Canter at the post
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• Mitsubishi has become the first Japanese manufacturer to enter the British 15 tonne light truck sector with the Launch of its F'B4 Canter, although initially it will only be sold in the UK fully-bodied and available through just 17 Colt Car dealers located south of Birmingham.
The Canter, which will be assembled in Ireland from semi-knocked down kits supplied from Japan, is being brought into the UK by The Colt Car Company — Mitsubishi's British importer.
It will be offered in two wheelbases — 2.5 or 3.5m with the choice of either a dropside, tipper, box van or Luton body, all built by Dorset coachbuilder
Body/payload allowance on the Canter varies from 1,922kg to 1,995kg depending on the wheelbase and bodywork fitted.
Power for the FB4 is provided by a 2.4-litre naturallyaspirated indirect-injection diesel engine, which develops a maximum output of 48kW(64hp) and has a peak torque of 140Nm(1031b/ft) at 2,200rpm. All models have a five-speed synchromesh gearbox as standard.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect, of the Japanese Canter, however, is its threeman forward-control full-tilt cab raised by torsion bars to provide the kind of engine access not normally found on 3.5tonne chassis cabs. The all-steel monocoque cab has a flush-mounted windscreen and deep side-windows to give good kerbside visibility. Inside there is a two-passenger bench seat as standard and all seats are clothtrimmed. The steering wheel is adjustable for both rake and height to provide a variety of driving positions.
The Canter's conventional steel ladder-type chassis has leaf suspension fitted all round with front disc brakes and rear drum units. Steering is by recirculating ball and nut.
Mitsubishi's initial UK allocation for vehicles in 1986 will be limited to 150 units, including short and long wheelbase models. As a result just 17 Colt dealers will have the vehicle this year — and they are all located to the South of Birmingham. All Canters, however, will be sold with the same 160,000km (100,000 mile) three-year warranty as existing Mitsubishi light cornmercials.
The cheapest Canter will be the SWB tipper at 210,170 plus VAT, while the most expensive will be LWB Luton at 211,875.
The decision to extend the UK sales coverage of the Canter is expected to be taken shortly. If the Colt Car Company does decide to offer the Canter nationwide, it will be looking to bring in up to 500 vehicles per year from Ireland.