Mitsubishi Outlander - Test Drive
Road Test of the 4x4 Outlander from Japanese maker Mitsubishi
Jun 17, 2009
The 4x4 Outlander is the latest offering from Japanese giant. By way of an alliance, the Japanese vehicle shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser but this does not seem to have hindered the car, if anything it has helped as the interior of the car has seen a major improvement.
The Outlander Looks Quite Stylish For An Off-Road Vehicle
Even though the Outlander is an off-road vehicle, it has got serious good looks. The lines enhance the shape and smoothly flow around the vehicle, while there is a chunkiness at the front of the car with the large grille and when you look at it from the side profile - the large wheels give it a menacing look.
The Outlander is called a soft-roader in Europe as it can be used with ease on both surfaces but its owners are more prone to transporting the kids to and from school in it. However, do not be worried, this 4x4 can off-road well, it has plenty of ground clearance making driving on the rough stuff a breeze.
In Flagship, Diamond Trim, The Car Is Lavishly Equipped
The car on test was the flagship diesel, which came in Diamond trim. Equipment levels are high in the seven-seat cabin. To keep back seat passengers happy, there is a roof-mounted DVD system, there is also climate control, privacy glass and a rear parking camera - a boon when parking in tight spaces.
Powering the Outlander Is A 2.2-Litre Diesel Engine
The 2.2-litre diesel power plant is probably the best unit on the Outlander range. The boffins at Mitsubishi should be proud, the engine performs well on all sorts of road types, whether travelling on motorway, A or B roads, the Outlander will cope with all that is thrown at it. The four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit produces 154bhp, while it has 380Nm of torque. Drivers can switch between 2WD and 4WD, it is best to switch to 4WD in slippy conditions as the car gets better traction and powers away better.
Performance figures are fair for a vehicle of this stature, the zero to 62mph sprint takes 9.9 seconds, while it has a top speed of 124mph.
The Outlander on test was priced from £27,999, the 2.2 DI-D is the most expensive model in the Outlander range, however, this car is the best performer in the Outlander range. It hold the road well and can carry up to seven people - it really is one of the best 4x4s on the road at present.
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