After driving the Lancer EX GT-S last month, I couldn't help but to have an urge to try out the Outlander as well. Looks pretty much the same, except for the fact that the Outlander is bigger in its dimensions.
Unfortunately, the Outlander often gets overlooked, lurking in the shadows of Mitsubishi's big star, the high-performance Lancer Evolution. I reckon it's a shame, because the Outlander is a solid, fun-to-drive vehicle with a unique style and value.
Exterior
This is your average, conventional crossover SUV that's comfortable, has sufficient storage space for families, and is available with the all-wheel-drive option. However, the Outlander has enough subtle distinctiveness to make good on its name. Unlike the previous Outlander model of 2007, you'll now see the chiselled face you know from the snout of the Mitsubishi Lancer line-up - the aggressive front face jet fighter grilled styling.
The body is sharp and sleek, yet still boxy enough to be useful. When I first saw the monster, I was almost sure that the Outlander's new face will cause a stir amongst enthusiasts. And in all honesty, I kind of liked the current car's appearance. The styling evokes the athleticism of a sport sedan and the sophistication of a premium SUV. Muscular styling has always been a strength of Mitsubishi's and this vehicle is no exception.
Unfortunately, the Outlander often gets overlooked, lurking in the shadows of Mitsubishi's big star, the high-performance Lancer Evolution. I reckon it's a shame, because the Outlander is a solid, fun-to-drive vehicle with a unique style and value.
Exterior
This is your average, conventional crossover SUV that's comfortable, has sufficient storage space for families, and is available with the all-wheel-drive option. However, the Outlander has enough subtle distinctiveness to make good on its name. Unlike the previous Outlander model of 2007, you'll now see the chiselled face you know from the snout of the Mitsubishi Lancer line-up - the aggressive front face jet fighter grilled styling.
The body is sharp and sleek, yet still boxy enough to be useful. When I first saw the monster, I was almost sure that the Outlander's new face will cause a stir amongst enthusiasts. And in all honesty, I kind of liked the current car's appearance. The styling evokes the athleticism of a sport sedan and the sophistication of a premium SUV. Muscular styling has always been a strength of Mitsubishi's and this vehicle is no exception.
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Around back, LED tail lights give it a pleasant look, portraying a feel of advance technology. However, a smart and useful split tailgate dominates the overall rear looks. Simply because the split tailgate enhances convenience and loading ease - something Mitsubishi has certainly thought through given the target audience of the car. Whilst smaller items can be loaded through the top section, opening both sections provides a large tailgate entry that facilitates the loading of bigger items. It certainly looks rugged in a sexy way.
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Interior
Speaking of sexy, just as charming is its cabin. It is big, especially at the back where the seats will easily accommodate three tall guys with room to spare. It also feels luxurious, thanks to all the supple leather covering the seats and doors. While some may strongly disagree, I reckon the extra touches of chrome and double stitching on the leather seats freshen up the cabin of Mitsubishi's high-riding crossover. It's as if the Outlander picked up some DNA from luxury vehicles and continued to keep some vestiges of its past.
There are, however, a couple of small complaints - although the build quality of the Outlander's interior is solid, and the design is attractive, a few of the plastics and controls feel a bit low-grade. It's definitely something I wouldn't be expecting given the price of the SUV. However, when you explore the versatile space the Outlander has to offer, this vehicle begins to shine more brightly.
The fold-up mechanism of the second row seats - electronic Fold-and-tumble - is effortless thanks to a button that can be found in the boot. A flick of the switch and the second row seats start to fold down and tumble forward automatically, making it an easy task to expand the cargo compartment when carrying large items. Cargo capacity starts at 882 litres with the seats up and expands to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded.
Speaking of sexy, just as charming is its cabin. It is big, especially at the back where the seats will easily accommodate three tall guys with room to spare. It also feels luxurious, thanks to all the supple leather covering the seats and doors. While some may strongly disagree, I reckon the extra touches of chrome and double stitching on the leather seats freshen up the cabin of Mitsubishi's high-riding crossover. It's as if the Outlander picked up some DNA from luxury vehicles and continued to keep some vestiges of its past.
There are, however, a couple of small complaints - although the build quality of the Outlander's interior is solid, and the design is attractive, a few of the plastics and controls feel a bit low-grade. It's definitely something I wouldn't be expecting given the price of the SUV. However, when you explore the versatile space the Outlander has to offer, this vehicle begins to shine more brightly.
The fold-up mechanism of the second row seats - electronic Fold-and-tumble - is effortless thanks to a button that can be found in the boot. A flick of the switch and the second row seats start to fold down and tumble forward automatically, making it an easy task to expand the cargo compartment when carrying large items. Cargo capacity starts at 882 litres with the seats up and expands to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded.
More importantly, the highlight of the SUV is the Electronically Controlled 4WD. Using one-centrally located dial, the system permits freely switching between three drive modes depending on the driving environment or condition. Easily accessible on the floor console, the drive-mode selector dial can quickly change the Outlander's drive mode from fuel-efficient 2WD to 4WD Auto Mode and 4WD Lock Mode for mastering demanding weather conditions.
I guess Mitsubishi should be rightly proud of its high-end electronics. From audio controls on the steering wheel and paddle shifts to the available CD player and AUX-In option for MP3 compatibility, the Outlander reminds us that practicality and looking cool at the same time can be integrated effortlessly.
I guess Mitsubishi should be rightly proud of its high-end electronics. From audio controls on the steering wheel and paddle shifts to the available CD player and AUX-In option for MP3 compatibility, the Outlander reminds us that practicality and looking cool at the same time can be integrated effortlessly.
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The Drive
Mitsubishi's cutting-edge performance continues to evolve. With the INVEC-III CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) and the 2.4-litre MIVEC engine pushing out the 170 bhp of power, the Outlander delivers a seamless and effortless acceleration from any speed. Hence, the ride is pretty nice in the SUV.
Although bumps and craters are absorbed nicely by the suspension, it's important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel as the Mitsubishi's front wheels err toward the jumpy side. A moderate dose of body roll also awaits you at every bend on the road.
Additionally, the steering is precise and handling of the car seems stable, despite the fact that at higher speeds cornering can feel a little vague. Apart from this, the cabin maintains its composure and delivers a rather smooth ride.
Mitsubishi's cutting-edge performance continues to evolve. With the INVEC-III CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) and the 2.4-litre MIVEC engine pushing out the 170 bhp of power, the Outlander delivers a seamless and effortless acceleration from any speed. Hence, the ride is pretty nice in the SUV.
Although bumps and craters are absorbed nicely by the suspension, it's important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel as the Mitsubishi's front wheels err toward the jumpy side. A moderate dose of body roll also awaits you at every bend on the road.
Additionally, the steering is precise and handling of the car seems stable, despite the fact that at higher speeds cornering can feel a little vague. Apart from this, the cabin maintains its composure and delivers a rather smooth ride.
Conclusion
In terms of its outlook, the Outlander is more handsome compared to many of its competitors. The ride may not be on the sporty side but that's not its main responsibility, given its stature as an SUV.
For those looking to break away from the pack of typical family sedans, the Outlander is certainly worth the look and at the price of $129,988 (as of 24 June 2010), I'd say it's pretty much worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
In terms of its outlook, the Outlander is more handsome compared to many of its competitors. The ride may not be on the sporty side but that's not its main responsibility, given its stature as an SUV.
For those looking to break away from the pack of typical family sedans, the Outlander is certainly worth the look and at the price of $129,988 (as of 24 June 2010), I'd say it's pretty much worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
