ZH Outlander

IN SEPTEMBER 2009 Mitsubishi released an aggressive new Evo-look Outlander for the 2010 model year, featuring a striking new ‘jet fighter’ nose. It also featured 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.

Inside there were also fresh seats, door and dash trims, new grained and double-stitched leather for premium models, chrome accents, a redesigned instrument cluster, race-style aluminium pedals and a new sports steering wheel, plus a USB input for models fitted with Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS).

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

Standard safety equipment across the board continued to include twin front airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and five three-point seatbelts, while front side and curtain airbags were optional in the entry-level LS and standard in all other models.

XLS, XLS Luxury and VRX variants included high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System including automatic levelling, plus reverse parking sensors.

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

XLS Luxury variants added leather seats, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, a reversing camera and a 710-Watt Rockford Fosgate sound system.

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

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

In September 2010 a 2WD version was launched to lower the Outlander's entry price by more than $4000. Available in a single LS specification grade and based on the four-cylinder petrol-engined Outlander LS 4WD but without side and curtain airbags.

Electronic stability control and ABS brakes were part of the 2WD package however.