Mitsubishi’s new Outlander range is brimming with technology
Mitsubishi has expanded its recently launched Outlander model range to a total of five derivatives, all boasting Mitsubishi’s legendary off-road ability thanks to the inclusion of the Super All-Wheel Control system across the whole range.
Mitsubishi’s recently launched all-new Outlander, has quickly become a top seller for the brand in South Africa, sporting a modern design, heightened levels of quality, premium finishes, and a comprehensive level of standard specification and seating for seven, paired with what Mitsubishi says is the best in all-wheel drive technologies.
“The Outlander has impressed our local media too,” says Jeffrey Allison, Mitsubishi SA’s general manager of marketing. “Apart from international accolades, the Outlander was recently announced as a semi-finalist in the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) 2024 Car of the Year competition. It will be competing in the hotly contested Family category.
“The Outlander is the most thoughtfully engineered vehicle that Mitsubishi has ever developed and is based on an all-new platform that allows for the inclusion of a variety of new technologies, including the latest generation four-wheel drive systems, and the ability to accept a hybrid drivetrain.”
He says the design was inspired by the Japanese product concept of I-Fu-Do-Do, and has “substantial horizontal proportions, which along with jet tail fin pillars, result in a bold, fixating presence”.
Mitsubishi calls the front design “Dynamic Shield” and is accentuated by LED front foglamps, LED sequential turn signals, and daytime running lights as well as a front skid plate.
All derivatives are powered by the same 2,5-litre Duel VVT DOHC engine with direct injection that produces 135kW at 6 000rpm and 245Nm at 3 600rpm. The engine is paired with a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission. The power delivery experience can also be tailored via a variety of drive modes including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud.
Mitsubishi’s press release says the transmission “has been carefully programmed to keep the engine in the optimum range, ensuring excellent fuel efficiency and emissions”, and claims fuel consumption of 8,1 litres per 100km in the combined cycle.
The Mitsubishi off-road pedigree shows in the new Outlander’s 210mm of ground clearance and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), which uses “intuitive sensors to maximise vehicle control by distributing power to all four wheels”.
Mitsubishi says the cabin “is truly modern with high levels of comfort and luxury ensured by soft-touch surfaces and premium materials”. This includes quilted leather door inserts and black headliner and pillars. The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel is adjustable and has cruise-control buttons and paddle shifters.
A 12,3-inch “Digital Driver Display” is complimented by either an eight-inch smartphone link display or a nine-inch smartphone-link display with navigation, depending on the model chosen. All derivatives feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability.
For safety, all models are fitted with seven airbags, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, an emergency-stop signal system, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control, as well as active stability and traction control.
The GL, the entry point into the range, offers a comprehensive level of standard specification with highlights that include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED day running lights, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors, heated seats, synthetic leather with suede combination, push-start button, cruise control, ESS (emergency-stop system), a seven-inch driver display and an eight-inch SDA with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The GLS has 20-inch alloy wheels, a digital speedometer, a 12,3-inch digital driver display, a powered-lift tailgate, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless operation system, front rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, headlight washer, front LED side-turn signals and front LED fog lamps, three-zone automatic climate control (front dual-zone) and a rear USB port.
The GLS Plus gets the additional “Multi Around Monitor”.
Aspire derivatives offer additional interior, comfort, and convenience features including a powered panoramic sunroof, door mirrors with position memory, leather seats with seat memory, eight-way power adjustable and power lumbar-support seats, a bigger nine-inch SDA with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as built-in navigation.
The new top-of-the-range model, the Exceed, boasts additional creature comforts in the form of a wireless smartphone charger, a BOSE Premium sound system with 10 speakers, multi around view monitor, door mirrors with position memory and reverse auto tilt and a pull-up sunshade.
“The expansion of the Outlander range will allow more South Africans to get behind the wheel of this exciting vehicle by offering exceptional value for money across a wider variety of models, fitted with the equipment that meets the exacting requirements of our modern customers,” adds Allison.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander has a three-year / 100 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a five-year / 90 000km service plan, and five-year unlimited mileage roadside-assistance plan. Service intervals are 15 000km.
Pricing
Mitsubishi Outlander GL – R699 995
Mitsubishi Outlander GLS – R759 995
Mitsubishi Outlander GLS Plus – R769 995
Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire – R789 995
Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed – R809 995
Technically speaking – Mitsubishi Outlander
Engine: 2 488cc, 4-cylinder, double-overhead cam
Power: 135kW @6 000rpm / 245Nm @ 3 600rpm
Transmission: CVT (8-speed)
Fuel consumption: 8,1l/100km (claimed, in combined cycle)
CO2 emissions: 185g/km
Fuel capacity: 55 litre
Tyres: 235/60/18
