Makeover on the Outlander

In the crowed, competitive segment that is compact SUVs, Mitsubishi’s Outlander has continually proved to be a good value buy with decent specification and even better performance. For the 2010 model year, the Outlander boasts design and feature updates that easily distinguish it from the pre-facelift model.The new styling of the Outlander includes a stylish front end very much like that of the Lancer, with a prominent grille surrounded by chrome-finish detail. Other additions include a chrome-finished trim strips and side mirror housings. The Outlander is available in “Cosmic Blue Mica”, “Red Metallic” and “Solid White” hues.

The Outlander is powered by the proven 2,4-litre 16-valve Mivec four-cylinder engine that produces 125 kW at 6 000 r/min and 226 N.m of torque at 4 100 r/min. Drive is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a six-speed CVT transmission and electronically-activated all-wheel drive, which is operated by a selector dial that provides options for 2WD, 4WD or 4WD Lock driving modes.

The interior boasts comfortable seating for five, with the addition of useful storage compartments to supplement the Outlander’s 432 dm3 of luggage space. The interior has also been enhanced with a synthetic leather-finished facia and door panel trim, while the instrument cluster has been given a fresh appearance with back-lit dials and an LCD display.

Safety specification includes six airbags, Active Stability Control, and ABS with EBD. Added to the generous complement of comfort features, which includes rear-parking sensors, cruise control, full automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, electric tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, integrated roof rails, privacy glass for the rear windows, and keyless operating system, is the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which orients the headlamps by calculating steering angle and vehicle speed.

Once again, a 719 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, with a six-disc MP3-compatible CD changer and nine speakers, including a subwoofer in the luggage compartment, is standard.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is priced at R381 000 and comes with a three years/100 000 km warranty and a service plan of three years/60 000 km with service intervals every 15 000 km.