A new breed – Mitsubishi Outlander 2007

Does the Outlander “out-everything everything”?

By Tushal Bhadang

For some people the pajero is simply too big or too expensive, so the Outlander was launched in 2003, which was an okay-ish small CUV (compact utility vehicle). It tried too hard to be a car and wasn’t too happening off the road either. The engine was puny and it looked funny from the front. It was time that the Japanese manufacturers of pocket-rockets like the Lancer Evolution series pulled up their sleeves and hit the drawing board. The result - an all spanking new vehicle based on the new Lancer EX platform, the 2007

Mitsubishi Outlander! It looks very chic (we know you girls are already droooling), clean lines, a simple but handsome front grille, the sloping roofline toward the back makes for

better aerodynamics as well. With viper-like high intensity discharge headlamps, the appearance is menacing at sundown and smart in the day. We tested the GLS trim which had a whole lot of goodies, but we’ll focus on that later.

Motivation comes from a newly developed high revving 3 litre V6 power plant with a MIVEC multi-camshaft lobe system that changes the engine valve timing for the best power to fuel efficiency ratio. It develops a whopping 235 bhp of power @6250 RPM (highest in its class) and 288 Nm of torque @ 4000 RPM (again highest!). A6-speed auto ‘box (with sports mode) All Wheel Control (AWC) system puts the power on the road, the tranny allows shifting from 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock mode via an electronic control knob on the centre console.

What makes the Outlander so special is the manual mode with paddle shift behind the Steering wheel, its not an Enzo fast shifter but it is fast enough. This is the first time ever a paddle shift has been introduced in this segment and gives a definitive sporty feel to the CUV. Overall, Mitsubishi got the transmission spot on. Off the road, the ride quality is comfortable and she is very very capable in 4WD Lock mode. Make no mistake; it still drives like a car, so some limitations are bound to bog it down like the 220 mm ground clearance. It will tackle most obstacles but rather not get too adventurous. In 2WD mode she transfers all power to the front wheels and then throws its weight around when cornering due to the soft suspension set up. The steering is very light and offered limited feedback. Rolling on large P rated 225/55R18 tyres, the Outlander makes mince meat out of its competitors on the highway cruise. Sound proofing is good overall, but we did experience some unpleasant wind roar which wasn’t too comforting. The 5.3m turning radius of the car is remarkable despite a wheelbase of 2670mm. Inside, the GLS trim level offers leather seats, a steering adjustable for rake and reach, steering mounted audio controls, cruise control switches, a sun roof and a specially developed for the Outlander, Rockford Fosgate 6-speaker audio system with a subwoofer mounted in the boot. Keyless entry and ignition, an intelligent Multi-info display in the speedo console and flexible seating arrangements come standard as part of the GLS package. The climate control system is efficient and chills the cabin quickly.

All the safety aids of ABS, EBD, TCS with disc brakes all around are standard throughout the range. Seating five passengers in comfort, the Outlander is equipped with 8 airbags for all-round protection. Its monocoque body has been designed with energy absorbing sub-structures that absorb impacts from even the most acute angles while keeping the occupants out of harms reach. Last word The Outlander is F-U-N to drive; it introduces many elements that the modern CUV owner demands at a price point that is only a fraction higher than the market leaders. It looks good from the rear too where red LEDs light up the back and its subtle attention to design detail make it appealing to a wider group of people. The smaller 2.4 litre engine produces 185 bhp which is still more than its competitors. There are very few things that could upset the momentum of this car, the days of experimentation are over, Mitsubishi has delivered a severe blow to its CUV competitors. We recommend this car for its ride, comfort, features and heritage, and for the wind roar, crank up the audio.