AIMS: Mitsubishi lands next Outlander

Mitsubishi has revealed full pricing and specifications for its new-generation Outlander, which goes on sale nationally on November 18, priced from $350 less than the model it replaces at $28,990 plus on-road costs.

The expanded Outlander line-up includes three two-wheel drive five-seat petrol-powered models, with the entry-level 2.0-litre model available with five-speed manual and CVT transmission, and five all-wheel drive models including five-seat 2.4-litre petrol CVT and seven-seat 2.4 petrol CVT and 2.2-litre diesel automatic variants.

Three equipment grades will be offered – base ES, mid-range LS and top-shelf Aspire – while the revolutionary plug-in hybrid five-seat version goes on sale here later next year.

For now, combined with a lighter kerb weight of 1610kg and a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, the diesel-powered Outlander is the most fuel-efficient version, consuming 5.8L1/00km and emitting 153g/km of CO2.

Outlander 2WD ES models return fuel economy of 7.0L/100km in manual form and 6.6L/100km with a CVT, while the Outlander 4WD ES 2.4 CVT consumes 7.5L/100km.

All Outlanders will come with a new ECO Drive mode, in which the engine, air-conditioning and all-wheel drive systems are tuned for maximum efficiency and driver’s are ‘coached’ to drive more economically.

Mitsubishi says the new Outlander has been designed to easily attain a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include seven airbags (twin front, front-side, curtain and driver’s knee), Active Stability Control, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, Hill-Start Assist and rear parking sensors.

Two new safety technologies will also be available as part of a Premium option on flagship Aspire models, including Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), which detects obstacles on the road ahead of the car and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision, and Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), which maintains a safe distance between the car in front even at very low speeds in heavy traffic.

Also new to Outlander is a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, while also present are 60/40-split folding second and, in seven-seat models, third-row seats. Petrol models offer a braked towing capacity of 1600kg, while diesels increase that to 2000kg. Power steering is electrically assisted.

Exterior paint colour choices will include White, Starlight, Cool Silver, Titanium, Black, Sapphire and new hue, Copper.

The entry-level 2WD ES comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with covers, body-coloured mirrors and door-handles, a chromed grille, leather-clad steering wheel and gearshifter, climate-control air-conditioning with rear-seat outlets, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors, cloth seat trim and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth audio streaming, voice control and iPod/USB connectivity.

The Outlander 4WD ES adds a larger 2.4-litre engine and all-wheel drive, while LS variants come with 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, privacy glass, a silver-finished centre stack, reversing camera and dual-zone climate-control.

In addition, flagship Aspire models offer 18-inch alloys, chromed door-handles and window surrounds, leather seat facings, a powered driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless starting and automatic headlights and wipers.

Apart from FCM and ACC, the Aspire Premium Pack also includes a powered tailgate, 710-Watt nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system and the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with seven-inch touch-screen and 3D navigation mapping.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing (plus on-road costs):

ES 2WD 2.0 5MT five-seat - $28,990
ES 2WD 2.0 CVT five-seat - $31,240
LS 2WD 2.0 CVT five-seat - $34,990
ES AWD 2.4 CVT five-seat - $33,990
LS AWD 2.4 CVT seven-seat - $38,990
LS AWD 2.2D 6AT seven-seat - $40,990
Aspire AWD 2.4 CVT seven-seat - $43,990
Aspire AWD 2.2D 6AT seven-seat - $45,490

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