MOST PEOPLE SEE HAVING KIDS as the loss of self-exuberance and freedom.  It’s the time when folks say goodbye to owning that lusty two-door sports coupe and accept the daily driving duties to school in something that resembles a minibus.  Well, all that is going to change with the unveiling of two new automobiles from Mitsubishi—both catered to bring the fun back in family life: the Grandis and the Montero Sport.

Grandis: more than your average car

On initial glance, the Grandis looks to be a clash between two polar design themes: practicality and sportiness.  Yet, the yin and yang is harmoniously integrated into a vehicle that’s the best of both worlds.  A crowning achievement for Mitsubishi design guru Olivier Boulay, the Grandis carries the distinctive corporate styling to the next level.  The gentle curves and generous roofline suggest a roomy and inviting interior for seven, while the raked triangular headlamps, dominate triangular grille and large fog lamps connote sportiness.  At the back, the Grandis keeps both themes together with safety-minded LED tail lamps (they light up faster than conventional bulbs) wrapped in cool, clear white-out housings.

Once you’ve absorbed all the positive chi energy, it’s time to step inside the world of soft blue dash and beige leather seats.  This relaxing color contrast interior is accentuated by the Grandis’ easy to operate controls such as the center console mounted gated gear lever, large circular climate control knobs and high-fidelity CD/MP3 audio system.  Practicality is high on the Grandis’ list with numerous cubby holes from a sunglass holder to a two-tiered glove box to several under-seat compartments.

Being the modern family carrier that it is, the Grandis offers a highly flexible seating for seven.  Aside from its traditional mode, the seats can be arranged in at least five ways: a five-seater with large luggage space; a fold-down 2nd and 3rd row for a mobile playroom; a fold down front seats for that lounge chair effect; a reverse fold 3rd row for picnics; and a single stowed 3rd row seat for extra-long cargo.

As practical and flexible as it is, Mitsubishi engineers haven’t forgotten the fun in driving.  So, they’ve given the Grandis the heart of an athlete: a 2.4-liter SOHC inline-4 with MIVEC.  The MIVEC system employs multiple cam lobes to vary valve timing depending on engine speeds.  The result is astounding, class-leading figures: 165 ps at 6,000 rpm and 22.1 kg-m at 4,000 rpm.  This potent power plant is mated to a mated 4-speed INVECS automatic with sportronic.  The engine and transmission combination is promises to give the Grandis excellent touring capabilities without sacrificing fuel economy.

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