After being revealed two years ago at the Geneva Motor Show, the new Mitsubishi Outlander has touched down in South Africa.
The carmaker stayed with its tried and tested recipe of the 2,4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that is connected to CVT drivetrain. The engine delivers basically the same power and torque figures as the outgoing model. Peak power of 123 kW is delivered at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 222 N.m at 4 100 r/min. Mitsubishi claims an average fuel consumption of 8,2 litres per 100 km and a top speed of 195 km/h.
The car is still equipped with a part-time all-wheel drive system. The system allows the driver to select between three modes, ranging from 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock-up. In the eco mode, torque is sent to one axle. Should the system detect slippage, a proportion of the torque is diverted to the other axle.
In Lock-up, torque is sent on a permanent basis to both axles. Potential buyers will be happy to know that the towing capacity is 750 kg and the car is fitted with a full-size spare wheel.
Inside the car offers three rows of seats for a total of seven passengers. Standard features include dual-zone air-conditioning, a touch screen audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth with hands-free voice control.
Safety features include seven airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, and stability control. Although only this single model will be offered for now, there are plans to widen the range in the future.
“More derivatives, which include diesel models and a plug-in-hybrid, which won the Car of the Year Japan Innovation Award, will be introduced as soon as these models become available to our region,” said Wynand Pretorius, the general manager of Mitsubishi Motors in South Africa.
The Mitsubishi Outlander GLS Exceed retails for R429 900. The price includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan.
