2003 Mitsubishi Outlander - Alienating Some, Enamoring Others
Now that I've had the chance to get behind the wheel of each Mitsubishi currently available to Canadians I'll start putting my driving impression notes in a more legible format for you to read. But before I dive into the specifics of this particular vehicle, I have to admit that I was impressed overall by the general quality of the brand in question. Even the models due for a redesign are for the most part still competitive with their peers. That said what I am most impressed with is the progress made from the oldest design to the most recent.
Think what you may about the Outlander's outlandish styling, it will do its job alienating one demographic while enamoring another. Its interior however could hardly be offensive to anyone. The quality of materials is particularly good for this category while the unique mixture of high-grade soft-touch plastics with rich cloth-like dash panels comes across beautifully. Highlighting the top-line XLS are tasteful metallic heating and ventilation controls and accents surrounding the gauges, circular vents, elegant analog clock and shifter gate. The seats are not only attractive but quite comfortable with height adjustable seatbelts up front. There's ample room in the rear for two, but three adults in the backseat of this Lancer based sport utility is a slightly tighter squeeze.
While cloth is standard, leather is an option that transforms the already upscale interior into a luxury SUV. I won't go over specific features as they were well covered in a previous Outlander article but suffice it to say it is commendably equipped in base form and positively over the top in top-line XLS trim. I must make mention of the optional 'Sound and Sun' package though, including a power sunroof and a 6-speaker, 210-watt Infinity audio system. The 'outer-slide' sunroof actually adds to headroom space while it hardly produces any annoying buffeting noises that so many do when fully opened with side windows closed, all the easier to enjoy this superb audio system - definitely spring for it if your budget allows.
Now that I've had the chance to get behind the wheel of each Mitsubishi currently available to Canadians I'll start putting my driving impression notes in a more legible format for you to read. But before I dive into the specifics of this particular vehicle, I have to admit that I was impressed overall by the general quality of the brand in question. Even the models due for a redesign are for the most part still competitive with their peers. That said what I am most impressed with is the progress made from the oldest design to the most recent. Think what you may about the Outlander's outlandish styling, it will do its job alienating one demographic while enamoring another. Its interior however could hardly be offensive to anyone. The quality of materials is particularly good for this category while the unique mixture of high-grade soft-touch plastics with rich cloth-like dash panels comes across beautifully. Highlighting the top-line XLS are tasteful metallic heating and ventilation controls and accents surrounding the gauges, circular vents, elegant analog clock and shifter gate. The seats are not only attractive but quite comfortable with height adjustable seatbelts up front. There's ample room in the rear for two, but three adults in the backseat of this Lancer based sport utility is a slightly tighter squeeze.
While cloth is standard, leather is an option that transforms the already upscale interior into a luxury SUV. I won't go over specific features as they were well covered in a previous Outlander article but suffice it to say it is commendably equipped in base form and positively over the top in top-line XLS trim. I must make mention of the optional 'Sound and Sun' package though, including a power sunroof and a 6-speaker, 210-watt Infinity audio system. The 'outer-slide' sunroof actually adds to headroom space while it hardly produces any annoying buffeting noises that so many do when fully opened with side windows closed, all the easier to enjoy this superb audio system - definitely spring for it if your budget allows.