Issue 2_MiMagazine_EN

SPRING 2023

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Features

Mi 20 Years in Canada Mitsubishi Motors Celebrates 20 Years in Canada

Mi Spotlight 2023 Mitsubishi RVR

Fireside Chat 2023 Outlander PHEV

Celebrate Canada 2023 Spring Events

Mi Test Drive 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Art Of Travel Experience Bermuda

Gear And Accessories

The Cottage Experience Chef Alexandra Blagdon

New Roads Six Great Driving Roads In North America 30

From The Kitchen Chef recipe

Mi Weekend Escape 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

A Somm’s Tale Sommelier Scott Patrick Cowan

Kaoru Sawase The Man affectionately referred to as the God Father of S-AWC

The Perfect Pairing Pair These With Burgers!

Mi Spotlight 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

Nomadic Indulgence Must Stay Hotels And Resorts

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 license. 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 inquiries should be forwarded directly to the advertiser. All purchases are at the complete discretion of the consumer. Printed in Canada.

Mi Team Contributors KENJI HARADA President and CEO STEVE CARTER Executive Editor and Director, Marketing DON ULMER Senior Manager, Corporate & Product Strategy KRISTY SINGER Product Planning Manager ROSS CARVELLI Manager, Aftersales Marketing SYLVAIN GILBERT Manager, Technical Services NAOKO MONGEON Senior Specialist, Brand Marketing

Mi Heritage A History of Mitsubishi Rally Success: Dakar Rally Championships

Mi Spotlight 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage

Digital Focus Where In The World Is Brian Chow

Service Tips And Advice Spring Vehicle Maintenance

Ten Driving Tips For Saving Fuel And Funds

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

Columns

Design & Layout Jennifer Elia

A Message From The President And CEO Kenji Harada

Advertising Inquiries advertising@trqmedia.com

Last Word Steve Carter

Publisher TRQ MEDIA INC.

@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!

Bold. Innovative. Technology-driven. Customer-focused. These are just some of the words that reflect the heart of Mitsubishi Motors Canada and our obsession for creating and delivering automobiles that Canadians love. We are first and foremost a company focussed on people, and that is reflected in the products you see here in this our second issue of Mi Magazine. Every vehicle is designed to be fun-to-drive, spacious, depend‑ able and exceed the needs of drivers through all four seasons in this great country, and our commitment to excellence is equally great. Mi Magazine speaks to the heart of what it means to own a Mitsubishi vehicle. Adventure is in our DNA and its in yours too. In fact, it is probably one of the reasons why you chose to trust us with your vehicle purchase, and we take this to heart. In this issue, we take you inside the heartbeat of our company and sit down

for a fireside chat with Kentaro Honda, the Segment Chief Vehicle Engineer, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Honda-San is passionate about the vehicles he and his team develop and it shows in every detail. As an avid out‑ door enthusiast, he also brings his excitement for mountain climbing into the development of the new Outlander PHEV. Going somewhere remote shouldn’t be limited by what propels our vehicles, and the new Outlander PHEV proves it. To achieve 20 years in Canada is not only a major milestone for our team of 100 dedicated professionals at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc., but the 96 dealerships that represent our brand across the country. The fact that over 330,000 vehicles have been sold, is also testament to the loyalty of our customers and a statement that Mitsubishi makes great vehicles. And, we are just getting started. New technology is changing the way we drive and what we use to power our vehicles as a society and that is a great thing. As we move forward into the next 20 years of Mitsubishi Motors in Canada, it is impossible to say what the future holds; but we know its exciting and we will be there bringing it to you with every vehicle we deliver. It’s been a great ride so far and we want to thank you for joining us! We hope you enjoy this issue of Mi Magazine as we share some insight, adventure, a little luxury and more. Thanks for being part of the Mitsubishi Canada family! Sincerely,

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

MORE THAN DRIVEN For 20 years, Mitsubishi Motors has brought constant innovation to Canada. Every vehicle has been refined with forward-thinking technologies and intuitive features. Ones that don’t just improve your drive. They make days easier. Moments more exciting. And inspire you to explore.

Thank you Canada. As we Charge Forward over the next 20 years, the best is yet to come.

Mitsubishi-Motors.ca

Mi 20 Years in Canada

Mitsubishi Motors from coast-to-coast descended on Toronto in October 2022 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors in Canada. This new Japanese automaker captured the imaginations of Canadians and entrepreneurs alike. The company quickly signed on 43 dealers in its first year and now stands proudly with 96 dealers from Victoria Island to Newfoundland.

The festivities kicked off with a Kagami Biraki Sake Ceremony. Kagami refers to the lid of the sake bar‑ rel and biraki means “to open” so kagami-biraki means “opening the lid.” The lid’s round shape is a symbol of harmony. The kagami-biraki, represents an opening to harmony and good fortune.

Kenji Harada, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, welcomed dealers and special guests Yoichiro Yatabe, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and Tomoki Yanagawa, Division General Manager, MMC Global After Sales.

Cheers to 20 more great years Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada!

Celebrate Canada 2023 Spring Events

It’s quite a magical time in Canada as the winter frost finally thaws, with some amazing events happening both indoors and outdoors across the country. Here is a list of Mi’s 10 favourites to check out throughout the spring and summer months.

BRITISH COLUMBIA Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. March 3 to May 28

ALBERTA Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo April 27 to 30 Like movies, comics, anime, gaming and/or pop cul‑ ture in general? Then put the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo on your calendar. Taking place in the heart of the city at Stampede Park, entrants can attend celebrity panels, have photos taken with fa‑ vourite stars, participate in cosplay and pick up sou‑ venirs in the merch hall. Scheduled appearances in‑ clude James McAvoy (X-Men), Hayden Christensen (Star Wars) and Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

An acronym for Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. finally arrives in western Canadian at The Amazing Brentwood mall in Burnaby after making stops in France, England and the U.S. Based off the popular Marvel comics and movies, it’s a family-friendly exhib‑ ition where entrants get to experience Iron Man’s “Hall of Armour” and Bruce Banner’s lab and see Captain America’s shield and Black Widow’s weapons up close.

SASKATCHEWAN First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Powwow April 22 to 23 Join the First Nations University of Canada in celebrat‑ ing springtime and culture through song and dance at this 38th annual powwow. Over 800 dancers and 20 drum groups from across North America are expected to perform throughout the afternoon and evening, and at midnight there is a “retiring of the flags” cere‑ mony. A tradeshow, traditional food and commun‑ ity-driven programming are on site as well.

MANITOBA Winnipeg Comedy Festival May 2 to 7

Going into its 22nd year, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival — holding the title of being CBC Television’s highest-rated comedy festival series — has hosted a fair share of legends including Russell Peters and Tommy Chong. One of the acts set to entertain audi‑ ences for 2023 is Middle Raged, which toured na‑ tionally to great acclaim, a live sketch show starring Geri Hall (This Hour has 22 Minutes) and Gary Pearson (MADtv) exploring the time of life when you’re running out of time.

ONTARIO StreetFest July 27 to 29

Presented by the Beaches Jazz Festival, the biggest free jazz music festival of its kind in the country, Queen Street East (between Woodbine and Beech Avenues) will transform into StreetFest in late July featuring di‑ verse bands, food trucks, vendors and more. Running from 6 to 11 p.m. nightly, head over to the website at www.beachesjazz.com for the full line-up of activ‑ ities. Pro tip: hop on transit to avoid all the road clos‑ ures in the area.

QUEBEC Grands Feux Loto-Québec August 1 to 24

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR The Friendly Invasion July 19 to August 6 The name of this two-and-a-half-week celebration is a nod to when the Town of Stephenville, situated on the shoreline of beautiful Bay St. George, was home to an American air force base during World War II. Take part in guided hikes, walking and ATV tours, enjoy live theatre and open-air concerts, and sit down for a gourmet themed meal. Other options include a scen‑ ic drive along the 161-kilometre French Ancestors Route or a visit to the K’Taqmkuk Mi’Kmaq Museum.

Billed as “a pyromusical event of international cali‑ bre,” the Grands Feux Loto-Québec, originally created in 1985, highlights the values and roots of aboriginal peoples of Quebec and returns following a two-year absence. Guests at the quays on the Quebec side and across the St. Lawrence River in the city of Lévis are treated not only to spectacular fireworks but artists performing a variety of dance and music styles such as country, Latin, disco and hip-hop.

NEW BRUNSWICK Freddy Beach Ribfest June 8 to 11

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PEI Festival of Wines April 28 to 29

Freddy Beach Ribfest is the Maritime’s largest food and music festival where professional rib teams com‑ pete and serve some of the best ribs, chicken and pulled pork found anywhere. Besides all the amaz‑ ing food, on June 8 Walking Contradiction takes the stage: a local four-person group playing 1950s and 60s honky-tonk hits and outlaw movement tunes of the 70s and 80s, with a sprinkling of contempor‑ ary songs. Go to www.freddybeachribfest.ca for the complete schedule.

Explore 300-plus wines at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown from the world’s most reputable vine‑ yards, while sampling cuisine made using sustain‑ able ingredients served by the finest restaurants and food producers on Prince Edward Island. Afterwards, browse the pop-up boutique and take a few of the fa‑ vourites back home. For the true aficionado, purchase a VIP ticket providing one-hour early access and an additional 35 exclusive wines poured.

NOVA SCOTIA Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts July 14 to 16 Is there a more appropriate Maritimes event than the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl? Happening at ports across the South Shore, from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove, savour the red crustacean pre‑ pared in various ways, such as in a roll or chowder, to name a couple. Learn what beers, wines and spir‑ its pair best with the dishes, go on a lobster scaven‑ ger hunt and discover traditions shaped by the industry.

Mi Test Drive

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Second generation model is improved in every way

When the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV first arrived in Canada in 2018, it quickly became the best-selling plug-in crossover for a reason, bundling zero emissions motoring with unique styling and the company’s advanced Super All-Wheel Control AWD system. And now it’s back showcasing even bolder styling and enhanced performance all around.

Adhering to the Japanese concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” that means authentic and majestic, this is translat‑ ed here into four key pillars: toughness, confidence, quality and strong and smooth acceleration. The vehicle is sold in seven grades, from ES ($46,538) to GT Premium Two Tone Roof ($57,948). All are well- equipped and include many standard features like, full LED lighting, privacy glass, rear spoiler, leath‑ er-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, heated front seats, stowable third row, full digital instrument clus‑ ter, all-wheel drive and much more. Powertrain: Unlike the gasoline variant that utilizes a shared Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance engine, the plug-in powertrain is built in house. Similar to its predecessor, a 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder internal combustion engine is combined with three uprated electric motors — two are located at the front, one of which is actually a generator, and one at the back spinning both axles. Together, the setup pro‑ duces an extra 74 horsepower compared to previous‑ ly for a net 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

If the 56-litre fuel tank (formerly 43-litre) and high‑ er-capacity but smaller-sized 20 kWh battery (for ‑ merly 13.8 kWh) are full, the PHEV boasts an impres ‑ sive total range of 687 kilometres. This includes 61 kilometres of pure electric travel. A myriad of other settings are available such as Battery Save forcing the ICE to work in order to preserve stored energy for a later time. Exterior: The 2023 Outlander PHEV takes advantage of the same sweeping changes made to the regular fourth-generation model debuting last year: for ex‑ ample the tall reimagined signature Dynamic Shield front fascia design language, where the combina‑ tion daytime running lights and turn signals match up seamlessly to the tops of the chrome pieces; the headlamps relocated down to the middle of the bump‑ er; the slatted black mesh grille; jet tailfin C-pillar; and the rounded line on the tailgate paying homage to overseas siblings donning an external spare tire. In addition, SEL trims and above wear big 20-inch al‑ loy wheels, fitted underneath the flared wheel arches.

Interior: The cabin of the GT Premium stands out in particular thanks to its two-tone semi-aniline leath‑ er seating, which is very stylish and extremely com‑ fortable. The saddle tan accent colour scheme car‑ ries through to the dash and door trims, giving the Outlander PHEV a definite upscale vibe. The cabin’s design is clean, and the controls neatly packaged in an easy to manipulate style around the centre stack. The centre console is equally well thought out, housing an electronic shifter, Drive Mode Selector and parking brake button. The GT Premium is also equipped with a 12.3-inch digital display replacing traditional dials, an elegant and clear interface giving the driver all the informa‑ tion they need, and bundles a head-up display af‑ fording yet another layer of convenience and safety. The heated second row of the Outlander PHEV de‑ livers occupants a generous amount of legroom and comfort, while the newly-installed third row — made possible by the more compact battery and rear mo‑ tor — is great for kids or miscellaneous belongings. When not in use and folded flat, the Outlander PHEV has a cavernous cargo compartment for all your trav‑ el needs. Safety: Outlander PHEV was built with families in mind and taking care of precious cargo. From MI- PILOT Assist advanced semi-autonomous driver as‑ sistance system to the 11 air bags, the vehicle incor‑ porates over 50 new safety and technology features. Mitsubishi Connect is available in Canada linking you to an emergency call centre 24/7 as well as many re‑ mote functions via the convenience of your cellphone.

Infotainment : The GT Premium comes with a large 9-inch central display screen for the infotainment system offering navigation and is compatible with Apple CarPlay (wirelessly) and Android Auto. There’s a mix of on-screen commands and physical buttons to scroll through the various menus and functions which are user friendly. And an onboard wireless charger en‑ sures mobile devices never run out of juice. Audio sound quality is excellent courtesy of the 10-speaker Bose premium stereo included in the GT trim. Drive: The Outlander PHEV delivers a solid, quiet drive experience, whether you are in the city or traveling on the highway. The high-torque output results in quick and smooth acceleration, and makes merging onto the highway a joy. The S-AWC system also means that it can handle a variety of different terrains and road conditions. Ride quality and steering feel of the Outlander PHEV is comfortable for longer trips, and the suspension setup does a good job of quelling any impact due to bumpy roads. Through the aforementioned Drive Mode Selector in the centre console, you can choose one of seven dif‑ ferent pre-sets to reflect the conditions of the day. These include Power, Tarmac for sportier perform‑ ance, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Normal and Eco to maximize fuel economy. Charging the vehicle takes approximately 6.5 hours using a Level 2, 240-volt source. Unusual for the seg‑ ment Level 3 is supported too, capable of going from 0 to 80 per cent in about 38 minutes. When parked,

leveraging the internal combustion engine and the built-in Charge Mode getting to 80 per cent will be just over an hour-and-a-half. Conclusion: The all-new 2023 Outlander PHEV pro‑ vides a fun, efficient and altogether different take on the SUV class. Add in the luxurious appointments on the higher grades and this latest Mitsubishi product is sure to please even the most discerning automotive consumer.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-AWC Configuration

Front engine/All-wheel drive

Engine/transmission

2.4-litre 4-cylinder + 3 electric motors/ CVT 248 horsepower/ 332 lb-ft of torque

Power/torque Fuel (capacity)

Regular (56 L) Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km) 3.6 Le/100 km Warranties

10-years/160,000 km (powertrain), 10-years/160,000 km (drive battery), 5-years/100,000 km (basic), 5 year Roadside Assistance.

Starting MSRP* MSRP as Tested*

$46, 538

$57,948 *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.

There are few destinations that Super All-Wheel Control can’t help intrepid road-trippers gain access to. If you’ve found a worthy adventure to embark upon this season, check out some of the gear and accessories below that are perfect to load into your Mitsubishi before heading out on the next epic journey. Gear And Accessories

Kensington Contour 2.0 Pro Overnight Laptop Spinner — 17” Nothing is worse than a wobbly suitcase prone to fall‑ ing over because of heavy electronics loaded inside. Not the Kensington Contour 2.0 Pro, specifically made to store a notebook and tablet closer to the centre of gravity to prevent tipping and provide lots of protec‑ tion. There are a plethora of other pockets and com‑ partments to hold a smartphone and charger, acces‑ sories, water bottles, umbrella, pens and pencils and small change of clothes. The polyester shell is tough and water resistant, the zippers are lockable, and the telescopic handle ex‑ tends long enough so individuals of varying heights can guide the buttery smooth multi-directional wheels along. Meets most carry-on guidelines and stows nicely in an overhead bin or vehicle trunk, the RFID sleeve located under the front flap makes ac‑ cessing your passport and other identification simple and secure. Logitech MX Master 3S Can’t avoid logging on while on the road? Avoid fum‑ bling around on a trackpad and bring along the latest MX Master 3S wireless mouse, which is an evolution of the outgoing 3 showcasing further refinement. Taking an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy the hefty peripheral remains highly ergonomic and still hous‑ es multiple wheels and buttons, but boosts the 4,000 DPI optical sensor to 8,000 resulting in smooth move‑ ment on virtually any surface — even glass — and re‑ quires less physical movement to move the cursor across two-plus monitors. Another improvement is the application of enhanced switches offering what Logitech says is a 90 per cent reduction in noise compared to before. Speaking of buttons, almost nothing is non-customizable via the proprietary Logi Options+ software. In addition, the program permits the pairing of both the mouse and a supported keyboard using a single Logi Bolt receiver so there’s one less item to plug in and potentially lose during your travels.

OWC Thunderbolt Dock For those seeking the ideal mobile work or game sta‑ tion solution, the powerful OWC Thunderbolt Dock represents an integral piece. Many popular lap‑ tops nowadays (i.e. the MacBook) simply don’t pack enough ports for the modern user and is precisely why this piece of equipment is worth tossing in the bag. Onboard are four Thunderbolt (USB-C) and four USB-A ports, SD card reader, combination headphone and microphone in/out and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. It allows a single high-resolution 8K or two 4K dis‑ plays to be hooked up, and connected laptops will charge at 90 watts. A Kensington Security Slot and Nano Security Slot accommodate anti-theft cab‑ ling. Attractively finished in gunmetal and black, the slim brick-sized dock is compatible with PCs running Windows 10 or higher and Macs 11.11 or higher. Worx 40V Hydroshot Max Forget trying to drive around the backcountry looking for a carwash. The Worx 40V Hydroshot Max is a first- of-its-kind wireless power washer capable of draw‑ ing from any fresh water source, for example out of a bucket, bottle or even the lake thanks to the included 20-foot hose. Two available speed pressure settings are found on the handle button and four spray angles on the twistable nozzle, perfect for getting at muddy fenders and wheels, and the long shaft helps reach hard-to-get to areas too like roof racks and carriers. In the box are two 20V Max lithium batteries, the same ones used for the brand’s Power Share line‑ up of tools and thus are interchangeable, providing a maximum 585 PSI of truly cord-free cleaning per‑ formance. A handy built-in energy level indicator at the base shows how much charge is left. When you’ve taken care of the car, spray down the grill and recrea‑ tional toys too.

Gear And Accessories

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Amazon has debuted yet another upgraded edition of the best-selling Fire tablet, the 7 and Fire 7 Kids. Doubling the RAM to 2GB, bumping up processor power and increasing battery life a full 40 per cent over its predecessor in a slightly smaller package, apps launch quicker and run smoother, and the de‑ vice may be operated up to 10 hours before needing a top-up. A switchover to USB Type-C input means you can juice up with most Android smartphone chargers rather than lugging around an extra micro USB cord. The Kids variant is guaranteed to keep the little ones occupied bundling a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ family-friendly content, and a bright blue or purple drop-proof protective case integrating a nifty swivelling stand doubling as a carrying handle. Though the front/rear cameras (2MP/720p respectively) ha‑ ven’t changed, the setup remains great for snapping quick photos and making video calls to loved ones. And should the Fire meet an untimely demise inside of two years, send the broken product back for a compli‑ mentary warranty replacement. Singtrix From the creators of Guitar Hero comes Singrix, a portable all-in-one karaoke machine designed to turn anyone into a rock star. The plug-and-play sys‑ tem centres around the Studio Effects Console utiliz‑ ing live vocal technology, such as natural pitch-cor‑ rection, HardTune (similar to Auto-Tune) and literally hundreds more, to improve the sound of beginners and seasoned pros alike. Users can connect a phone, tablet or computer and sing along to free YouTube and Spotify tracks, or a guitar and/or keyboard and jam to their own music. The Party Bundle Stadium Edition includes a multi-function 40-watt speaker/subwoofer, custom mic and mic stand, and the aforementioned Studio Effects Console boasting fun interchangeable face‑ plate inserts. Grab the recently-released 150-foot- range wireless microphone, which also features a “Hit” effects button just as the wired version does, to add a second or third singer to the mix.

Mitsubishi All-weather Floor Mats These genuine branded all weather floor mats are made to fit perfectly in all products across the Mitsubishi lineup, such as the refreshed Eclipse Cross. Coming in a set of four, the high bordering edges and inner grooves protect the carpeting against rain, snow and mud potentially sloshing around (or even messy passengers). An anti-slip design prevents un‑ intentional movement when driving. Crafted out of heavy-duty stain-resistant rubber, they are easy to clean using soap, water and a brush, or spray the mats down safely using a pressure wash‑ er. Visit your local Mitsubishi dealership for mod‑ el-specific pricing.

Mitsubishi Roof Carrier Kit Perhaps you wish to bring a full-size kayak up to the lake in your RVR, or you simply want to keep all three rows upright in the new fourth generation Mitsubishi Outlander while still being able to carry some gear. Depending on the application, the easily installed roof carrier kit adds everything needed to secure a storage carrier to the top of the SUV like lockable side rails and crossbars and is backed by a factory warranty. Once attached, there are many alternative accessor‑ ies owners can choose to install besides a box, includ‑ ing different mounts to hold recreational equipment from snowboards to bicycles.

Add-ons

mitsubishi-motors.ca

Amping Up the All-New Outlander With Accessories

There are so many options available to make the all-new 2023 Outlander your own. Take a look at some of the accessories available.

New Roads Six Great Driving Roads In North America

If you want to make the most of your Mitsubishi, take it for a drive on one of the finest roads in Canada or the United States. Here are half-a-dozen of the very best.

Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge is a twisting, undulating spine that runs diagonally for 755 kilometres across Virginia and North Carolina. It was built as a scenic road and is designated as a National Parkway, so there are no commercial trucks and anyone in a hurry is away on the interstate. The two-lane highway stays up near the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, sometimes several thousand feet above the valleys to each side, and there are

plenty of places to pull over and take in the beauty of the forested vistas. It’s best to carry your own snacks or drinks, because there are no communities beside the road and only a handful of restaurants, all of them table-service. The true pleasure, however, is in the drive itself: gen‑ tle, well-posted curves beneath the trees on smooth tarmac with numerous passing points if needed, cre‑ ating an unrushed journey away from the bustle of everywhere else.

The highway is classified as an All-American Road, and it can be snowed in during winter, especially at the 2,928-metre high point of Boulder Mountain Pass. It’s often pleasantly cool in the summer when the lower areas of the state are too hot for comfort – there’s even a winding stretch called the Hog Back that runs along the very crest of the ridge, at 2,100 metres high, with sharp drops to each side and no guard rails. Not for the faint of heart!

Scenic Byway 12 Scenic Byway 12 takes the high ground across south-central Utah to link the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park with the cliffs of Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, it passes the multi-col‑ oured rock buttes of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with hiking trailheads leading to the mountains and waterfalls of the area.

Beartooth Highway There’s no good reason for the Beartooth to exist, ex‑ cept that its construction gave paycheques to thou‑ sands of workers during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It’s an adventurous road that links Wyoming and Montana and is best driven from east to west: the tarmac climbs almost 2,000 metres in a 20-kilometre series of switchbacks to the Beartooth Pass, then slides back down toward Yellowstone National Park. During the climb, the landscape transitions from dense forest to alpine tundra, and the road passes countless

mountain lakes in the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges. There are 20 peaks to be seen that are more than 4,000 metres high, with glaciers on their slopes. By the time you reach Cooke City, you’ll want a break at one of the many seasonal restaurants and coffee shops in town. It can snow even in summer at the higher altitudes, and the road is closed in wintertime. When it reopens for the spring, the cleared snow to each side often creates a trench for the highway that reaches high above the roofs of cars and trucks.

Northern Gaspé Many road-trippers know the Cabot Trail that circles Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, but the 800-kilo‑ metre highway around Quebec’s Gaspé peninsula is just as beautiful and just as dramatic, with a French accent. Like the Cabot Trail, Highway 132 is best driven counter clockwise so you stay closest to the water. The south shore is the most populated: the road is wider, with towns catering to vacationers who come for the comparatively warm and sandy beaches, and continues to the tourist destination of Percé Rock.

Beyond Percé, the highway twists and winds through the rocks to Gaspé, the largest town in the area, and then it seems to unflex and relax along the northern Gaspé shoreline as it returns to the more populated regions of Quebec. Along the way, it rises and falls with the hills beside the Gulf of St. Lawrence before finally dropping back down to the water. Small villa‑ ges offer fine Quebec cuisine and handicrafts, but this is primarily a well-tended market road, built to service the fishing ports of the coast.

North of Superior When the Trans-Canada Highway was planned in the 1950s, there was debate about the best route to take through Ontario north of Lake Superior. A lumber sup‑ ply route already existed deep in the forest, but polit‑ icians wanted to attract American road trippers, and they eventually agreed to a road that would hug the shoreline of the big lake. It was a challenge to con‑ struct: the area was so swampy that crews would build a road one day and return the next morning to find it swallowed up by the quagmire. In the end, the highway from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay was completed in 1960, and it is de‑ signed to be enjoyed by drivers and tourists. It takes a long day to complete the 700 kilometres, with the most scenic stretches following the shoreline north to Wawa, and across from Marathon to Thunder Bay. It’s a trucking route, but many truckers cross the American border to take the faster interstate in the United States, so it’s not overrun with heavy vehicles. The road is often high above the water, plunging through rock cuts to open up yet another forested, lakeside vista that reminds you why the area is one of the most beautiful on Earth.

Fraser Canyon The Trans-Canada Highway travels along the Fraser River for 100 kilometres between Hope and Lytton, but the mostly commercial traffic is now on the fast‑ er Coquihalla Highway to the east that links Hope dir‑ ectly to Merritt and Kamloops. This leaves the Fraser route to those who prefer to enjoy the drive. Before roads were built, the mountainous area was almost unnavigable. When explorer Simon Fraser first visited in 1808, local natives guided him through the deep and narrow Hells Gate section of the canyon on wooden planks suspended over the fierce water by ropes strung high above. It must have been terrifying. These days, the road itself is relatively sedate, but it stays close to the canyon and the rushing water is never far away. It adds a sense of adventure to any drive through the Rocky Mountains, or just a day trip out from Vancouver to make the most of your Mitsubishi.

Mi Weekend Escape 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Historical Niagara-On-The-Lake

The year was 1812 and stories claim British officers were dining with their American counterparts at Fort George in what was then Upper Canada. During the meal, word suddenly arrived the two empires were at war. The Americans immediately stood up to leave, but the British insisted they stay and finish their meal before being safely escorted to the river bank and sent on their way. In the end, America won their independence and the stranglehold of the British Empire was never the same.

is recorded that Winston Churchill once stated the Parkway is “the prettiest Sunday drive in the World.” Cherry trees that are typically full to overflowing at the start of summer, lie dormant at this time of year in si‑ lent sentinel watch, limbs stretched upward towards the bright blue winter sky. I do my best to maintain a steady pace on the Parkway and keep to the speed limit of 60 km/h. It is a challenge as the two-lane road is perfectly paved and traffic is light on this day. To my right is the mighty Niagara River and just be‑ yond that America. It feels so close you can almost touch it, but in reality, the two countries are separ‑ ated by a wide, fast moving waterway. Of course, Niagara Falls in all of its splendour, a mere 16 kilo‑ metres to the south, may have something to do with this. Powercraft and sailboats ply the shared bound‑ ary in a scene unlike any other in the world. Thirty minutes later we arrive at our destination.

I am reminded of this time in history as I drive the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross through the manicured streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The origin‑ al launch in 2017 of the Eclipse Cross made it clear Mitsubishi was taking a bold step forward to chal‑ lenge the hotly contested compact sport utility mar‑ ket. With American, European and Asian competitors holding court with firm resolve, the steady march for‑ ward of this newest design is a clear signal Mitsubishi is taking the high ground and plans to win. The drive into living antiquity from either Toronto to the north or Buffalo to the south, is filled with glimpses of vineyards and multi-million dollar homes. Together with roadside plaques celebrating the his‑ tory of this area, it provides an intoxicating blend of the old and new. A must-see route to follow is the Niagara Parkway stretching all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls before finally reaching the shores of Lake Ontario. It

The Prince of Wales Hotel is a mainstay in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, or NOTL as it is referred to by the locals. Situated on the main street, it is a short stroll to the many stores and restaurants lined up to greet the daily onslaught of visitors from all parts of the globe. It has been 211 years since the War of 1812, but the town still feels connected to its vibrant past. At the entrance to Fort George, cannons are pol‑ ished and gleaming as tour buses pull up and eager visitors arrive. First built in 1864, floors creak and history oozes around every corner of the hotel. Signature roses are placed throughout this most romantic setting. A total of 110 guest rooms range in size from Traditional to Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Suites and the Royal Suite. It highlights a four poster canopy king bed, a fireplace with separate seating area and oversized bathroom with jetted tub. Views look toward main street and the ever-present clock tower, showcased in several Hallmark Christmas movies in recent years.

Dining takes place in four unique settings; Noble Restaurant, Churchill Lounge, The Drawing Room and Charcuterie & Panini Bar. Additional amenities include the Secret Garden Spa, indoor pool, fitness room and there are also dog-friendly accommodations to in‑ clude your best friend. A stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel is an unforgettable experience that will stand the test of time. Niagara is celebrated throughout the world for its fruit growing and wine-producing terroir. But hidden behind the endless number of family produce stands and extravagant wineries in this region is the lesser known, but equally compelling, craft beer market. Leaving the Eclipse Cross parked at the hotel, it is an easy walk across the street to Exchange Brewery, the first stop on our unofficial Niagara Beer Trail. A con‑ trast given the setting, the taproom is ultra-modern with seating at the bar or a few small tables spread throughout. On tap are various Belgian-style ales

carefully aged in 50 French Oak wine barrels. Plum Berliner Weisse, Amber Ale and the Foreign Exchange Stout are just some of the flavours to explore. A short Uber ride away, Silversmith Brewing Company is located in a what was once the town of Virgil’s cen‑ tral church. Pews have been replaced with tables for four or a larger party ready to enjoy an afternoon or evening beer flight. The award-winning Black Lager is a must, so too the Helles Lager and Oatmeal Stout. Close by, we also stop at Niagara Oust House Brewers, located in what was once a big red barn. You can’t miss it; it is still bright red and white and a short 3 minute drive from Silversmith on your way back to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This local favourite beer stop is

famous for their Farmhouse Ale Collection, as well as the Dark‘Ass Ale and the very seasonal Watermelon Gose. Growler in hand, it is time to get a ride back to town. As impossible as it may seem, this centuries old set‑ ting is even more spectacular at night with lights twinkling all down Queen Street. It is also at this time when the town comes alive with tourists out for an evening stroll and locals plying the streets to see and be seen. Of course, it never hurts to book your dinner reservations early as tables fill quickly, especially dur‑ ing the high tourist season from May to September. But you shouldn’t have to worry about being escorted back to the river bank after dinner, as thankfully that eventful night back in 1812 is left to the history books.

Kaoru Sawase Dedicates Career To Life Saving S-AWC The Man affectionately referred to as the God Father of S-AWC shares his story

Kaoru Sawase not only has a doctorate in engineering, but more than 50 patents bearing his name, and the road to all that intellectual property began on a snowy, windy, remote stretch in Northern Japan, where he was born and raised.

Sawase-san, an energetic, engaging story-teller with a thick shock of hair and an obvious love of intellec‑ tual puzzles, pauses as he takes us back to the night he almost died. It was an experience which, in fact, led him to devote his entire professional career to de‑ veloping and continuously striving to perfect what is today Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s globally-recog‑ nized Super All-Wheel Control system (S-AWC).

As a student, he says -- half-smiling, half-grimacing as he looks back on his night of terror and revelation – I would often drive in near-whiteout conditions, carv‑ ing my way along the side of a cliff. One night, he lost control of his car and came within an inch, literally, of his life. “I almost fell off this snowy winding road, over the cliff,” he says, with a bemusement and relief. Relief, he

continues, “Because by chance there was a fairly large rock sitting at the side of that road. My vehicle got onto that rock and stopped. So, I’m still alive.” Even then, long before he earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Systems Design Engineering from Tohoku University, Sawase-san was thinking like an engineer. In his mind, he began comparing the first rear-wheel- drive car he drove as a student on those very roads, to the front-drive car he piloted on the night of his near- death experience. “So, actually I learned the effect of the different, dy‑ namic systems of the wheels using my own life,” he says, recalling an early, unplanned, unrecommended experiment. This led him to ponder the “critical difference” between front- and rear-wheel control, how it makes for dif‑ ferences in cars generally, and specifically in those competing at the World Rally Championship (WRC). He came to a startling, life-changing realization.

“After that experience, and then watching the WRC races,” he says, he carefully assessed the four-wheel- drive vehicles in the race. He made it his professional mission “to make a four-wheel-drive vehicle that runs well and also allows me to keep my life.” More laughter. Today, the S-AWC system in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and across the line-up seamlessly re‑ flects his and the engineering team’s goal of making an all-wheel-drive vehicle that responds realistically and effectively to driver inputs while taking into con‑ sideration weather and road conditions. The goal is to deliver “critical safety benefits” in a vehicle that re‑ sponds precisely and predictably to driver inputs, re‑ gardless of driving conditions. So, he adds, the vehicle must perform as the driver operates it, using “technology that optimally distrib‑ utes the drive force between all four wheels,” he says, adding that AWD technology at its best allows drivers

to navigate safely on snowy roads, or dirt roads, roads covered in sand or gravel or mud, and to do so re‑ gardless of the skill level of the driver – from everyday commuter to world-class rally competitor. No matter what kind of surface you are driving on, he emphasizes, “the ultimate technology is the one that allows a driver to move the vehicle as they wish. It’s what brings the driver safely back home at the end of the day. I think that is my strongest motivation in my career.” It has been quite a career. Sawase-san joined Mitsubishi in 1988, right out of university. “Immediately after joining the company, even as a rookie (engineer), I started, participating in the development of four- wheel drive systems,” he says, noting that long before he came to work at Mitsubishi, he studied AWD sys ‑ tems competing in the gruelling WRC. “And I was so impressed. That was my dream, to work on (AWD) technology,” he says. “And that’s why I joined Mitsubishi, to do this. I was very, very happy when I

was allowed to join the four-wheel drive development team as soon as I joined the company.” From the outset, Sawase-san worked on a team whose aim was to catch and surpass the electron‑ ically controlled AWD technology already in use by Porsche and the Nissan GTR. “So, they were ahead of us, but our goal was to over‑ come this challenge and develop this new technology from Mitsubishi. So, as an engineer, I must say I was extremely lucky,” he says. Indeed, in those early years, Mitsubishi and others were using mechanical 4WD systems that “we call dir ‑ ect connect. In other words, the front and rear wheels were mechanically connected.” This technology effi‑ ciently delivers straight-ahead traction, but turning smoothly and comfortably presented a challenge for drivers. From there, the team added a centre differential to improve the performance of the then-Gallant. There

were steady improvements to Mitsubishi’s AWD tech ‑ nologies into the 2000s and by 2007-2008 Mitsubishi’s S-AWC system – with active centre differential and yaw-control electronics -- was making its way into the automaker’s lineup. By this point, Sawase-san has, quite obviously, put on his Chief Technology Engineer’s hat. Then he turns to the design objectives of S-AWC: “predictable handling” and “high-marginal performance.” In real-world terms, “predictable handling” means the vehicle is engineered to deliver “superior steer‑ ing response.” By that he means steering that is linear and controllable even in slippery conditions. When a vehicle has “high-marginal performance,” it stays as glued to the road as possible “during cornering and braking.” In a nutshell, the S-AWC system Sawase-san has spent a career developing and refining is designed to deliv‑ er dynamic performance at higher speeds, perform‑ ance that is predictable and satisfying for the driver, while also addressing pure safety concerns that are grounded in personal experience – Sawase-san’s. The truth is, then, this S-AWC journey all began on a snowy night in Northern Japan.

Mi Spotlight 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

New Outlander provides fresh style and premium driving experience without breaking the bank.

2.5-litre four-cylinder powertrain, mated to a con‑ tinuously-variable transmission. Both smooth and responsive, the setup is thrifty at the pump as well possessing a combined city and highway fuel con‑ sumption rating of 8.9L L/100km. The Japanese company’s praised Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system received an enhancement as part of the overhaul, adding Brake AYC (Active Yaw Control) to the rear axle so braking force can now be applied to every corner independently optimizing grip through turns. The behaviour of the impressive

Since entering its fourth generation last year, The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander represents quite a radical departure both inside and out compared to the pre‑ vious version. No longer considered on the tame side, this is an in-your-face concept that is hard to miss. But there’s more than just some different sheet metal, chrome and other minor bits. In fact, the Outlander was rethought from the ground up — the three-row SUV sits on the same platform as the Nissan Rogue as a result of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and incorporates an entirely new 181-horsepower

traction-enhancing technology is also capable of be‑ ing modified using the mode selector found on the centre console to suit various terrain and situations, for example Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud and Eco. This is the most luxurious interior ever seen in the model, especially in the top GT Premium grade. Among the highlights is two-tone semi-aniline leather upholstery with saddle tan accent colour gracing the dash and door panels lending an upscale feel. The cabin boasts a clean, minimalistic look providing an ideal balance between touch and physical switches. A 12.3-inch digital cluster replaces a traditional gauge instruments and the head-up display relays import‑ ant information right onto the windshield. Outlander was built with families in mind and taking care of precious cargo. From advanced semi-autono‑ mous driving such as Mi-Pilot Assist to 11 air bags, and almost everything in between like automatic rear emergency braking, the vehicle incorporates over 50 innovative safety and tech features. For the first time, Mitsubishi Connect is offered in Canada which links

you to an emergency call centre 24/7 and many other remote functions via your cellphone. As mentioned above, the change in styling on the current crossover is striking. The signature Dynamic Shield front fascia is further streamlined showcasing a wide and deep centre grille that blends into the thin slits on the top corners housing the daytime running lights. Below the unique vertically-stacked headlamps are a visual standout. The side profile is sleek wearing crisp accent lines front to back, providing a sense of movement even when standing still, and an attractive set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels on certain trims. The Outlander is available in seven trims, starting with the ES and topping out with the GT Premium, all in‑ cluding an enhanced version of Mitsubishi’s S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system. Offering a fresh take on the SUV segment, it’s certain to turn heads and start a conversation. In addition, the gasoline-only version has just been joined in Canada by the fully-redesigned Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which is on sale now.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Starting MSRP for model year 2023:

$32,698* *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.

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” Jo Walton

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Mi Spotlight 2023 Mitsubishi RVR

Mitsubishi Motors’ Entry SUV is a Canadian Favourite

Standing out in a crowded market is tough these days. It takes a fresh design, class leading capability, modern technology and a focus on driver and passenger safety. When it comes to the ever-popular subcompact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, the Mitsubishi RVR not only stands out, but it also stands tall as Mitsubishi Motors’ top-selling vehicle year after year.

With roots in the World Rally Championship and the famed Dakar Rally, Mitsubishi Motors’ off-road capabilities are legendary. The RVR benefits from the experience and knowledge gained in these perform‑ ance arenas by incorporating Mitsubishi Motors’ ad‑ vanced All-Wheel-Control (AWC) system. The system allows drivers to choose between 2 wheel-drive (2WD), 4 wheel-drive Auto (4WD) and 4 wheel-drive Lock (4WD) drive modes to enable RVR to generate the utmost traction and control in a myriad of terrain and conditions.

Whether optioned with the 148 horsepower, 2.0 L, dual-overhead cam, MIVEC 4 cylinder engine or the larger, 2.4 L, 168 horsepower MIVEC engine (available in SE, SEL, LE and GT trims), RVR has ample perform‑ ance on tap. Mated to the third generation INVECS (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), RVR has been tuned for both responsive performance and efficient civility. Combined city and highway fuel economy is rated at 8.8L/100kms (2.0 L engine FWD), 9.2 L/100km (2.0 L engine 4WD) or 9.4 L/100km (2.4 L engine 4WD).

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