The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Is The Adventure SUV For Everyone
The 6th generation Mitsubishi Outlander is now available in South Africa and it couldn’t have come any sooner. Not only is it spacious, but the New Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is as rugged as they come and just the car for any type of adventure. Durable, safe and loaded with super smart tech, the Outlander will please urbanites, country-dwellers and those who crave adventure in the bushveld.
Exterior Features
While the overall SUV segment has improved in design over recent years, the Outlander is certainly one of the most stylish. It all starts with Mitsubishi’s striking Dynamic Shield design treatment as it not only expresses high performance but provides added protection. The chrome-trimmed, bullet-shaped front-end and the clean, resolute body lines make for a good first impression. Good ground clearance of 190 mm and 18-inch alloy wheels means the Outlander is suited for most environments.
In among the plethora of features, the new Mitsubishi Outlander comes with an electric glass sunroof and silver roof rails. Other nifty exterior additions include front fog lamps, dusk sensing headlights with an auto levelling function, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and an electric tailgate.
Interior Features, Styling and Accessories
If the outside is anything to go by, wait until you see the interior. Fitted with power steering, hill start assist, driving mode switch functionality, it almost seems as if the Outlander was designed with the open road and long trips in mind.
The spacious interior houses 7 easily adjustable seats with a quick-folding 60/40 split second row and 50/50 split third row. The back row of seating is perfect for children while there is still enough room behind them for some extras. Everything can be rearranged to suit your specific needs and the reclining seats make for a comfortable drive. All of the rear seats can also be folded down to create a large, flat area for luggage or loads of shopping. There is also a storage bin under the floor with a full-size spare alloy wheel in a cage underneath the vehicle.
The new touchscreen with onboard entertainment system is impressive while dual-zone automatic air-conditioning will keep everyone comfortable. For all the music lovers out there, the Outlander has a Rockford Fosgate sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer at the back. No more backseat drivers either as passengers will be preoccupied with the overhead DVD player and infrared headsets.
Additionally, the multi-function, leather steering wheel has audio and cruise controls as well as Bluetooth with Handsfree Voice Control. Paddle shift gear levers and a multi-information display finishes off the dashboard in style while dual 12V outlets are perfect for modern electronic gadgets and cellphone-charging capabilities.
Safety Features
On top of new styling and tech, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t skimp on safety either. The affordable family-sized crossover received a 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating, thanks to all trim levels having seven standard airbags including a driver’s knee airbag. The Outlander has also stepped up a gear with additional safety tech including:
- Park distance control (PDC)
- Antilock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
- Brake assist (BAS/EBA)
- Traction and stability control
- ISOFIX child seat mountings
Performance and Engine Specifications
Mitsubishi has exceeded expectations as the latest Outlander is easy to drive, offers unmatched styling, comfort and impressive performance. The 2.4 litre 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine produces 123 kW of power and 222 Nm of torque while CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox adds to the driving pleasure. A 6-step Sports Mode delivers effortless acceleration from any speed, smoother gear changes and a smoother ride.
This compact engine produces high torque at low rpm and more top-end power for highway cruising. The superior technology keeps you in control regardless of the driving conditions. Designed for enhanced performance, the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) switches between higher and lower cam profiles as engine speed increases or decreases. This ensures much-improved fuel efficiency under general operating conditions (8.2 litres per 100km*) and lower exhaust emissions.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander also offers three electronically-on-demand driving modes. In Eco Mode, the Outlander automatically monitors the terrain and the driver input from where it only engages all-wheel drive when necessary. In Auto Mode, the Outlander remains in all-wheel-drive unless the road conditions are smooth enough that it’s totally unnecessary.
On the other hand, choosing 4WD Lock Mode under normal road conditions, the vehicle places priority on performance where more torque is directed to the rear wheels than in 4WD Auto Mode. This provides greater power off the line, better control when accelerating on gravel or loose surfaces, and enhanced stability at high speeds. This mode is ideal for more challenging off-road conditions.
Overall, the new Outlander is ideal for families of all sizes and fun to enjoy on your own or on a road trip with friends. The CVT transmission and driving modes make the Mitsubishi Outlander a truly versatile and functional SUV. Priced from R499 995, the 2018 Outlander 2.4 MIVEC GLS 4WD CVT has everything you’d expect from a quality brand and more.
* Vehicle measured under ideal conditions
** Pricing is correct as of October 2018
