Aggressive look of the future

With its futuristic-looking Outlander, Mitsubishi has taken direct aim at RAV4, Forester, CRV and X-Trail. These are the vehicles that dominate the highly competitive compact AWD market, of which the local carmaker intends to grab a share.

At its launch as the Airtreck in Japan two years ago, Outlander came with a more conservative front end. It emerged in its current form at the New York Motor Show last year. Now available in Australia, this all-new wagon comes in two spec levels, the entry LS and the XLS.

Pleasant to be in, Outlander offers a smooth, comfortable ride and is light and easy to drive. A 2.4-litre SOHC, balance-shaft equipped, multi-valve four-cylinder engine powers both models, as it did the TE-TF Magnas. This engine – with special tuning for Outlander – produces 100kW of power and 205Nm of torque.

Drive is through Mitsubishi’s four-speed INVECS II Smart Logic automatic transmission, with tiptronic-style manual mode.

The engine and transmission work well together, but Outlander’s performance is, in all situations, adequate rather than breathtaking.

Its constant all-wheel-drive system uses a viscous centre differential to regulate the torque split between front and rear axles. Most of the time, power is evenly split between the two but, as slip is detected, the torque split varies accordingly. Like most in this class, the system is full-time, totally automatic and requires no driver inputs.

The aggressive, futuristic front end of the Outlander draws a range of responses. In the broader perspective, the car’s profile is pleasant, while smart tail lamps enhance its functional rear section.

Inside, it is comfortable, roomy and laid out well. Mitsubishi has included some innovative storage solutions and fitted a gauge layout similar to that of the Pajero.

Seats are very firm yet comfortable and the driving position is good. Outlander’s pedal-operated park brake and odd-looking dash-mounted gear lever provide more space for a larger console bin and padded, adjustable armrest. Second-row seats feature the usual 60/40 split-fold design, which allows for various cargo options. To carry an object up to 2.4 metres long, one simply reclines the front passenger seat and folds the left rear seat forward.

The LS is good value at $31,990. Its standard features include:

• Power windows.
• Remote keyless entry.
• Air conditioning.
• Cruise control.
• Dual airbags.
• Four-speaker CD player.

The XLS ($37,490) comes with additional equipment, such as:

• Alloy wheels.
• Fog lamps.
• Front seat-mounted side airbags.
• Six-speaker, six-disc CD.
• Tilt-slide sunroof.
• ABS.

The only disappointment for some will be Outlanders’ lack of a manual-transmission option.

...has the advantage of superior traction...
...oversteer and understeer, all disappear...

First AWD sedan

In a first for an Aussie carmaker, Mitsubishi has released a large all-wheel-drive sedan. This should silence the debate on the superiority of rear-wheel drive over front-wheel drive, and vice versa. Few now regard as credible the argument that big sixes have to be rear-wheel drive. It was never a sound proposition anyway.

The AWD range consists of three sedan models – Magna AWD, Sports AWD and the Verada AWD. All come with Mitsubishi’s smooth and powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, coupled with the fabulous five-speed tiptronic INVECS II automatic transmission.

Drive is to all four wheels through a viscous coupling system, with much of its drive-line derived from the Japanese-built Lancer Evo rally car. Externally, the only signs of additional engineering and hardware are three small AWD badges. Things are more obvious underneath, with this safest-ever Magna featuring a transfer case, tail shaft and rear differential.

It was not just a matter of bolting on the extra bits: Mitsubishi undertook significant re-engineering of the floorpan, steering, suspension, exhaust and fuel tank. AWD models feature – in comparison to their standard siblings – upgraded brakes, limited-slip differentials and additional equipment.

The end result is a car that performs superbly in all conditions. It is as smooth and quiet as the Magnas we are used to, but has the advantage of superior traction combined with sharper handling and steering. The problems associated with conventional drive systems, such as unwanted wheel spin, torque steer, oversteer and understeer, all disappear when driving this car.

The extra safety of AWD, and he additional standard features on this range, says that, at $37,490 (Magna), $43,290 (Sports) and $46,460 (Verada), these cars are good value.