Outstanding stiffness
After only a few seconds behind the wheel, the high body stiffness of the Outlander can be appreciated. The new platform mated to a well-designed unibody structure creates a torsional rigidity which largely exceeds that of the previous model as well as the Honda CR-V's, one of its main competitors. High body stiffness means precise steering and also good handling, but what about the suspension? Again, the Outlander answers the call with a front MacPherson-type suspension and a rear multilink setup.
When dealing with a series of turns, the Outlander shows little bodyroll, in part thanks to the lighter, aluminum roof that creates a lower center of gravity -- a simple solution to mitigate a vehicle's risk (particularly an SUV's) of rolling over. In addition, all Outlanders with All-Wheel Control (Mitsubishi's way of saying AWD) are helped by stability and traction control, two important electronic systems that improve active safety. In terms of passive safety, the vehicle offers six airbags.
My short road test on the highways and winding roads of California allowed me to appreciate the precise steering of the new Mitsubishi, not to mention the solid, composed braking and quiet ride. Indeed, when driving in 6th gear on the highway, a 120-kph vehicle speed is translated into a 2,200-rpm engine speed only, which increases fuel economy. Meanwhile, wind noises are kept out of the cabin especially well.
A 7-seater or a 5+2 ?
Inside, the XLS model features a third row that allows two additional, albeit small passengers to sit. You should note that this third-row bench is nothing more than a 2-seat folding chair that completely disappears under the floor. Said floor is actually very low to offer greater cargo volume, while the classic tailgate features a foldable panel to significantly lower the trunk's threshold -- another Mitsubishi innovative feature. Once opened, this panel doubles up as a small picnic bench (200-kg capacity).
After only a few seconds behind the wheel, the high body stiffness of the Outlander can be appreciated. The new platform mated to a well-designed unibody structure creates a torsional rigidity which largely exceeds that of the previous model as well as the Honda CR-V's, one of its main competitors. High body stiffness means precise steering and also good handling, but what about the suspension? Again, the Outlander answers the call with a front MacPherson-type suspension and a rear multilink setup.
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| The new Outlander is more stylish than its predecessor. |
When dealing with a series of turns, the Outlander shows little bodyroll, in part thanks to the lighter, aluminum roof that creates a lower center of gravity -- a simple solution to mitigate a vehicle's risk (particularly an SUV's) of rolling over. In addition, all Outlanders with All-Wheel Control (Mitsubishi's way of saying AWD) are helped by stability and traction control, two important electronic systems that improve active safety. In terms of passive safety, the vehicle offers six airbags.
My short road test on the highways and winding roads of California allowed me to appreciate the precise steering of the new Mitsubishi, not to mention the solid, composed braking and quiet ride. Indeed, when driving in 6th gear on the highway, a 120-kph vehicle speed is translated into a 2,200-rpm engine speed only, which increases fuel economy. Meanwhile, wind noises are kept out of the cabin especially well.
A 7-seater or a 5+2 ?
Inside, the XLS model features a third row that allows two additional, albeit small passengers to sit. You should note that this third-row bench is nothing more than a 2-seat folding chair that completely disappears under the floor. Said floor is actually very low to offer greater cargo volume, while the classic tailgate features a foldable panel to significantly lower the trunk's threshold -- another Mitsubishi innovative feature. Once opened, this panel doubles up as a small picnic bench (200-kg capacity).
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| The third-row seat offers basic comfort at best. |