The heated power adjustable leather seats, the electric tailgate, radar cruise and the automatic wipers are just a few of the creature comforts one misses when they are gone. The Outlander’s elevated driving position, coupled with the strong 112kW (and gutsy 366Nm of torque) and smooth six speed sports mode auto makes this a great vehicle for covering the kilometres.
This is a state of the art new engine, having a compression ratio of just 14.9:1. It means Mitsubishi can make a lighter, smoother power unit with excellent 5.8L/100km fuel economy.
Though almost the same externally as the old model, there is more room inside and it has good sound insulation.
The LS base models will fit five adults and other models have a third row; all are genuinely usable and the seats are easily folded down flat into the luggage area when not in use.
Mitsubishi has dropped the jet fighter front end of the old model in favour of a more rounded generic look but it looks good and smooth edges make it look less like just another people mover.
Inside the VRX models are faux wood trim with piano black and chrome finishes on the instrument panel which is dominated by a colour 7” display unit with a comprehensive range of settings and stats available.
This should be done while parked as there are so many options it will take time to get the set-up you want. My screen was set with half showing the sat nav and the other half with music options, though it can be set any way you wish. When reversing, the screen becomes a rear facing camera with guide lines for parking and audible warnings.
So, great looking, powerful and comfortable: what’s the catch? With a retail price of $56,990 plus on road costs, luxury doesn’t come cheap.
But that’s $5000 less than the less powerful top spec Toyota RAV4 diesel, so it does seem to represent good value. Twist an arm at your local dealer and I’m sure “they will work something out”.
