|
It's surprisingly how quick Mitsubishi regained ground after the local-production Magna-380 chaos of a couple of years back. They are now a full-import company after disposing of the assets connected with local production in Adelaide. Rather than fighting the demons of local production the company is now concentrating it's efforts on marketing it's imported range.
Best of all is that the company's cars now have an all-new face – a dynamic grille – that sets it's vehicles apart from the rest of the Japanese-Korean manufacturers. Mitsubishi describe it as the `jet fighter' grille and it certainly grabs the attention of buyers. Don't know about `love that car' but the grille has been a major factor in Mitsubishi – and car buyers – being able to see a new face to the company whose future was dogged by doubts for so long.
That new face has now extended to the compact SUV Outlander and sets it apart from the countless competitors in this segment. Countless – well about 20 in all. Enough to send your head spinning if you're looking in this market for your ideal compact SUV. Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line VRX automatic 3.0 litre V6 variant. The price: $51,990.
This pricing places the VRX V6 at the premium end of the compact SUV market against Land Rover Freelander 3.2 Si6 SE (49,990) petrol, Subaru Outback R ($48,490) and Toyota's ZR6 3.5 litre Rav4 ($51,790). However, Mitsubishi do offer alternatives that start from $33,240 with the 2.4 litre four cylinder LS model. The XLS is $40,490 and the 3.0 litre V6 is $40,990.
What is surprising about the above is Mitsubishi offers no diesel alternative in the Outlander range putting it at odds, and a disadvantage, to many of it's competitors who do have an oil-burner. Where this becomes relevant to our test is that our fuel economy from the V6 bordered for the week at around 12.3 litres/100 kms. Much more around town up to 14 litres/100km - and quite a bit less on the highway. Mitsubishi claim 10.4 litres/100 kms combined from the V6.
Price and economy aside, the V6 Outlander is a delightful vehicle that has a lot going for it in addition to its distinctive appearance. As an SUV with all wheel drive it is well set up to take you off road on bush tracks and trails and even some not -too-difficult 4WD tracks. Ground clearance is a significant 215mm. Previously the AWD system was a knob which the driver turned from 2WD to 4WD to Lock. This now reads `Tarmac', `Snow' and `Lock' simplifying the process for those not into technology about when to engage the correct system.
Outlander comes as a comfortable five seater with a large luggage area or a seven seater. The rear seats have a 60/40 split system and also fold and tumble to increase the already cavernous area of 882 litres to 1691 litres. Our test vehicle came with five seats. The large cargo area is due to the spare wheel being carried under the rear of the car with the space created either used for the extra two seats or as extra capacity.
The rear pew is comfortable, but lacks head room for taller passengers and shoulder room is also at a premium for three adults. Leg room is quite good. Being the XLS there's a roof mounted drop down DVD player for younger ones on long trips.
The front seats are supportive and the driver has good ergonomics. The steering wheel has audio and cruise controls fitted, plus for those who like using F1 style paddles to change gears these are also provided for manual shifting. The front layout is simple and uncluttered. The front seats are heated for cold winter mornings or those trips to the snow, where the AWD technology will also get a work-out.
The V6 is a willing engine and revs out quite a bit if you're enthusiastic with the right foot. It has good passings speeds and jumps off well at the lights. The six speed transmission is suited to the engine and in addition to the steering wheel paddles drivers also have the option of using the sport shift via the conventional lever. To pigeon-hole the Outlander V6 it's a compact young family wagon-cum-young, active couples SUV. The VRX is fitted with all the latest safety technology, plus a number of passenger luxuries, which take it into a domain which exposes buyers to luxury marques for a similar outlay.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
LS 2.4 L manual $33,240
XLS 2.4 L auto $40,490
VR 3.0 L auto $40,990
VRX 3.0 L auto $51,990
FEATURES (VRX V6)
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Standard
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Petrol
Capacity: 2.998 litres
Configuration: V6
Head Design: SOHC 24 valve
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 87.6 mm x 82.9 mm
Maximum Power: 169 kW @ 6250 rpm
Maximum Torque: 291 Nm @ 3750 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: FWD/AWD
Manual Transmission: N/A in VRX
Automatic Transmission: Six Speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.571
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4665mm
Wheelbase: 2670mm
Width: 1800mm
Height: 1720mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1727 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
Towing Ability: 1600 kg (kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson coil spring stabiliser bar
Rear Suspension: Independent – Multi link coil spring with stabliser bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes: Discs
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: N/A seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: RON91
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.4 L/100km (14.6 urban/8.1 highway)
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5 /10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
5 years/130,000 km (new vehicle) 10 year/160,000 powertrain warranty.
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
