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By
EWAN KENNEDY
13 March 2006
With lines that at first make it look like a concept car at a motor
show, Mitsubishi’s Outlander is something right out of the ordinary.
Of particular note is that very prominent front end with a nose that
certainly screams out to be looked at – and discussed.
The striking styling isn’t just in the body,
it also continues into the cabin using what Mitsubishi calls a ‘modern
retro’ theme. This includes hooded binnacles over the
instruments, round air vents with chromed rims and a great looking
little clock that takes pride of place in the centre of the dash.
Yet the Mitsubishi Outlander hasn’t gained the
sales success we forecast when we first drove it, probably because
of the aforementioned striking shape. But Australian buyers seem
to be finally coming to grips with the styling theme and are
adding Outlander to their short lists of small-medium 4WDs.
It’s a shame that more people aren't buying
it, because we have driven the Outlander on demanding dirt roads
and forest trails and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This
isn't an off-road machine in the full sense of the term, but it
made light work of some decent sized ruts, bumps and other nasty
surprises during our all-road testing session. However, some
corrugated roads did set up a real racket from the suspension/tyres.
Mitsubishi is a past master at 4WD systems, its
evergreen Pajero having been in the vanguard of the recreational
4WD scene over 20 years ago. Drive in the Outlander is permanently
to all four wheels, thus it acts as a traction control system
on-road as well as off. During our testing it never gave a moment’s
trouble as far as grip was concerned.
On-road, the Mitsubishi Outlander is almost as
easy to drive and park as a car and is smooth and refined for what
it is. Handling isn’t to car standards as far as sheer cornering
speeds are concerned, but this 4WD is nicely balanced and
understeer doesn’t come into play until you are travelling at
higher than average speeds.
Reversing is generally simple though there are
some blind spots and the rear window doesn’t give you a huge
outlook.
Interior space is good, with the Mitsubishi
Outlander being longer and wider than most others in its class. It’s
marginally lower than its competitors, but there's plenty of
headroom, even for occupants of above average height. Four adults
can be transported easily and the boot is a good size and simple
to load.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is priced from $32,490
for the LS to $39,990 for the sporty looking Outlander VR-X. All
come with a four-speed automatic transmission with manual
overrides in sequential fashion. Mitsubishi dealers may still have
some examples of the limited edition $32,490 Outlander Activ in
their showrooms, but those we have spoken to say its moving out
fast.
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Marque Publishing Company
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