New Outlander SUV squares up
Details of an all-new version of one of New Zealand’s favourite vehicles have been revealed by Mitsubishi, writes Nile Bijoux.
Mitsubishi has revealed an allnew version of its Outlander SUV, even though the current one is still selling well globally.
In fact, it was even one of New Zealand’s best-selling vehicles last month.
The seven-seater has had its looks squared up, with styling inspiration taken from the Engelberg Tourer concept from a few years ago.
There are strong profile lines with bulging wheel arches housing 20-inch alloys, new, slimmer horizontal taillights, and a new version of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield grille houses a split-LED headlight arrangement.
Apparently, the strips of chrome either side of the grille are meant to remind of the brush guards on an old Montero SUV and the lower openings in the bumper are homages to the Lancer Evolution X.
It does look a bit like the third row passengers will feel a bit cramped, given the small size of those rear quarter windows, but we’ll have to wait and see the Outlander in the flesh to confirm.
Inside is a proper step up compared to the outgoing model.
There’s a new 9.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (higher grades add in satnav), shared with the latest Nissan X-Trail. Also lifted from the Nissan are the 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and 10.8-inch head-up display.
Lower-spec Outlanders don’t get the head-up display and make do with smaller 8.0-inch infotainment and 7.0-inch instrument displays.
There are plenty of upholstery options, including fabric, suede, semi-aniline leather and quilted genuine leather depending on variant.
The front seats themselves adopt a two-layer urethane structure ‘‘to ensure [they] are comfortable the moment they are sat on and to reduce fatigue during long trips’’, says the Mitsubishi statement.
Cabin features span a 10-speaker Bose sound system, heated seats, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging, first- and second-row USB-A and USB-C ports, and rear window sunblinds.
Moving on to the oily bits, the Outlander has moved to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-C/D platform, also shared with the X-Trail.
The only engine option at launch will be a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated fourcylinder petrol engine, developing 135kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
It’s connected to a CVT, driving either the front or all four wheels.
The statement made no mention of a plug-in hybrid version, but one is reportedly expected later this year.
Available active safety technologies include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keep assist, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, hill descent control and driver attention alert.
In terms of size, the new Outlander is 15mm longer, 51mm wider, 38mm taller and has a 36mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model.
The growth has resulted in 25mm of extra front legroom, 28mm in rear legroom and 35mm more shoulder room. In total, the new SUV measures 4709mm long, 1862mm wide and 1748mm high, with a 2705mm wheelbase.
Price and local specifications will be announced closer to launch, expected later this year.