Mitsubishi Outlander - The Car Connection (Part 1)

A leaner, cleaner Outlander fights for a place in the crossover ranks.

Mitsubishi means different things for different people. For one group, it means the competition-bred Lancer Evolution. For another, it stands for utilitarian off-roaders. There was also, until earlier this century, a range of ‘Space’ cars - Wagon, Star and Runner - offering various levels of above-average interior room.

Mitsubishi Outlander

And then there’s the Outlander, in some ways a combination of all and none of the above, all at the same time. Traditionally it has been underpinned by a Lancer transmission, yet it is capable of towing and features seven seats. It’s a compromise car and a jack of all trades, and if any car sums up the whole of what Mitsubishi is about, it is the Outlander.

And never more so than now. Mitsubishi is focusing in a big way on environmental responsibility, and there’s no car in its range that epitomizes that more than this new SUV. A range-extended electric version is imminent, and even in this diesel form it is lower-powered, lighter and cleaner than its predecessor. So how well does all that affect its ability to cope with everything that life is likely to throw at it? Read on.

History

The Outlander began in 2001 as the Airtrek, a Japan-only model initially but later marketed as the Outlander overseas. It was replaced late in 2005 by a longer model that could seat seven. Initially the second-gen car was powered by a noisy 2.0-litre diesel, but it was replaced with a more advanced PSA engine when Peugeot and Citroen released their variants of the same car. It went through a couple of facelifts in 2007 and 2010 before its replacement with this Mitsubishi-only model.

The Outlander started life in 2001 as the Airtrek.

Design and engineering

Mitsubishi’s approach to renewing the Outlander is sensible, mature and single-minded. This new model is slightly shorter and lower than the previous one, but most importantly it is 100kg lighter, following a structural redesign of the all-steel body-in-white.

MMC’s ‘clean diesel’ 2.2-litre, four- cylinder turbo diesel is now Euro 6 emissions compliant. It makes more low-end torque than it did thanks to changes to the valve timing and turbocharger. Interestingly, it’s less powerful than it used to be: 147bhp, whereas before it produced 174bhp. But with that deficit offset against the more accessible torque and the lower kerb weight, the new Outlander is, says MMC, only marginally slower than the old version and still competitive with its rivals.

The big claim is on efficiency. In a class where fuel economy in the 40s is considered pretty reasonable, the Oudander combines intelligent four- wheel drive with nearly 55mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km.

At least, that’s the claim of some manual versions. Our test car used Mitsubishi’s six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which replaces the dual-clutch ‘SST’ gearbox in the old two-pedal Outlander. It’s a significant change that means new Outlander owners get the benefits of torque multiplication, off road and when towing, that SST-equipped Oudander owners missed, and with only a small efficiency penalty.

The four-wheel drive system is, as it was, controlled by an electronically operated clutch, and its chassis is made up of MacPherson struts at the front and multi-links at the back. The struts have new top mounts and are connected to a new sub-frame, while at the rear the links have been redesigned for greater wheel travel and less un-sprung mass. Both changes, says Mitsubishi, contribute to enhanced ride quality in particular.

This clear horizontal line starts at the headlights and draws all the way along to the rear of the car. Mitsubishi claims that it gives the Outlander a “refined” appearance.

This clear horizontal line starts at the headlights and draws all the way along to the rear of the car.

Alloy wheels are 18 inches as standard on GX3 Outlanders (GX1 and 2s get 16in steel items). And you’d better like ’em as there’s no other option.

Alloy wheels are 18 inches as standard on GX3 Outlanders

Light clusters contain defined light units and creep on to the wings, as on the beefy Shogun. They also contain clear horizontal lines, which continue along the car’s sides.

Light clusters contain defined light units and creep on to the wings, as on the beefy Shogun.

Part of the new-generation Outlander’s improved aerodynamics (better by seven per cent) can be attributed to this new grille. It’s smaller than previously and closed off on this top section.

Part of the new-generation Outlander’s improved aerodynamics can be attributed to this new grille.

Roof has corrugations pressed into it. They increase the strength of the panel without necessarily increasing the weight.

Roof has corrugations pressed into it.

The defined line down the side of the body is continued in this chrome strip across the lights and tailgate. It's a well-used trick; broad horizontal lines accentuate width and purpose.

The defined line down the side of the body is continued in this chrome strip across the lights and tailgate.

The only external indication that the Outlander is 4WD (as all variants are) is this subtle rear window badge. Once 4WD was a thing to shout about, but owning a capable SUV is not the public statement it once was.

The only external indication that the Outlander is 4WD is this subtle rear window badge.

Roof rails are standard on GX3s and above but aren't available on those below. There are some options but, paint aside, exterior choices are limited to dealer-fit accessories.

Roof rails are standard on GX3s and above but aren't available on those below.

How big is it?

How big is it?

Visibility test

Visibility test

Front: Driver’s pillar is the main issue because the cabin is tighter than the class norm. Otherwise, visibility is good.

Headlights: Lateral spread of light is good on standard xenons, which also self-level when towing.

Wheel and pedal alignment

Wheel and pedal alignment

Nothing to complain about here. Brake pedal is wide, so dead-center positioning isn’t a problem, and the distance between it and the accelerator is more than enough for lots of clearance in bulky footwear. Steering column could do with more reach adjustment, though.