Mitsubishi SUV evolution has begun

Following the successful launches of the new Pajero and Triton ranges, enter the new Outlander SUV. When discussing the current ranges being launched and the vision for Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Australia boss Rob McEniry discussed the fact that with the sporty DNA he hoped that Mitsubishi would become the Alfa Romeo of Japanese car markers, with better reliability of course.  Taking into account this Sporty and SUV DNA Mitsubishi have completely reworked the new Outlander.  It has more power, better fuel economy and an interior with the flexibility to accommodate a netball team of seven or sleep two on camping trips away.

Available in four or six cylinder petrol variants, the current base model is the LS, a 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder with CVT transmission priced at $31,990.  A 5 speed manual is currently being developed and due for release in 2007. Rob McEniry stated that even though pricing was yet to be finalised, a $2000 decrease in price from the current base model was very likely, bringing the price down below the magical $30,000 mark.

The LS and XLS 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder MIVEC engines output 125kW and 170Nm of torque at a low 1000rpm delivering an outstanding 9.5l/100km over a combined highway/city cycle. The combination of the CVT transmission with a 6 speed sport mode is unique to the SUV segment in Australia. The 6 speed sports mode can either be accessed with sideways shift from the “D” position or using the paddles fixed on either side of the steering wheel. The paddles are in a fixed position, so it takes a little practice to time gear changes when turning the steering wheel. Beware though in 5th gear, there is little acceleration and in 6th gear there is none on the flat or on the rise. The VR and VRX 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder engines output 162kW and 276Nm of torque delivering a fuel economy of 10.6l/100km and do not experience the same lack of power in the higher gears.

The four wheel drive system draws on Mitsubishi Motors’ vast experience, thanks to its many successful years of rallying. There is no need to stop the car at any point to change modes, as it is all done from the switch of a button while on the move. There are three modes, the fuel economising 2WD, the auto AWD mode where the car allocates torque according to the traction each tyre has on the road surface or the full time AWD mode.

Our test vehicle had the 18inch alloys, on bitumen the car always felt sure footed, and the body roll was almost non-existent. On the gravel on full AWD mode, there were occasions where the car felt a little bit like we were driving on marbles, but it didn’t take much to correct. The lower centre of gravity, achieved by the aluminum roof, I’m sure assists with this.

The new generation Outlander is longer, wider and higher than the previous model and the styling is less confronting, but in keeping with Mitsubishi’s current styling. With innovations in engine design the car is also lighter. New design features have been introduced; these include a split tail gate allowing easy access, and a one touch button allowing the second row of seats to automatically stow themselves away. A seven seat option is available on all models, with the third row of seats stowing neatly under the cargo floor when not in use.

The Outlander XLS and VRX models come with another first for Mitsubishi, their ‘Smart Key’ fob. This allows the door and tailgate to be opened and the car started without removing the key from your pocket or handbag. The vehicle can also be locked with a touch of a button on the front door. If you leave the key in the car it is smart enough to realise this and not allow the car to be locked.

The Outlander comes with Mitsubishi’s industry-leading 5 year / 130,000 bumper to bumper or 10 year/ 160,000 kms non-transferable drive train warranty and 5 year Roadside Assistance as standard.

All New Outlanders are available to test drive today at Sydney City Mitsubishi, 1 Link Road, Zetland, 02 9315 9600.

For: Improved design and trick tailgate

Against: Lack of power in 5th and 6th gear in 4 cylinder

Price: $31,900 – $47,900, Engine: 2.4L 4 cylinder petrol, 3.0L V6 petrol, Transmission: 6-speed CVT with sports mode, 6-speed manual with sports mode.