The renaissance of Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is crossing its fingers. After several years of financial and technical setbacks, the fourth Japanese automaker is launching a global attack to clean its tarnished image. All this is spearheaded by two new promising models that share many components: the Outlander SUV and the Lancer compact sedan (the latter will be the subject of an upcoming road test).
Outlander, the leader
Based on a new global architecture shared by Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler (Dodge Caliber and Nitro, Jeep Compass and Patriot), this all-new compact SUV is motivated by a new 220-hp V6 engine with MIVEC variable valve control. Power is routed through a 6-speed automatic gearbox with Sportronic paddle shifters.
It's important to note that the Outlander is closer to a tall wagon (like Mazda's CX-7 or Audi's Q7) than to a truck-based SUV. Indeed, the GS platform also underpins the new Lancer, including the Evolution and Sportback variants.
Visually, Mitsubishi chose to distance the Outlander from the "Rambo" look of some other bigger trucks, opting instead for a more stylish design. The plunging figure emphasized by the beltline gives it a dynamic persona, while the aggressive fenders point to its off-road capability, even though it's a light-duty one. Mainly an urban vehicle, the Outlander, with its high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, is still able to occasionally venture itself off the beaten path.
Speaking of which, AWD is optional on the base Outlander LS and standard on the high-end XLS model. The system can be engaged by rotating a big knob on the center stack. In 4WD mode, the engine's torque is distributed to all four wheels depending on road conditions, but there's still a front-wheel bias. When things get worse (mud or heavy snow), the driver can lock both axles in order to maximize the amount of power sent to the road.
Mitsubishi is crossing its fingers. After several years of financial and technical setbacks, the fourth Japanese automaker is launching a global attack to clean its tarnished image. All this is spearheaded by two new promising models that share many components: the Outlander SUV and the Lancer compact sedan (the latter will be the subject of an upcoming road test).
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| The Outlander is part of Mitsubishi's new strategy. |
Outlander, the leader
Based on a new global architecture shared by Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler (Dodge Caliber and Nitro, Jeep Compass and Patriot), this all-new compact SUV is motivated by a new 220-hp V6 engine with MIVEC variable valve control. Power is routed through a 6-speed automatic gearbox with Sportronic paddle shifters.
It's important to note that the Outlander is closer to a tall wagon (like Mazda's CX-7 or Audi's Q7) than to a truck-based SUV. Indeed, the GS platform also underpins the new Lancer, including the Evolution and Sportback variants.
Visually, Mitsubishi chose to distance the Outlander from the "Rambo" look of some other bigger trucks, opting instead for a more stylish design. The plunging figure emphasized by the beltline gives it a dynamic persona, while the aggressive fenders point to its off-road capability, even though it's a light-duty one. Mainly an urban vehicle, the Outlander, with its high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, is still able to occasionally venture itself off the beaten path.
Speaking of which, AWD is optional on the base Outlander LS and standard on the high-end XLS model. The system can be engaged by rotating a big knob on the center stack. In 4WD mode, the engine's torque is distributed to all four wheels depending on road conditions, but there's still a front-wheel bias. When things get worse (mud or heavy snow), the driver can lock both axles in order to maximize the amount of power sent to the road.
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| The driver can lock both axles when needed. |