While the Outlander doesn’t feel as refined as competition and the cabin quality isn’t as best either, the chinks in the armour can be forgiven
Published on Aug 31, 2009 07:00:00 AM
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The Outlander follows a conventional SUV template. Though it could do with more visual drama, the proportions are spot-on and there are lots of neat touches that make the Mitsubishi stand out. The Outlander’s nose has appealing elements. The two-part grille, the shapely headlamps, and big silver skid plate give it impressive presence in other cars’ rearview mirrors. The LED lights at the rear are stunning and really grab your attention. The rest of the body is quite conventionally shaped except for the D-pillar which tapers inwards. The Outlander’s upright stance and huge ground clearance (215mm to the CR-V’s 185mm) make it look taller than it is.
The Outlander gets electronically-controlled real-time four-wheel drive. In addition, it has a lockable centre differential (that ensures a 50:50 power split between the front and rear axles). There’s a two-wheel-drive only mode you can opt for if you want to help fuel economy.
Built on a car platform, the Outlander is based on Mitsubishi’s GS platform, which is shared with the Lancer and Evo X.
It comes with fully independent suspension. In the front, it uses MacPherson struts, with an added brace, proof that it is a serious off-roader. At the rear the Outlander has a multi-link set up. High-tensile steel is used to keep weight down and the Outlander gets a light-weight aluminium roof as well.
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