The first thing that strikes home about the new Outlander is its aggressive front-end styling. Ushering in Mitsubishi’s new corporate identity – a confident new grille with a broad vertical nose that houses a larger and more prominent Three-Diamond logo – the Outlander heralds a new era in Mitsubishi vehicle design.

Outlander’s basic design philosophy was to combine cabin space, driver engagement and robust styling. The result is a bold new vehicle with the lofty ground clearance and commanding driving position of an off-roader, the versatility and generous cabin space of an estate, with the driver-friendly dimensions and low centre of gravity of a saloon car. "Outlander’s crossover combination of athleticism, functionality and design make it the perfect ambassador for this new and exciting stage in our development," believes Jim Tyrrell, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Motors UK.

All petrol and dual fuel Outlander models, are powered by a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine, which develops a healthy 158bhp at 5750rpm and 158lb ft of torque at 4000rpm. The MIVEC engine (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control system) switches between separate low and high cam profiles for improved torque at low and midrange speeds as well as higher output at high speeds. The result is bottom-end grunt when it’s needed, coupled with a top speed of 112 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 11.2 seconds. The MIVEC engine has been mated to Mitsubishi’s second-generation INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission with sports mode manual override.

In terms of driving dynamics, Outlander borrows much from the legendary Evolution VIII – it sits on a modified Evo VIII platform and utilises the car’s rally-derived permanent all-wheel-drive system. Developed from the Lancer Evolution system, Outlander’s mechanical permanent four-wheel-drive system features a centre differential with a viscous coupling unit that under normal conditions splits torque equally between the front and rear axles.

From urban commuting to long motorway journeys to twisty back roads, the Outlander aims to match its versatility with an involving driving experience in all conditions. Outlander rides on a MacPherson front strut and independent multi-link rear suspension set-up. It’s similar in principle to the layout used in the Evolution VIII, but modified and tuned for more compliancy and motorway friendliness - when tuning the suspensions, Mitsubishi’s engineers were aware that Outlander would be driven primarily on road.

All Outlander models come laden with equipment with the entry-level Equippe boasting ABS and EBD, driver and passenger front and side airbags, climate control, four speaker single slot stereo radio/CD sound system, central locking, alarm and keyless entry, electric front and rear windows with anti trap function, split folding rear seat, electrically adjustable heated wing mirrors, colour-coded rear spoiler with high mount stop lamp, 16inch five-spoke alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearlever and integrated roof rail. The Sport model then gains electric sunroof and fixed rear skylight with blinds, six speaker single slot CD sound system, colour-coded electrically adjustable wing mirrors, black wood-effect dash panel and integrated front fog lights. The range-topping Sport SE gets all of the above plus leather front and rear seats.

RANGE: Outlander 2.4 with INVECS-II automatic transmission with sports mode manual override

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a hugely significant car for Mitsubishi Motors "As the first of fourteen new models over the next five years, it emphatically marks the start of a new era in our history." Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe

• First new model to be launched across Europe since 2000, for a revitalised Mitsubishi Motors Europe
• Launched in Europe May 2003. YTD October sales 7,287 with a full year target of 8,000. Current revised forecast of 10,000
• Outlander was born out of the striking Active Sport Crossover ASX concept car, which made its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in 2000
• High levels of active safety equipment across all models include front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and intelligent full-time four-wheel drive.
• Passive safety features include stiffened chassis with 13-point RISE impact absorbing design features, high-tensile steel side impacts bars, a collapsible steering column, high driving position and four ISOFIX-seat fixtures.

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