Mitsubishi has introduced an all-new seven-seater Outlander SUV to the SA market.
This new Outlander has been available in other countries since early 2013 and Mitsubishi says that sales have been good so far. The question is; will it be able to carve out its own share of this very tough segment?
Only one model is currently available, with more to follow in the future.
The Outlander GLS Exceed is powered by a 2,4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 123kW and 223Nm on tap. Mitsubishi claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 8,2 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 192g/km.
The Outlander uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. The power extends to a multi-select four-wheel drive (4WD) system, which is electronically controlled. In ECO mode, the 4WD system runs in 2WD during normal driving conditions, but automatically engages 4WD when it senses one of the wheels slipping on a loose or slippery surface. The system permits 4WD ECO, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK-UP modes.
On the inside it features seating for seven occupants in three rows of seats, with the second and third able to fold flat.
Standard equipment levels are very generous, with the Outlander GLS Exceed featuring dual zone automatic air conditioning system, keyless operating system, a high quality touch screen audio system, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, paddle shifts, an information system, park distance control, Bluetooth with hands-free voice control for cell phone use, a USB port and a retractable tonneau cover over the spacious luggage compartment.
The 7-seater Outlander further boasts leather seats (driver and front passenger seats are also heated) and a Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers. It also features a rear-view camera, glass sunroof and electrically operated tailgate as well as a rear entertainment system, which connects via wireless headphones.
On the safety side the Outlander is equipped with seven airbags and all the modern active safety gizmo’s one should expect in this segment.
“More derivatives, which include diesel models and the world’s first production plug-in-hybrid, which won the Car of the Year Japan Innovation Award, will be introduced as soon as these models become available to our region,” says Wynand Pretorius, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors in South Africa.
The Mitsubishi Outlander GLS Exceed retails for R429 900 and is covered by a three year/100 000km warranty with a five year/90 000km service plan.