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Mitsubishi Outlander Review 2016

 

Good points

  • New look makes it a much more attractive car
  • Handles more confidently
  • Quieter than the old model

Needs work

  • The bones are the same – doesn’t wow dynamically
  • Base petrol is a little breathless
  • Advanced safety tech only available on Exceed

Chasing Cars attended the Australian launch of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, held in Sydney’s Cottage Point.

What we drove:

  • Outlander LS (base) – 2-litre aspirated petrol four, 5 speed manual, Ironbark, front wheel drive
  • Outlander Exceed (flagship) – 2.2-litre turbodiesel four, 6 speed automatic, Cool Silver, four wheel drive

It’s been just two years since the third-generation Outlander SUV made its debut – but Mitsubishi have already seen fit to give the car a comprehensive refresh. There’s a new look coined ‘Dynamic Shield’ outside, there’s a refit inside, and performance improvements lie under the skin. All this creates a much-improved midsize SUV – the Outlander still isn’t class leading, but the changes see it climb the ranks.

The range remains broad with three trims, three engines, and two drivelines. Pricing has gone up and down, with entry to a base LS up $750 to $28,490, while the flagship Exceed diesel falls in price to $46,490. But differences between the models are less distinct than ever, with Mitsubishi opting for zero visual differentiation between the grades. It’s creature comforts that set costlier Outlanders apart, with the Exceed’s advanced safety technology not even optional on lesser trims.

Mitsubishi told us that the focus was on making the Outlander ‘more aggressive’. We wouldn’t say the new car is as energetic as that – but it becomes more like the competent family SUV it should have been from the start, and a much more compelling option in the segment.

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Comprehensive cover
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Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.2L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Single turbocharger
Power
110kW @ 3500rpm
Torque
360Nm @ 1500-2750rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
67kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Diesel
Fuel capacity
60L
Consumption
6.2L / 100km
Average Range
968km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4695mm
Width
1810mm
Height
1680mm
Unoccupied weight
1630kg
Cargo space seats up
477L
Cargo seats down
1608L

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