The new iteration of the Mitsubishi Outlander is, in my opinion, an outstanding family car in every way.
There is a choice of two trim levels, the GLS and Aspire, the latter being the top-of-the-range version.
It looks good, both inside and out. It is big inside, seating up to seven or having an enormous boot if the third row is folded down. This new Outlander comes well equipped, is pretty frugal at the pump and is pleasant to drive, which can be quite far off the beaten track as it has a practical ride height and five driving modes from eco to sand to mud. Quite a car.
Try as I might to find fault with it I could not, unless I resorted to nitpicking. No heated steering wheel, but both front seats are heated. Only two USB ports upfront, no forward looking camera (is this an issue?), no turbo lag – got you there. The engine is normally aspirated. In short: a damn fine family car, and its affordable, especially compared to its German competition.
Externally Mitsubishi have done themselves proud. The nose from dead ahead is the only angle I find iffy because of the large housing for the driving lights sandwiched between the thin strip of the main beam and the fog lights. I assume it is their corporate look which will work better on the new Triton and Pajero Sport. From the side she looks sleek and purposeful, although I would prefer one size smaller rims and higher profile tyres, but the rear is in perfect balance.
The cabin is superb; from the high equipment levels, good quality materials, apparently good fit and robust-feeling controls to the ergonomic layout.
When you open the solid-feeling door you see a neat, stylish, uncluttered cabin. There is a feeling of quiet luxury created by the cross-stitched leather seats. The driver’s seat rolls back to ease exiting and rolls forward to your driving position (of which there are two profiles) when you select gear. And also the use of smart looking finishes and subtle bright strips. The digital instrumentation is a joy to behold. Gratefully there are real buttons and switches for all the important daily functions including air-conditioner, radio, lights and so on while rarely used settings are done using the touchscreen.
The Outlander has many small details which will make its owner’s life just a bit easier. For example the third row and the middle (second) row headrests pack away under the carpet in the boot. The boot door is powered and can be unlocked and locked separately.
Although you can keep your keys in your pocket you have to press a small button on the handle when unlocking the car, a feature I like because it adds a little layer of safety while keeping the convenience of keyless entry.
I found the driving experience to be excellent. The robust, normally aspirated petrol engine is seamlessly mated to an 8-speed auto box and all the other systems.
One is not aware of the steering, accelerator or brakes unless you need to use them in “anger”; so well set up is this car in normal mode. I found eco mode to be pap, and traction (Mitsuspeak for sport) to be quite loud and aggressive. But horses for courses.
This biggish car does not really have any blind spots or visibility issues. The interior rear view mirror, main beams, wipers are all automatic unless you want to control them manually.
Expect from around 6 l/100 km on the highway and an average around 9 F/100 km to 10 in town depending on your foot. Excellent for this size of car. The 2.5 litre Dual VVT Dohc engine produces 135 kW at 6 000 rpm and 245 Nm at 3 600 rpm, which is fine for a family tourer.
This new Outlander has all the safety and entertainment kit expected of a smart, safe, well appointed car.
I would be a little worried if I was selling high-end German or other Japanese brands. For half the bang you are getting as much buck, I think. The competition includes Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, BMW X3, Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Subaru Forester, Peugeot 5008, Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Grand Creta. The base model Mitsubishi Outlander GLS is R729 995, while the top-notch Aspire is (I am tempted to say only) R30k more.
Warranty is three years or 100 000 km. Roadside assistance: five-year unlimited mileage and the service plan is a good five-year or 90 000 km.
