Driving in and around Brisbane,  is where we regularly drive the V6-powered Outlander, and it’s little brother the fuel efficient 4 cylinder.  We’re in the entry-level machine, the five-speed manual LS, which dwells in the bottom half of the $30,000 compact SUV range.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Appearance

There’s no missing this new or used vehicle from the front, as it bears the aggressive snout of the Lancer.  It works better on the little passenger car from some angles, however the overall Outlander look is unique and certainly leaves other SUV’s in the dust in terms of design.

The interior hasn’t changed a heap, Mitsubishi folk say there are new materials and new instruments, but there’s no wholesale changes in this Outlander. That’s probably for a reason as I believe they’ve got the design right, a comfortable mix of contemporary Mitsubishi design that doesn’t hurt the eyes

The cabin trim is better, although the cloth trim is a different material to the norm – it’s not an unpleasant place to be, with reasonable amount of storage.

Driving

The Outlander 4 cylinder engine is fuel efficient and has the power required, however its not in need of a leash and a kennel either – there’s some level of flexibility in its lower-end and stirred along with the serviceable five-speed manual the LS can hustle along sealed roads with confidence. If you’re looking for more power, the 6 cylinder is the way to go.

Having not driven the Mitsubishi’s CVT before I was pleasantly surprised after getting used to it how responsive and smooth it can be as the Outlander engine keeps humming at it’s optimum output level.  It’s quiet and the ride quality is pretty good, with decent cabin space and a solid feel to the body.

The Outlander LS is competitive in it’s features putting it at the pointy end of the SUV market,

with a standard features list that includes

It’s list price doesn’t make it the cheapest in the segment (for good reason)  and the Mitsubishi Outlander squeaks into the top 5 for sales.

Mitsubishi Outlander LS


Price:
from $33,240.
Engine: 2.4-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional CVT automatic, on-demand all-wheel drive.
Power: 125kW @ 6000rpm.
Torque:
226Nm @ 4100rpm.
Fuel consumption: 9.5 litres/100km, tank 60 litres.
Emissions: 227g/km.
Suspension: MacPherson strut coil spring with stabiliser bar (front); Multi-link coil spring with stabiliser bar (rear).
four wheel discs, front ventilated.
Dimensions: length 4665mm, width 1800mm, height 1720mm, wheelbase 2670mm, track fr/rr 1540mm, cargo volume 589/1691litres, weight 1545kg.
Wheels: 16in alloys.

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