110 wheelsmag.com.au
MITSUBISHI must be doing something right.
Outlander sales are growing at twice the pace of
the medium SUV segment this year, which begs the
question: How much has this old bus improved?
On sale since 2012, this third-gen iteration has never
rated highly with us, undermined by dowdy design,
lacklustre dynamics, low-rent interior presentation
and eyebrow-cocking fuel efficiency. But that was
the tubby 2.4-litre all-wheel-drive version. Could the
400cc-smaller and 100kg-leaner front-drive Outlander
deliver a stronger outcome?
With a chromed ‘goatee’ grille, glitzy 18-inch alloys
and sundry side brightwork, we initially thought
the test LS was the exxier Exceed, until the penny
dropped and we realised that even the lowliest
Outlander has lost its rental fodder vibe.
Similar tactics abound inside thanks to a makeover
that ushers in a new centre touchscreen (with digital
radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity),
as well as dual-zone climate control and lashings of
piano-black trim adorning the solidly built dash.
All are subtle but welcome updates that build on
the existing strengths of an airy cabin featuring a
lofty, reclinable rear bench, cohesive instruments,
simple switchgear, ample storage and space aplenty
for occupants out back.
Enabling greater storage are rear-seat cushions that
tip forward for a long, low load bay, hiding several
underfloor compartments (plus a full-sized spare).
The LS Safety Pack can also stand alongside the
Tiguan and CX-5 newbies by offering active driver
tech like AEB, as well as lane-departure warning,
adaptive cruise and auto high-beam. Throw in a
five-year warranty and you’d imagine most customerswould rush for the dotted line. Even before a test
drive. In which case we’d strongly recommend
scratching the Outlander’s surface.
You might literally do that to the cheap, hard
plastics beyond the driver’s area. You’ll curse the
fiddly multimedia; lament the absent rear-seat air
vents; rue the missing digital speedo; wonder what 13
switch blanks support in upper-spec variants; and wish
for more under-thigh seat support.
At least the 2.0-litre engine is economical and eager.
Though languid at step-off, it accelerates strongly and
smoothly for spirited point-to-point response, the tacho
settling at 5900rpm as the CVT holds engine revs
for maximum effect. Hit a steep incline, though, and
speed begins to wash away. Select ‘Drive Sport’ and
the throttle becomes too sensitive, while the engine
revs too high for comfort.
At lower speeds, the Outlander delivers quite
lively turn-in and a neutral cornering attitude, but its
steering lacks feel and consistency once tighter bends
come into play, and handling gets ragged as roads
roughen up. Despite the low-profile rubber, front-end
grip also deteriorates while the helm’s rack rattles in
unison with the cargo floor over bumpier bitumen.
Additionally, the relatively soft suspension can become
a tad under-damped in certain conditions, resulting in
a constant pitter-patter motion.
While way better than the Haval, the Outlander’s
dynamic discord leaves it trailing the rest. Is this
the same brand that once built the athletic Magna
Ralliart, not to mention the Lancer Evolution?
Ultimately, then, the LS Safety Pack’s showroom
persuasion turns patchy in the real world. Discerning
buyers clearly have better choices. BM$32,000
Engine
1998cc 4cyl, sohc, 16v
Power
110kW @ 6000rpm
Torque
190Nm @ 4200rpm
Transmission
CVT automatic
Dimensions
(L/W/H/W-B)
4695/1810/1710/2670mm
Weight
1430kg
Cargo capacity
477 litres
Tyres
Toyo A24 225/55R18 98H
Fuel consumption
10.8L /100km (tested)
0-60km/h
5.3sec
0-100km/h
10.8sec
0-400m
17.8s @ 130.7km/h
30-70km/h
4.0sec
80-120km/h
7.3sec
100km /h-0
40.3m
3yr resale
48%
✔ Space; price; safety spec
✘^ Brittle ride; flat seats;
cheap interiorSPECS
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH? NOT ONCE YOU SCRATCH THE SURFACE
Mitsubishi Outlander LS
SCORE
8
TH
/ 10
5.0