Trying hard
Mitsubishi has firmly established itself as more than just the new kid on the block. As you read these lines, 62 dealerships nationwide are presently in operation. By April of 2008, 13 more will add their names to the list and by April of 2009, Mitsubishi expects to have upwards of 90 concessions selling their products in all of Canada.
Things are looking better on the surface for the Japanese. To ensure the sustainability of the dealership network, the company must provide a solid core of vehicle that people will want to buy. On the heels of the once very hot now relatively cold Eclipse, Mitsubishi has unleashed their 1-2 punch: the 2007 Outlander and 2008 Lancer. If these vehicles do not succeed, things will be bad...
Dynamite form
The new Outlander leaves uninspired and questionable design behind for an aggressive original shape that actually stands out in a crowd. The compact SUV has an attractive and purposeful demeanour thanks to its flared fenders and snout. The rising beltline is well complemented by the narrow greenhouse and intently cut off by the sharp "D" pillar.
There are many cues that indicate that this vehicle is aimed mostly at a younger affluent buyer. The rear combination LED tail lamps, the available 18" wheels and the chromed twin tailpipes are typically on the desired list of accessories for the thirty-something crowd. On a purely aesthetic level, I think only the 2008 Saturn VUE is as attractive.
More eye candy
Onboard the Outlander, the nearly outlandish styling continues. The tested XLS was complete with all the bells and whistles and, of course, leather. Even so, every Outlander features a functional and simple dashboard that can be enhanced with a touch-screen navigation system. Also optional is a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch premium sound system with 9-speaker including a 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer. Two comments that I can make for sure on the system is that it is very powerful but the sound lacks definition.
The occupants are well served otherwise in the cabin. The front seats are supportive, the second is correct while the 3rd row bench is a terrible joke. The trunk is large and accommodating and there is sufficient amount storage bins. Other than a few exceptions such as the tasteless door panels, the plastics and overall fit and finish are very good.
Mitsubishi has firmly established itself as more than just the new kid on the block. As you read these lines, 62 dealerships nationwide are presently in operation. By April of 2008, 13 more will add their names to the list and by April of 2009, Mitsubishi expects to have upwards of 90 concessions selling their products in all of Canada.
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| Mitsubishi has matured since its arrival in Canada at the fall of 2002. |
Things are looking better on the surface for the Japanese. To ensure the sustainability of the dealership network, the company must provide a solid core of vehicle that people will want to buy. On the heels of the once very hot now relatively cold Eclipse, Mitsubishi has unleashed their 1-2 punch: the 2007 Outlander and 2008 Lancer. If these vehicles do not succeed, things will be bad...
Dynamite form
The new Outlander leaves uninspired and questionable design behind for an aggressive original shape that actually stands out in a crowd. The compact SUV has an attractive and purposeful demeanour thanks to its flared fenders and snout. The rising beltline is well complemented by the narrow greenhouse and intently cut off by the sharp "D" pillar.
There are many cues that indicate that this vehicle is aimed mostly at a younger affluent buyer. The rear combination LED tail lamps, the available 18" wheels and the chromed twin tailpipes are typically on the desired list of accessories for the thirty-something crowd. On a purely aesthetic level, I think only the 2008 Saturn VUE is as attractive.
More eye candy
Onboard the Outlander, the nearly outlandish styling continues. The tested XLS was complete with all the bells and whistles and, of course, leather. Even so, every Outlander features a functional and simple dashboard that can be enhanced with a touch-screen navigation system. Also optional is a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch premium sound system with 9-speaker including a 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer. Two comments that I can make for sure on the system is that it is very powerful but the sound lacks definition.
The occupants are well served otherwise in the cabin. The front seats are supportive, the second is correct while the 3rd row bench is a terrible joke. The trunk is large and accommodating and there is sufficient amount storage bins. Other than a few exceptions such as the tasteless door panels, the plastics and overall fit and finish are very good.
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| The new look is original and flattering. |