Mitsubishi Outlander – Pictorial Review Exteriors
We all know Mitsubishi as Dakar rally winners and as makers of rugged suv’s like Pajero and Montero but we often fail to understand Mitsubishi is as good as any auto maker in making comfortable sedans. But this story is not about Mitsubishi’s new sedan but about the new Outlander a crossover.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Like CR-V and Captiva, Outlander has a car-based design that translates into pleasing design and a comfortable interiors. Though the wheel arches are flared up there is no prominent shoulder line. The roofline peaks which over the driver slides towards the rear like a coupe. The exterior gets various touches of chrome to liven things up Rear is dominated by the ample glass area and LED tail lamps. The fake LED over the hatch and fake skid plate are nice styling elements.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Surprisingly there is no diesel powerplant, there is only a petrol unit to power the 2tonne Outlander. The 2.4L MIVEC petrol engine is developed by Mitsubishi in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. The 2.2L MIVEC engine develops 170PS of maximum power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of peak torque at 4100rpm. Six speed CVT transmission with optional tiptronic mode for conventional driving style. Driver can select between P-R-N-D-DS modes. behind the gear lever. Also, the Formula 1-style magnesium shift paddles mounted on the steering column allows the driver to shift manually. Behind the gear lever is a chunky dial, look carefully you can understand the vehicle is a All Wheel Control (AWC) drive one.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Turn on the ignition key, the engine starts with ease. Slot the floor mounted gear lever in Drive mode and forget about everything. Floor the acclerator, tacho needle shows 6000rpm and then it starts bottomming out. Outlander is capable of reaching a top speed of 166kmph. But you need little time to get used to CVT if you had driven a manual earlier. Though the engine loves to rev a lot, the insulation is very good to absorb the noise generated. Another feel good about the outlander is its fuel efficieny. It returns a combined mileage of 9kmpl.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Outlander driving dynamics inherits the popular Mitsubishi’s rally DNA. Outlander takes corners with confidence. MacPherson strut and trailing arm multilink suspension at the fore and aft. Though there is discernable body roll but it is well controlled. The steering is light but slightly vague and tend to torque steer much.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Off the road, Outlander performs better than its peers but remember this is a crossover. We slug the outlander in beach sand in 4WD mode it moved easily, but on serious it caught in the mud and we have to tow the outlander out. 215/70 R16 Yokohama Geolander tyres and on-the-fly four-wheel-drive gives the car traction in slippery conditions.
Mitsubishi Outlander: comes in six attractive colours – river blue,silver dew,cascade white,sunrise yellow,pasture green,new moon black and twilight red with two interior options.
