Mitsubishi has launched its third generation Outlander, the world’s first model designed from the outset for petrol and diesel engines and PHEV plug-in hybrid technology too. The hybrid will be here mid-2013.
The latest Mitsubishi Outlander has been completely redesigned from the wheels up, and has new safety technology designed to prevent crashes, as well as Smart Mivec 112kW/193Nm 2-litre and 126kW/224Nm 2.4-litre petrol engines.
These use as much as 20 percent less fuel than current models, while a super-smooth 112kW/366Nm 2.2-litre clean diesel, with 5.8L/100km economy, joins the line-up for the first time.
And it’s not just the outside that’s all-new. Inside there’s extra space, and extensive use of soft-touch materials. Exterior dimensions are unchanged, yet the designers have freed up more room everywhere: third row passengers benefit handsomely, and when you fold down the rear seats there’s a 1.7m-long flat floor.
There’s easy access from the power tailgate, operated remotely from the centre console or by the smart key (VRX only).
Five of the six new models are electronically-controlled on-demand 4WD, with an eco mode which shifts from two driven wheels to four when the system senses the road getting slippery.
The new petrol engines see a total     redesign of Mitsubishi’s continuously variable valve-lifting system, with massive cuts in fuel use and emissions - 6.6L/100km/151g/km in the 2-litre and 7.5l/100km/172g/km in the 2.4. Petrol models have a 1,600kg braked towing capacity.
The 2.2-litre diesel combines exceptional low-down torque and 2-ton braked towing capacity with class-leading economy - a potential 1,000km from a single tankful.
Aiding and abetting the engines’ economy achievements are 7 percent less drag from improved aerodynamics, savings from the petrol models’ CVT automatic transmission - refined for better gear selection timing - and a 100kg weight saving from more use of high-tensile steel, the lightweight alloy wheels fitted to all Outlanders, and other design tweaks.
On the top VRX models new “e-Assist” technology using adaptive cruise control keeps the car at a pre-selected safe distance from the vehicle in front. Forward collision mitigation (FCM) senses a possible collision, primes the brakes and alerts the driver: if the driver doesn’t brake, FCM does.
Other advances include “wide vision” xenon headlamps whose 1,350 lumen beams light up twice as much road as conventional HID lamps, and the 125 degree extreme wide-angle rear view reversion camera system that in every Outlander is integrated into the seven-inch touch screen audio panel. A 5-star safety rating is anticipated.
All petrol versions have CVT autos, while the diesels get a torque converter 6-speed automatic gearbox. All models also have seven seats (except LS), seven airbags (including driver’s knee), ABS braking with EBD and ASC stability control, Smart Brake, Hill Start Assist,  reversing sensors, leather-covered steering wheel with controls for cruise control, audio and Bluetooth, USB port and wireless Bluetooth audio streaming, and tilt/telescopic steering column with electric power steering.
There’s also push-button engine start (except LS 2-litre), eco settings for the engine and transmission, 60/40 split fold second row seats, a 10.6m turning circle, alloy wheels, full size spare, dual zone air conditioning (all models except 2WD LS). The XLS also has an auto light and rain sensor, while the VRX gets Mitsubishi e-Assist, as explained above, plus a satellite navigation system, leather seats, heated front seats, power driver’s seat adjustment, and a power tailgate with remote opening key.
One of the main goals with the new Outlander has been to improve refinement. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been given special attention through clever soundproofing, cutting back oscillation, suspension insulation innovations, and using more window glass.
Inside premium materials include a new padded, soft-touch feel dash with silver or wood accents; leather seats with power controls and heating for the driver and front passenger; comfortable, and full size third row seats, 120mm wider overall and split 50/50 to maximise flexibility.
 A new double-action folding mechanism for the 60/40-split second row seats lets the user raise the seat cushion and fold forward the seat back with much less effort. These seats now slide 250mm, providing more legroom for third-row passengers and easier access to the 50/50-split third-row seats, which now have a “one-touch tilt down” action: fold forward the seat back, and the seat lowers.
All models get Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage warranty, with 10 year/160,000km powertrain warranty, 5 year/130,000km new vehicle warranty, and 5 year/130,000km roadside assist.