its large on-board battery and inverter, the Outlander PHEV has loads of power to use electric accessories such as coolers, kettles, coffee makers, lights and more. Of course, that’s only part of the benefit – you also get all the driving benefits of the PHEV, including plenty of range in all-EV mode, su- perior traction and seven different driving modes de- pending on the conditions and your preferences.

While this weekend camper build was a one-off ex- ample, all of the Mitsubishi add-on accessories, Thule products and the replacement wheel/tire combo can be ordered directly through your nearest Mitsubishi dealer. The Nomad Kitchen Co. setup is available dir- ectly through their website and can be shipped to Canada. Mi

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-Premium S-AWC Starting MSRP* $57,048 Mitsubishi Accessories

$3,500 (All prices approximate)

Thule Accessories

$4,500 $3,000 $2,300 $1,300

Fastco/Falken Wheel and Tire package

Nomad Kitchen Co. setup Dometic CFX35 Fridge

Camping Accessories $1,000 *MSRP is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price in Canadian dollars not including PDI, freight, applicable taxes, and all other fees/ charges. Pricing is for information only and not an offer. See your Mitsubishi dealer or visit https://www.mitsubishi-motors.ca for details.

New Roads Bucket List Drives - Go West!

A good road can turn a journey into a destination and transform a good car into a great one. Whether it’s just the road itself – a winding and undulating ribbon of engagement – or it’s the landscape that surrounds it, we all know one when we find it. You grip the wheel with a little more vigour, your focus is honed and your vehicle starts to shrink around you. It can be, in a word, heavenly. There are literally thousands of good roads connecting dots across North America, but a great many tend to call the West Coast home. Here is but a small collection of some that one can only find if they heed the wise words of The Pet Shop Boys: Go West!

that the Copper River, which this route follows, boasts some of the world’s best salmon fishing. Push just a little further and you will be greeted and gobsmacked by the Worthington Glacier – one of only a few in the world that can be driven to. The route continues and greets adventurers with a sojourn through the boreal forests bordering the Tanana River. This portion of North America’s snow forest is but a small chunk of what makes up one of the world’s largest biomes, which stretches latitudin- ally across the entire planet. For our enthusiasts wearing the stringback gloves, the Richardson – although fully paved since the late 50s – is not a straight line. Carving through the sinu- ous Keystone Canyon, the drive is nothing short of engaging. Despite its size and remoteness, there are numerous stops along the way for food, gas and lodging. And for folks who maintain the Christmas Spirit through- out the year, a visit to North Pole, Alaska – a town just before Fairbanks that Santa and his reindeer call home – is a must.

Richardson Highway – Alaska Just let the word Alaska spill from your lips and the mind races with visions of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Spanning just short of 600 kilometres, the Richardson Highway connects Valdez in the south, to Fairbanks in the north and promises all of these things and more. It is Alaska’s oldest highway, dating back to 1910 when Major Wilds P. Richardson worked to turn what was a mere footpath for gold rushing stampeders into a wagon trail. With its length, this isn’t a Sunday afternoon-type cruise, and the scenery it presents will probably have you linger longer than you expect. Starting at mile-marker 0, your journey begins in Valdez, nestled in Prince William Sound, where the water meets the Chugach Mountains. From there, it slinks north east via the Thompson Pass, which at an elevation of 855 metres, is renowned for being Alaska’s snowiest sec- tion of road. So plan accordingly. If rod and reel find their way into your luggage, know

ranches, clearwater lakes and some of the finest camping spots we’ve ever experienced await. For fans of the hit series Alone, know that one of the seasons was shot near this area, with competitors setting up camp near Chilko Lake. The towns of Williams Lake and Alexis Creek serve as perfect spots to stock up on supplies and amenities but also for jumping off points if travel along a logging route sounds appealing. Should you decide to stick to the beaten path, fear not as “The Hill” awaits on the western edge of the highway. Created when locals took things into their own hands and started bulldozing from either end, The Hill or Precipice lies within 137 km of Canadian gumption. Much of this portion of the route remains unpaved but is arguably the best part. Numerous switchbacks reward drivers with incredible vistas of the Coast Range via the Heckerman Pass. Peaking at just under 1,500 m, the descent into Bella Coola lasts around 9 km with grades of up to 18 per cent. While not for the faint of heart, the journey will surely im- print as one most memorable.

Chilcotin Bella Coola Highway – British Columbia

While the Sea to Sky Highway may be the most popu- lar road for drivers in British Columbia, we’d argue that the Chilcotin Bella Coola Highway is actually its best for its mix of breathtaking landscapes and adventur- ous terrains. Running for 457 km, the Chilcotin is the only artery that connects the picturesque and tiny town of Bella Coola on B.C.’s central coast to its in- terior, terminating at Williams Lake along the Fraser River. There are two ways to get to the mighty Chilcotin: a roughly seven-hour drive from Vancouver to Williams Lake (which will put you on the old Sea to Sky) or, our preferred route, via the Northern Sea Wolf ferry run- ning from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island into Bella Coola – because every adventure deserves a ferry ride – and this will be an adventure. The Chilcotin is the main artery for many a small town within B.C.’s central interior. As such it is sparse- ly populated for its entirety and extremely pictur- esque. Forests, mountains, desert canyons, sprawling

Whidbey Island Scenic Way – Washington For drivers seeking something a little shorter than our previous two offerings, the Whidbey Island Scenic Way on Whidbey Island, Washington is a mere 75 km in length but is equally rewarding for its engaging roads, postcard worthy landscapes and numerous delectable stops. While most Seattleites are battling the rain and mist of the Pacific Northwest, Whidbey Island hides in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains and its loca- tion within Puget Sound also keeps things more tem- perate too. As such you shouldn’t have to worry much about snow, if this is a winter trip. Opened in 1935, the bridge at Deception Pass is argu- ably the main reason this route may have found its way onto your agenda. Spanning 453 m in length, the collection of two bridges sit at Whidbey’s north end and connect it to Fidalgo Island. Sitting some 55 m above the water, it provides an incredible vista. For the best photo to post, we’d recommend parking at Deception Pass State Park and walking over for ideal framing. And be sure to stick around at the park for some excellent hiking and a dip in one of their beauti- ful tide pools. If you consider yourself a foodie, a stop in Coupeville is never a bad idea. One of the oldest communities on the island, it boasts more than a handful of spots for a nosh with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. The mussels here are world famous for a reason. If you need something sweet to wash down the savoury, a stop at Old Spot’s Bistro in Greenbank Farm is a must for a legendary, handmade Whidbey Pie – the Loganberry is the one you want. Trust us. The Whidbey Island Distillery can also be found along this route and will happily provide you with some af- ter-drive libations. They are famed for their various berry liqueurs but don’t miss out on their award-win- ning Bunker Rye Whiskey.

Mondavi, Stag’s Leap – are always worthy of a vis- it, a poke around the Lake Hennessey area will reveal smaller, family-run boutique wineries where experi- mentation in varietals may prove more prevalent. If your tummy is rumbling, know that Napa Valley boasts more Michelin Stars per capita than any other wine region in the world. Continuing north west, Sonoma Valley welcomes with open arms and 17 different American Viticultural Areas. Don’t forget to pace yourself with breaks to take in some of the local art or a trip to Lake Sonoma itself or the Russian River. We recommend parking the car, stretching your legs and being humbled with a walk through the enormous Redwoods that call the region home. Continuing on towards the coast, don’t be lured too quickly by the promise of crashing surf. Route 128 winds its way through the “Petit Tetons” of Yorkville and down into the Anderson Valley where you can witness the geological transformation from mountain to valley to coast before meeting California’s storied Highway 1.

Wine to Waves (Route 128) – California California wine country is world renowned for its Michelin rated restaurants, stunning scenery and, of course, its wines. Route 128 – better known as the Wine to Waves Route – is a winding ribbon of as- phalt that takes you from the Sacramento Valley to coastal Mendocino. This road really should be some- where near the top of everyone’s list. And let’s face it, the fact that the route begins in a place named Yolo County kind of seals the deal, right? If you time it right (late August), your journey can begin with a celebration at The Earthquake Festival in Winters. The annual party is held to celebrate the town’s rise after a doublet of quakes hit the area in 1892. From Winters, your drive will take you around the southern end of Lake Berryessa before entering the Napa Valley. With more than 400 wineries calling the region home, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to reasons to stop and perhaps spend the night. While the heavy hitters in the region – Robert

Monument Valley - Utah Few places on this Earth are as inspiring and beautiful as Monument Valley in Utah. If you’ve never visited the area before, prepare to be transported to an almost alien world of red rocks and otherworldly formations. Set your alarm for before sunrise and begin your day by marvelling over (and photographing) the sun rising over the East and West Mittens in Navajo Tribal Park. With summits taller than 1800 m – and thumbs fa- cing one another – the scene will no doubt lead the conversation around the breakfast table that day. We recommend the Navajo Fry Bread at The View Restaurant. Hopping onto the Scenic Loop Road, you will un- doubtedly not be alone and have little room to flex your driving enthusiast muscles. This is a popular spot – complete with park fees – and it’s neither paved nor exactly smooth, so expect to cruise slowly while tak- ing in the sites. Guides are available to hire, should you like to learn about the history and culture of the Navajo. A hired guide will also give you access to some off-lim- it areas. Most importantly, this will allow you to hike up to various formations that other folks can only ad- mire from behind their windows.

There are 11 different sites along the looped route, and surely most will look familiar as they’ve likely been a part of a movie or two that you’ve enjoyed in the past. Because temperatures can be quite sizzling in the area, we recommend you time your drive to the shoul- der seasons and not limit yourself to this single 27-km road. From this point you are within an hour of Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges National Monument. Moab, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are also quite close, via a trip up Highway 191.

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