Outlander shows Mitsubishi has a grip on the small CUV segment

Outlander shows Mitsubishi has a grip on the small CUV segment

Mitsubishi opened its Canadian doors only five years ago, going head to head with the other Japanese big boys like Honda, Toyota and Mazda.

Despite it being a serious uphill slog, Mitsubishi surprised the naysayers by turning its first profit last year. Instead of taking a breather, the money is being poured right back into dealer and product development.

But crucial to Mitsubishi is having products not lagging behind the curve. Which brings us to the 2008 Lancer and the 2007 Outlander crossover utility vehicle (CUV) tested recently in Santa Barbara.

Mitsubishi Canada officials call the Lancer and Outlander the "most important vehicles in our company's history." So there is lot riding one these two.

The 2007 Outlander (Lancer tested separately) is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces in order to offer five- or seven-passenger seating.

The longer wheelbase of the 2007 (105.1 inches vs. 103.3 inches) makes for more second row legroom.

Seven-seat models have a standard under-floor stowage compartment and a compact third row seat that folds flat into the floor when not needed. Five-seat models also feature an under-floor storage bin. The second-row seat has 60/40 split fold-and-tumble seat backs that expand cargo capacity.

The second-row 60/40 seats fold independently and offer a 3.15-in. fore/aft slide range to optimize passenger room or cargo room.

The third row seat is really just for small kids.

The seatbacks can also recline independently, allowing second-row passengers to find a position that is most comfortable for them. Helping make loading bikes or large packages easier is the segment's first flap-fold tailgate. When lowered, the tailgate also serves as a seat for outdoor activities and can support up to 200 kg (440 lb).

The 2007 Outlander cargo floor is 600 mm (23.6 inches) off the ground or about 206 mm (8.1 inches) lower than the 2006 version.

Overall cargo volume behind the front seats measures 2,056 litres (72.6 cu ft), a gain of 12.3 cu. ft. over the first-generation Outlander. With the second row seats up, cargo room measures 39.0 cu ft. There is 14.9 cu ft behind the third row seats on XLS models. Drink holders, bins and compartments abound, including a movable front centre console and door-panel bottle carriers.

Both Outlander models use the same 3.0-litre V6 with 220 hp and 204 lb/ft of torque. Drive is through a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission with optional magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters on the XLS model. The paddle shifters are a segment first.

In two-wheel drive (2WD), Outlander can tow up to 2,000 lbs. The four-wheel-drive (4WD models) (with increased-capacity radiator and an automatic transmission cooler) can tow a trailer up to 3,500 lbs.

The LS is available in standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) while the XLS is only AWD. Mitsubishi calls their version All-Wheel Control (AWC). This system combines Active Skid and Traction Control with a specially tuned suspension and an aluminum roof to lower the centre of gravity for better ride and handling than a truck-based SUV.

AWC is driver selectable via a rotary knob on the driveshaft tunnel. The choices are "2WD" for front-drive operation in normal conditions, "4WD" on wet and/or slippery surfaces and "Lock" that provides equal torque to each of the four wheels for maximum grip in snow, slush and loose gravel/dirt. AWC will not take you off road, but it should tackle rough cottage lanes with aplomb.

Now in Canadian showrooms, the LS (FWD and AWD) will have price range of $25,498-$30,198 and the XLS will have a range of $32,998-$36,998 depending on options. That's about 5 to 10 per cent less than its direct competition which is a Mitsubishi marketing strategy. Also part of that strategy is a 10-year, 160,000 km warranty.

Fuel consumption is rated as 12.0/8.1L/100 km city/highway on the FWD version and 12.2/8.5L/100 km city/highway on the AWD.

All in all, the 2007 Outlander is a big step up from the 2006.

Source: [url=http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/scn/news/news_742815.html]Stoney Creek News[/url]