Mitsubishi Outlander gets aggressive new look

Outlander now features Mitsubishi’s trademark “jet fighter” grille, and a host of new comfort, convenience and safety appointments.

Improvements to the Outlander’s engineering include the addition of Hill Start Control to automatic transmission models and Super All Wheel Control (S-WAC) to V6 models.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s president and CEO, Robert McEniry, said the 2010 Outlander’s flexibility and versatility is perfectly suited to an active lifestyle.

“The new Mitsubishi Outlander is squarely targeted at couples and young families who are on-the-go people who are focused on wringing every last second of enjoyment out of life.

“You can throw your surfboard or mountain bike in the back, plug your iPod into the USB port, and you - and up to six of your friends - can go places you’ve never been in comfort, style and safety,” Mr McEniry said.

The big story for the 2010 Outlander is the thoroughly “next generation” styling, inspired by the outstanding Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype displayed at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

The front grille design is taken from the Lancer Evolution’s “jet fighter” look and is complemented by contemporary design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and bonnet.

Reshaped headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills complete the slick sports styling.
Complementing the exterior changes, the Outlander’s interior design has been freshened with the addition of new seat, door and dash trims, grained leather to premium models, double-stitching, chrome accents and a new instrument cluster.

Additional Lancer-Evolution-inspired design cues include available aluminium racing style pedals and a sport-type steering wheel.

Technological upgrades for the new Outlander include the addition of Mitsubishi’s S-AWC to V6 models, improvements to power delivery and fuel economy, the addition of HAC for all CVT and automatic models and USB inputs for audio, that’s if Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System or MMCS is not fitted.

Merging Mitsubishi’s experience in off-road and rally racing with production car development, the V6 Outlander features the revolutionary S-AWC system.
Beyond simple four-wheel drive, S-AWC is a comprehensive system that improves handling, traction and stability.

Using a first-in-class active front limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled four-wheel drive coupling, S-AWC can prevent wheel slip between front to rear and side-to-side, providing greater traction through all types of terrain and inclement weather, including ice, snow and rain.

The 2010 model year Outlander continues with two tried and trusted engine choices.
First, the 2.4-litre, DOHC, 16-valve, MPI MIVEC engine provides frugal motoring for drivers with a keen eye for economy and generates 125kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4100rpm.

The 2.4-litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sports Mode sequential style shift changes and INVECS Smart Logic.

Drivers with a need for more will choose the powerful V6, 3.0-litre, SOHC, 24-valve, MPI MIVEC engine that generates 169kW of power at 6250rpm and 291Nm of torque at 3750rpm.

The 3.0-litre V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode sequential style shift change and INVECS Smart Logic.

Safety is a focus of the 2010 Outlander, with all models featuring driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, active stability control, ABS with EBD and RISE body protection and three-point ELR seatbelts.

Side and curtain airbags are available on all models – optional on the LS and standard on all other variants.