In the heady days of the 1990s
and early 2000s, Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi was selling Lancer
saloons by the proverbial truckload. It has since fallen on hard times.
On the Singapore front, Mitsubishi's onceteeming showroom in Alexandra
Road shut its doors.
Its local line-up has also suffered. Where the carmaker once
marketed a popular variety of cars ranging from superminis to full-size
sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and even turbo sports saloons such as the
Lancer Evolution, its range has dwindled to just two models in
Singapore.
However, Mitsubishi looks like it is turning things around.
Earlier this month, it rebooted its local passenger-car operations,
reopened its main showroom and is now selling four models here - the
Attrage 1.2-litre budget notchback, the Lancer EX 1.6-
litre saloon, the facelifted ASX 2-litre crossover and the brand's local flagship, the 2.4-litre Outlander SUV.
The Outlander is a step in the right direction. Whether or not you
are sold on the way it looks, it is difficult to argue with how it
represents seriously good value for money.
For $145,999, you get a generously proportioned SUV that seats seven
(although the two seats in the third row are best used for children,
smaller-sized adults or hobbits), has fairly peppy performance and is
generous with quality equipment.
The car comes standard with goodies such as 18-inch two-tone alloys,
a sunroof, automatic headlights/wipers, keyless entry/start and a
touchscreen infotainment system with integrated satellite navigation
(offered as standard for a limited period, after which the system will
be a $1,500 option).
There is also an electrically operated tailgate. A notable omission, though, is electric folding side mirrors.
The Outlander is a pleasant place to be in. It has exemplary
cruising refinement, with almost limo levels of cabin isolation, though
the buzzy engine note detracts from that somewhat.
The car's pillow-like ride quality, too, is beyond reproach.
The 2.4-litre engine with 167bhp is zippy enough (despite what its
relaxed 11.2-second century sprint time might suggest) and its CVT does
not exhibit too much of the "rubber band" effect that plagues most of
these continuously variable transmissions.
But a high level of dynamic ability is not the Outlander's forte.
The soft ride contributes to a significant amount of pitch and roll,
which is not helped by the slow, vague steering.
Frankly, you buy an Outlander for reasons other than driving pleasure.
The biggest reason is that it is a lot of car for not a lot of money
(its main rival, the Honda CR-V, is nearly $15,000 more expensive).
And if you are not of the "keen driver" persuasion, the latest Outlander does almost everything you need an everyday SUV to do.
Specs
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2.4 (A)
Price with COE: $145,999
Engine: 2,360cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: CVT with six-speed override
Power: 167bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 222Nm at 4,100rpm
0-100kmh: 11.2 seconds
Top speed: 195kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.8 litres/ 100km (city-highway)
