Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
If there is one segment in South Africa currently bursting at the seams, it is the practical family mover. Between budget-conscious buyers hunting for value and larger families needing genuine versatility without driving a bus, finding the sweet spot is no easy task. Mitsubishi Motors South Africa made a fresh claim with the all-new Destinator
Positioned to bridge the gap between a sensible multi-purpose vehicle and a rugged, high-riding crossover, the Indonesian-built Destinator has serious momentum behind it. Having already snagged accolades like the Japanese Good Design, it enters a tough local market, made even more competitive with a plethora of Chinese vehicles.
Visually, the Destinator moves away from the slab-sided boxiness of traditional people-haulers. It gets an assertive front end and muscular lines that give it proper appeal. And I can attest to it by the curiosity it sparked on many of my neighbourhood trips. Step inside, however, and the focus shifts entirely to cabin comfort and clever space management.
Mitsubishi has display takes center stage alongside an eight-inch digital driver display. Ambient lighting packed the three-row cabin with modern tech and family-friendly touches. Up front, a 12.3-inch infotainment with 65 colour options lets you set the mood, while a panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light. Music lovers will appreciate the tailored Yamaha sound system, perfect for keeping the kids entertained on long road trips from Durban to the Drakensberg.
Practicality is where the Destinator aims to punch above its weight. It caters for seven passengers across three rows, with a 40:20:40 split second row and 50:50 third row that fold flat to swallow bulky luggage, camping gear, or the weekly grocery run. There are also many distinct storage nooks scattered throughout the interior, meaning everything from water bottles to smartphones has a dedicated home.
Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi has opted for a punchy 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Sending 120 kW and 250 Nm to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), it promises a refined balance of around-town pep and low fuel consumption. Drivers can select from five distinct drive modes to suit the terrain or driving mood. To ensure safe, surefooted handling on slippery tarmac or gravel dirt tracks, the Destinator incorporates Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control system.
Crucially, that electronic intervention works behind the scenes to keep the vehicle stable through tight bends and unexpected slick patches, giving drivers added peace of mind when loaded to the brim with passengers and weekend gear. Combined with a generous ride height designed to tackle rutted farm roads and high urban pavements with equal ease, it promises the sort of go-anywhere confidence South African lifestyles demand.
Safety is equally high on the agenda. Equipped with six airbags and an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the vehicle secured a full five-star rating in the stringent ASEAN NCAP safety testing.
It is clear the Destinator is gearing up to be a serious contender in the family car arena.
