9 February 2011
New car report; Outlander makeover
See the AA expert's new car review of Mitsubishi's 2013 Outlander.
Despite being a 4 year old model, the Mitsubishi Outlander continues to be New Zealand's best selling medium SUV, and now the time has come for Mitsubishi to reward their star performer with a makeover.
The most obvious change is the adoption of the "Jet-fighter" grille robbed from go-fast Lancers, the Ralliart and Evo X. And while the grille on the pre-facelift model arguably had a more elegant look, there's no question that the new frontal treatment gives the Outlander added presence and a more aggressive appearance.
Changes have also been made to the interior, with new door trims and seat materials, enhancements to the dash and instrument cluster including leather look dash trim on premium models.
New lights, door mirrors, bumpers, side sills, front guards and bonnet complete the visual upgrade package.
As before, a 2.4 litre DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder engine is available, generating 127kW of power at 6,000rpm and 230Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, mated to a CVT automatic transmission with Sports Mode sequential shift consuming fuel at the rate of 9.3L/100km.
The upgraded 3.0 litre V6 powerplant now produces 7kW more, with 172kW of power at 6,250rpm and 296Nm of torque at 3,750rpm when running on 96 octane fuel. The V6 engine is mated to a traditional 6 speed automatic 'box and returns a fuel consumption figure of 10.4L/100km.
New entry level at sharp price-point
And new for our market is an entry level 2WD 2.0 litre LS Outlander. This is part of Mitsubishi's strategy of appealing to a broadening customer base. Launched along with an entry level Lancer, Mitsubishi Motors Communication Manager, Daniel Cook says the new 2.0 2WD LS "will slot in beneath the current offerings, providing another option for price-conscious buyers."
Given that very few SUV owners have a need to venture off road, a 2WD option makes good economical and environmental sense, while still offering the practicality and convenience of 7 seats, with a third row of seats which fold flat into the floor when not in use.
Like the 2.4 litre models, the 2.0 litre engine is mated to a 6-speed CVT transmission with Sports Mode. Thanks to the smaller engine and the 2WD set-up, fuel consumption is quoted at only 7.6L/100km, delivering power of 111kW at 6,000rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.
Four wheel drive versions benefit from Mitsubishi's MATT (Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology). Put into simple terms, this is Mitsi speak for their combination of various 4X4 traction and safety systems.
As part of the MATT system, 2.4 litre versions get AWC (All Wheel Control), which allows the driver to switch between 2WD, 4WD and Lock at speeds of up to 100km/h. Also included is HSA (Hill Start Assist), ATC (Active Traction Control).
Acronyms galore, MATT includes S-AWC in V6 SUV.
S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) intergrates numerous handling, traction, safety and stability systems to improve on and off road handling.
The entry level 2.0 litre 2WD LS has a locally fitted audio system with single disc CD, MP3, USB, AUX in and Bluetooth with 4 speakers. Two ISO-FIX child seat attachments are fitted in the rear and the 2WD model rolls on 16 inch steel wheels.
Base model 4WD models are also equipped with a single disc CD audio system, with the steel wheels of the 2WD being upgraded to similar sized alloys. However, seating capacity is downgraded from 7 to 5.
Higher level 2.4 and 3.0 litre versions get 7 seats, 18 inch alloys and a 6 speaker, 6 disc audio system, while the top end VRX models get luxuries such as leather trim, alloy pedals, a sport style steering wheel and a 9 speaker 710 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system including sub-woofer.
Towing capacity is limited to 750kg across the range for unbraked trailers, with a braked trailer rating of 1,200kg, 1,500kg and 1,600kg for 2.0 litre, 2.4 litre and 3.0 litre models respectively.
As with the whole Mitsubishi range, all models are offered with a comprehensive 5 year/130,000 km new vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a 5 year/130,000km roadside assistance package.
With a wide model range starting with the entry level 2.0 2WD LS priced at $37,990 through to top of the line luxury VRX V6 at $54,990, there's a model for nearly everyone, the only exception being those buyers preferring their SUV to be diesel powered.