AIMS: Mitsubishi prices Outlander, specs Mirage

THE new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander SUV will be offered in three model grades across three engines in Australia, with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive from $28,990 when deliveries begin in November.

Mitsubishi announced Outlander pricing and specifications at today’s Sydney motor show opening, where the seven-seat SUV made its Australian debut alongside the new Mirage light car that will be offered in two variants from January.

The new Outlander entry price is $350 lower than the outgoing model and Mitsubishi is offering a $1000 Westfield gift voucher to customers who register their interest at the Sydney show or on Mitsubishi’s website before November 18 and take delivery of their Outlander before January 31.

Available Outlander variants will increase from seven to eight, with the 3.0-litre V6 variant dropped in favour of a frugal 110kW/360Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel claimed to consume 5.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, exclusively paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

The entry-level petrol engine drops to 2.0 litres – producing 110kW and 195Nm – and will be exclusively available on front-drive variants with fuel consumption rated at 6.6L/100km when paired with the automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 7.0L/100km with the five-speed manual.

From top: Mitsubishi Mirage Beccy Gordon with her modified Pikes Peak Mitsubishi i-MiEV racer.

Meanwhile the 2.4-litre engine size lives on for AWD variants, is only available with the CVT and consumes 7.5L/100km – almost 17 per cent better than the outgoing model’s 9.0L/100km combined figure.

Mitsubishi attributes the improved fuel consumption to the new Outlander’s lighter 1610kg weight, improved aerodynamics and a new Eco Drive Assistant system that runs the engine, air-conditioning and AWD systems in a more efficient manner while encouraging an efficient driving style through a point-scoring system.

Diesel Outlanders can tow 2000 kilograms braked and petrol variants can tow 1600kg.

All Outlanders will come with nine airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, rear parking sensors and hill start assistance.

Top-spec Aspire models can be specified with an option pack including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and an adaptive cruise control system that can work down to low speeds for more relaxed driving in slow-moving, congested traffic.

Base ES Outlanders are available in 2WD with the 2.0-litre petrol engine or AWD with the 2.4-litre petrol.

Standard equipment includes climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, voice control, auto-folding door mirrors, leather trim on the tilt and reach-adjustable multi-function steering wheel and gear selector knob, a six-speaker audio system, an immobiliser, security alarm and 16-inch steel wheels with full-size spare.

The auto-only LS (from $34,990 in 2WD) is available with the same engines as the ES plus the 2.2-litre diesel and gains seven-seat capability, dual-zone climate control, a 6.1-inch touch-screen, a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, paddle-shifters (on 2WD) and silver dashboard trim.

Until the hi-tech plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Outlander arrives mid-2013, AWD-only Aspire variants ($43,490 for the 2.4 petrol or $45,490 for the diesel) will serve as the flagship.

Aspires come with keyless entry and start, automatic headlights and wipers, leather upholstery with front seat heaters and powered driver’s side adjustment, 18-inch alloy wheels, additional interior and exterior chrome highlights, scuff plates, wood-effect interior trim and leather-look door coverings.

The $5500 Aspire Premium Pack comprises the aforementioned AEB and adaptive cruise control systems plus satellite navigation with seven-inch screen, a premium Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10-inch subwoofer and powered tailgate.

A new Copper exterior paint finish is available alongside White, Starlight, Cool Silver, Titanium, Black and Sapphire.

Both variants of Mitsubishi’s volume-boosting Mirage light car will be powered by a 57kW/100Nm three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine with a choice of five-speed manual or CVT, capable of consuming as little as 4.6L/100km in base ES trim.

Standard safety kit comprises front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, while CVT-equipped cars also come with hill start assistance.

The ES comes with air-conditioning, remote central locking, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, a two-speaker CD audio system with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary inputs and 14-inch steel wheels.

Higher-spec LS Mirages get climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry and start, a four-speaker stereo, 15-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, a roof spoiler with integrated brake light, chrome interior door handles, silver instrument panel trim, premium upholstery and a leather gear shifter.

An optional sport pack on the ES variants will add 14-inch alloys, the LS roof spoiler and four-speaker stereo upgrade.

Mirage pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Both Mirage and Outlander will be covered by Mitsubishi’s five-year Diamond Advantage warranty – recently reduced from 10 years – and capped-price servicing deal that includes extended roadside assistance cover.

Also on Mitsubishi’s Sydney show stand is off-road racer Beccy Gordon’s modified but street-legal Pikes Peak i-MiEV race car that achieved sixth place in the EV class with a time of 15 minutes and 10.557 seconds.

Most of Mitsubishi’s 2013 model year products are also represented, including the recently launched ASX compact SUV facelift, better-value Lancer small car, rally-bred Lancer Evolution sports sedan, Triton one-tonne ute, Challenger SUV and Pajero off-roader.

The company also announced it is extending its 0.9 per cent finance offer until the end of October, available on runout MY2012 Lancer ES, ACTiV, VR, VRX, Aspire, Ralliart and Evolution variants, the outgoing Outlander and all ASX models.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing*

2.0L ES 2WD	$28,990
2.0L ES 2WD (a)	$31,240
2.0L LS 2WD (a)	$34,990
2.4L ES 4WD (a)	$33,990
3.4L LS 4WD (a)	$38,990
2.2L Diesel LS 4WD (a)	$40,990
2.4L Aspire 4WD (a)	$43,490
2.2L Diesel Aspire 4WD (a)	$45,490

*Plus on-road costs