More Conservative Styling Will Be an Improvement for Many
Come this autumn, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi will be unveiling the next generation of its compact off-roader for its home,
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| While Mitsubishi was a latecomer to the soft-roader SUV game, the Outlander has proven to be a worldwide success. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Taking the motto, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" to heart, the upcoming Outlander doesn't mess with the original's low ground clearance, high seating position, comfort-biased ride and overall proportions. Mitsubishi describes the new car as combining "flexible utility" with "sporty style".
Unlike the current model, the upcoming Outlander will be standardized as a global product. Currently, the Outlander which we receive here is different from the product offered elsewhere in the world: the European Outlander featured a unique interior with a console-mounted
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| The upcoming Outlander doesn't mess with the original's low ground clearance, high seating position, comfort-biased ride and overall proportions. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
With the second generation, Mitsubishi aims to standardize the appearance of the vehicle for all markets, and thus reduce costs. Therefore the clumsy looking nose with its bisected grille will be gone, replaced by a more conventional single grille opening, along with smooth wraparound bumpers, a beveled hood, flared wheel wells and integrated fog lamps. A curved roofline, hockey-stick shaped rear pillars and largish 17-inch alloy wheels will go far to put the sport back into this sport utility.