The OUTstanding OUTlander!
These days, technology trickles down at blinding speed — gadgets and gizmos that were once enjoyed only by the privileged few are now attainable by the masses. This is especially true in the automotive industry, and the affordable-yet-tech-laden 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander is proof.
Not so long ago, hands-free systems that allowed you to make telephone calls and program your navigation system via voice command were available only in more expensive luxury sedans. Today, you’ll find this useful amenity in far humbler transportation — transportation like the Outlander, which sees the addition of an available hands-free link system (dubbed Fuse) for the 2010 model. Comparable to Ford’s, as found in the Mondeo, Fuse is easy to engage and enables you to select tunes on your iPod without shifting your gaze from the road.
Appealing technology isn’t the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander’s only draw. The crossover is also genuinely fun to drive, with the sort of sharp handling that makes grocery-getting more than just a chore. All-wheel drive is available for travels in rough weather.
Life isn’t easy for small SUVs; thanks to a crowded pool of very worthy candidates, it’s harder than ever to stand apart from the pack. The Toyota RAV4 V6 commands attention by delivering more grunt and quicker acceleration than the Outlander. There’s also the universally competent Kia Sorento to consider, as well as the sporty Mazda CX-7. The budget-friendly Hyundai ix35 and the refined Honda CR-V are also excellent choices, provided their lack of V6 availability isn’t a deal-breaker.
In the end, though, the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander distinguishes itself with its appealing mix of attributes. If Fuse, all-wheel drive and superb handling sound good to you, add this crossover to your must-see list.
Motivating our 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander VR-X was a 3.0-liter V6 good for 169kW and 291Nm of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission providing assist. The engine offers ample power, enabling the crossover to easily thread through freeway traffic, and taking it from zero to 100km in a respectable 7.9 seconds. If the VR-X is outside your budget, then the 2.4-litre LS manual will do the trick although you will miss out on some, but not all of the gizmos.
Ride quality falls on the firmer end of the spectrum, but it’s never unpleasant — you’re aware of potholes and road imperfections, but your bones aren’t rattled by them. The Outlander’s seats are meaty and solid — their side bolsters are supportive without being overly snug, and the seats proved comfortable even on longer trips. Legroom and headroom up front are satisfactory, but drivers who like the added comfort afforded by a telescoping steering wheel are out of luck — the Outlander’s wheel is tilt-adjustable, but it doesn’t telescope.
There’s some wind and road noise to be heard, but the cabin is still quiet enough to allow drivers to have a conversation with passengers in the backseat.
The good news is that the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a third-row seat, for those that really want one — it’s one of just a handful of models in the segment to do so. The bad news is that this seat is practically useless. With virtually no padding, the seat bottom is thin and not very supportive; as a result, passengers are forced into an excruciatingly intimate relationship with the seat frame. Legroom is barely adequate even, I’m sure for small children, and though the seat offers two seatbelts, it’s just wide enough for one average-size person to sit comfortably.
Popping the third seat whinge aside, most of us will only have a two-seater. The ease at which the second seat disappears neatly flipping out of the way with a touch of a button, giving you plenty of room for a bike or golf clubs is a big plus.
Face the Outlander head-on and you’re greeted by a front fascia that’s part Mitsubishi Lancer and part hammerhead shark. With frowning headlights and a huge trapezoidal honeycomb grille, the crossover’s mug is both distinctive and audacious. This Mitsu also boasts a strong profile, marked by well-placed character lines and exaggerated fenders.
Sporty handling makes the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander an ideal choice for the city slicker seeking a vehicle that’s both practical and entertaining to drive. Drivers that live where bitumen as not always the norm or that want to be a little more adventurous will appreciate its all-wheel-drive availability and its Fuse system should make it a hit with tech-loving audiophiles.
Mitsubishi Confirms ASX Crossover Vehicle for Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has confirmed its new sub-compact all-wheel drive vehicle will be known as the ASX when it arrives in Australia in August.
According to MMAL’s president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, the ASX nameplate is based on the concept of an ‘Active Smart Crossover’.
‘The ASX is primarily a city car – very stylish and manoeuvrable around town – and the adoption of the European brand name reflects this,’ Takahashi said.
‘But ASX is more than just a pretty face. It also has the added benefit of being very smart, especially in terms of the technology that drives its engineering, design and all-wheel drive ability.’
The ASX is closely based on the Concept-cX show car, first unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is available in Europe and Japan with a variety of power plants and the choice of either two or four-wheel drive configurations.
While MMAL has not yet revealed full specifications for the ASX range, the company has confirmed that the Australian line-up will include both diesel and petrol engines and will be available for sale in Australia in August.
Andrew Koch
