What they said when the Mitsubishi Outlander was new… (Dec 16 2003)
MITSUBISHI is expecting to sell around 2,000 of its new Outlanders next year after it goes on sale on January 1.
And at a staring price of just under £17,000 for the entry-level, 2.4 Equippe model, this good-looking, roomy newcomer to the Mitsubishi stable should meet the target.
I enjoyed driving it, and most other motoring journos on the UK press launch seem to be in favour too.
The Japanese car maker has classed the Outlander as a "crossover" motor - meaning it's a cross between an estate and an off-roader - but claims it drives like a car.
And its claim is justified, for it does drive extremely well.
That could in part be because the Outlander borrows some of its driving dynamics from the legendary Evolution VIII high performance saloon.
Specifically, it uses the car's rally-derived permanent all-wheel-drive system which splits the power equally between the front and rear axles.
And despite having high ground clearance the Outlander keeps a low centre of gravity which stops it leaning over on tight bends.
It is Mitsubishi's first new European car since 2000 and is the first of 14 new models it plans to introduce over the next five years. It is also the first to sport Mitsubishi's new corporate face - a wide grille with a more prominent three-diamond logo.
The Outlander, which can be taken off-road, has deep side skirts, flared wheel arches, two-tone bumpers and a heavy-duty roof rack to reflect its multi-role versatility.
The cabin is reasonably spacious with a simple and clean T-shaped dashboard and deep centre console. Instruments are silver, Evolution VIII-style.
Power comes from Mitsubishi's own 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine which pumps out 158 bhp. It's reasonably willing, but I think it's a bit on the underpowered side, taking 11.2 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph. Claimed combined mpg is 28 mpg.
Gearing is through a four-speed automatic gearbox which is a smooth changer. You can also use it as a manual sequential change if you want to make the decisions yourself.
A short off-road course was set up for the press launch and the Outlander coped well. This isn't an all-terrain, four-by-four, mud-plugger, but its all-wheel drive and high ground clearance can cope with some rough stuff.
Passive safety features include high-tensile steel side impact bars, collapsible steering column, high driving position, front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes.
When it goes on sale next month buyers will be able to choose from three models - the Equippe priced at £16,999, the £17,999 Sport and the Sport SE at £18,749.
A duel-fuel version the Outlander - using LPG - will be available on all models at an additional cost of £1,000 over the standard petrol engined versions.
Equipment levels are high on all versions. The Equippe offers climate control, CD player, central locking, electric front and rear windows, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, 16in alloys, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip. Sport models add an electric sunroof, black wood effect console and fog lights while the Sport SE is fitted with leather seats front and back.
Mitsubishi says its target buyers will be younger couples aged from 35-45 who have active family lifestyles and who are looking for a practical motor at a realistic price.
I think the new Outlander will fit the bill.
Words: Stewart Smith
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