Mitsubishi Outlander
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. A well-rounded addition to the growing "soft roader" clan, with good on-tarmac performance and excellent equipment.
Review
The new Outlander has chosen a particularly crowded part of the market in which to try and make an impression, facing the stern challenge set by such luminaries as the Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander.
Fortunately for Mitsubishi, a combination of strong design and excellent standard equipment means the Outlander has the best possible start in life. The styling gives off plenty of rugged SUV cues and the standard of fit and finish is impressively high, both externally and inside the cabin: a clear improvement over the plasticky, cheap-feeling first-generation Outlander.
Even the most basic "Equippe" version gets plenty of standard equipment, with the mid-ranking "Warrior" and full-spec "Elegance" positively groaning under the weight of goodies, including a very advanced hard drive satnav/ audio system (with the ability to "rip" mp3s from audio CDs) on the range-topper. All benefit from plenty of room for front and rear seat passengers, although the optional fold-out third row seating is cramped and impractical.
The Outlander's natural habitat is tarmac, and it puts in a predictably strong on-road performance with a well-insulated, supple ride and reasonable roadholding.
Only one powerplant is available, a 2.0 litre turbo diesel that's been bought in from Volkswagen. And the resulting combination isn't a particularly happy union as the Outlander suffers from lots of engine noise under acceleration and the motor needs to be revved surprisingly hard to deliver on its performance claims. A 2.4 litre petrol and a more advanced 2.2 litre diesel motor will follow later.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Tough, chunky styling gives the Outlander plenty of SUV kudos.
Handling
3 star
Safe and predictable roadholding means the Outlander copes with twisty roads competently, although there's not much excitement to be found behind the wheel.
Comfort
4 star
The ride quality stays good over bumpy roads and the driving position is good for long distances. Wind noise at motorway speeds is the only niggle.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
The well-designed cabin is packed with kit, and feels vastly better than the previous Outlander's plasticky interior.
Performance
3 star
2.0 litre DI-D diesel engine gives respectable performance, but needs to be worked surprisingly hard to deliver it. Forthcoming 2.2 litre diesel should be far better.
Roominess
4 star
Respectably spacious for four or five occupants and their luggage, but the optional pop-up third-row seats are only really suited to very occasional use.
Running Costs
3 star
It's too early to know about residual values, but they should be reasonably firm. DI-D diesel turns in respectable fuel economy and servicing shouldn't break the bank, either.
Value for money
4 star
Well equipped compared to the competition - the Outlander makes the Freelander look very expensive.
