Mitsubishi releases Evo-look Outlander for 2010

MITSUBISHI Australia has released an aggressive new Evo-look Outlander for the 2010 model year, featuring a striking new ‘jet fighter’ nose previewed by the Outlander GT Prototype at the New York motor show in April.

Also on offer for the Japanese maker’s facelifted compact SUV, which arrives with no change to pricing, are a host of new comfort, convenience and safety improvements, including the addition of Hill Start Control on automatic models and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) for V6 models.

The big story for the midlife makeover of Mitsubishi’s popular MkII Outlander is a gaping new front grille that borrows heavily from the Lancer Evolution hero model and comprises a new front bumper, bonnet, front quarter guards, headlights and side mirrors. Revised side sills and tail-lights complete the striking new look.

Also inspired by the Lancer Evo are race-style aluminium pedals and a new sports steering wheel, plus a USB input for models fitted with Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS).

Inside there are also fresh seats, door and dash trims, new grained and double-stitched leather for premium models, chrome accents, a redesigned instrument cluster, welcome and coming home lighting and new synchronised headlight washers.

A variation of the all-wheel drive system found in the Lancer Evo sports sedan, S-AWC is claimed to improve handling, traction and stability in all V6 models by employing a first-in-class active limited-slip front differential and an electronically controlled four-wheel drive coupling.

Left: The Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype.

There are no changes to the Outlander’s 125kW/226Nm 2.4-litre MIVEC DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine, which continues with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual-shift mode.

The four-cylinder engine continues to be available in three specification levels: LS (manual or CVT), XLS and XLS Luxury, with the latter two being CVT-only models.

Mitsubishi says the 2010 Outlander’s optional alloy 3.0-litre MIVEC SOHC petrol V6 comes with reduced intake restriction, optimised camshaft timing and an increased compression ratio to produce an extra 7kW of peak power and an enhanced torque curve.

Official outputs are now 169kW at 6250rpm and 291Nm of torque at 3750rpm, while Mitsubishi also claims improvements to throttle response, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, although no new figures are supplied.

The V6 continues to be matched exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and is available in two specification levels – VR and VRX.

All Outlanders continue to come equipped as standard with air-conditioning, power windows and remote control locking. An optional third row of seats with one-touch roll-away function is available on LS CVT versions only.

Standard safety equipment across the board continues to include twin front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and five three-point seatbelts, while front side and curtain airbags are optional in the entry-level LS and standard in all other models.

XLS, XLS Luxury and VRX variants now include high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System including automatic levelling, plus reverse parking sensors, while the XLS Luxury and VRX variants add a rear view camera.

Other XLS extras include 18-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key remote entry, new premium cloth trim, automatic air-conditioning, aluminium pedals, cool/warm box and Bluetooth 2.0 functionality.

XLS Luxury variants include feature 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, a reversing camera and a 710-Watt Rockford Fosgate sound system.

MMCS is an option on the XLS Luxury and includes satellite-navigation, voice activation, iPod functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and vehicle maintenance data.

Six-cylinder VR variants come with all the features of the LS model and add S-AWC system, foglights, reverse parking sensors, alloy pedals and enhanced interior trim. The flagship VRX adds S-AWC and MMCS to the four-cylinder XLS Luxury model’s specification list.

Two new exterior paint colours - Ironbark and Sapphire – join the existing Outlander colour palette of Red, Cool Silver, Black, Effect Grey and White.

The MY2010 Outlander continues to come with Mitsubishi Australia’s stand-out five-year/130,000km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by a 10-year/160,000km powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance plan.

“The new Mitsubishi Outlander is squarely targeted at couples and young families who are on-the-go people who are focused on wringing every last second of enjoyment out of life,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited president and CEO, Robert McEniry.

“This vehicle has got the lot – style, safety and flexibility. If you’re the sort of person who likes to get up and go – anywhere - then the Outlander has all the technology and versatility to get you there,” he said.