Mitsubishi Zinger

The Mitsubishi Zinger (aka Fuzion in the Philippines) is a crossover entry-level SUV designed by Mitsubishi Motors and Taiwan based China Motor Corporation. It is based on the chassis of the Mitsubishi Challenger and released in Taiwan on December 24, 2005. The name Zinger is meant to describe a "person full of energy and vitality".

It sold 2,285 units in it's first month exceeding Mitsubishi and CMC's 1,200 units per month target. Buoyed by its success in Taiwan, the Zinger was brought into mainland China in the second half of 2007 through a joint-production venture between CMC and South East (Fujian) Motor Company, Ltd.

Initially designed and intended for the Taiwan market, the Zinger was introduced in the Philippines in June 2007 where it is sold as the Fuzion. The name reinforces the vehicles positioning as "a merger of the best characteristics of 3 vehicles -- the sporty character and ruggedness of an SUV, the spaciousness and versatility of a van, and the riding comfort of a passenger car".

Aside from Taiwan and China, the Zinger is sold in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Costa Rica.

Recent Changes
A new generation of was released in Taiwan on September 2008 and dubbed the Super Zinger. This new version is equipped with a new engine the 4G69 MIVEC. It also comes with a minor facelift with new clear tail lamps and re-designed front bumper.

Styles and Major Options
The Zinger/Fuzion is sold in different Asian and South American markets and comes in a variety of trims and configurations.

Philippine Version
The Philippine version comes in two variants, the entry level GLX and the more luxuriously appointed GLS Sport. The Fuzion is virtually identical to the Taiwan released Zinger with a few difference. The most notable is the addition of a third row seat that seats two adults. This seat can be folded for more cargo space.

The following table lists the specifications of the Fuzion as sold in the Philippines from its introduction in June 2007 up to late 2008.



Maroon and beige two-tone dashboard for the GLS Sport model.



Blue backlight gauges lifted from the Triton/Strada, Mitsubishi's mid-size pickup.



Rear aircon vent with separate control.



Sunglass holder with map lamp.



L-R Power side mirror control, tire-pressure monitor, and HID lamp leveler.



Glass printed antenna.



HID headlamps.

Philippine Market
As of November 2008 the Fuzion sold in the Philippines are as follows:

Gas Mileage
Manufacturer claimed fuel consumption is 7km/liter for city driving and 11km/liter highway.

The Zinger/Fuzion 4G64 engine is also claimed by Mitsubishi as compatible with E10 and E20 fuel.

Engine and Transmission
The Zinger/Fuzion was originally released with the 4G64 engine and available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.



''Mitsubishi 4G64 2.4 liter, SOHC engine that powered the first generation Zinger/Fuzion. ''



''Mitsubishi 4G69 MIVEC 2.4 liter, SOHC engine found in the 2009 Super Zinger released in Taiwan late September 2008. ''

Philippine Market
Standard 3-year or 100,000km warranty. Dealer service schedule:

1,000km Checkup. Bolt tightening, change oil and vehicle inspection.

5,000km Checkup. Engine and underchassis inspection.

10,000km Checkup. General vehicle inspection.

Every 5,000km thereafter. General vehicle inspection.

Colors
Its available in light blue, dark blue, beige, mid-silver, white, and silver.

Philippine Market
Despite Mitsubishi's claim that the Zinger/Fuzion is an entry level SUV, in Asian markets it competes in the low-cost MPV or Asian Utility Vehicle segment dominated by the Toyota Innova. It also competes with the Isuzu Highlander, Ford Everest, Nissan Grand Livina, and Mitsubishi's own Adventure (Freeca).

As of late 2008, the Fuzion lags behind in sales with Mitsubishi still unable to offload their initial inventory of 600 units. Although it leads its market segment in interior appointments and other features, the Philippine market remains cold towards the Fuzion. Common reasons cited is the lack of a diesel engine option, high fuel consumption and the unusually high price tag. Mitsubishi's choice of using it's decade old 4G64 gas engine is also a big factor.

Interior
The Zinger/Fuzion is offered with a two-tone maroon and beige.

Criticisms
Often cited is the lack of a diesel engine option and manual transmission which is highly sought after in Southeast Asian markets. This is probably due to its original intended Taiwanese market where diesel engines is not very popular.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., the assembler and distributor of Mitsubishi Vehicles in the Philippines expressed their intentions of assembling a diesel powered version as well as plans for export which to until now (2011) has not come into reality and the Fuzion has already reached more than half of its life cycle.

Current Generation: (2009–present)
Released in Taiwan on September 2008, the current generation is known as the Super Zinger. Aside from the minor facelift, this new version now comes with 4G69 MIVEC 2.4L engine.



New and more agressive looking front bumper and elegant chrome grill fins.



Clear tail lamps and rear bumbers.



''Redesigned rear spoiler is longer. The third LED brake lamp is now placed inside the rear window.''



The Zinger retains its 16" Bridgestones, but now sports a new alloy wheel design.

First Generation/Origins (2005–2008)
First introduced in December 2005, the Zinger was originally released in Taiwan.

Worldwide
The Zinger is currently sold in Taiwan, China, Costa Rica and Vietnam. In the Philippines, it is known as the Fuzion.