Hot 380 but Mitsubishi plots 4WD Revolution

Mitsubishi may be under the microscope thanks to ABC claims regarding factory closures (see separate story) but its new passenger and all-wheel drive models were rightly under the spotlight at AIMS today.

Heading the off-road line up and the company's new 4WD Revolution campaign were the all-new Outlander and just-release Pajero.

It was the Outlander's first appearance Down Under ahead of its debut late next month. Powered by a choice of four-cylinder or 162kW petrol V6 engines, the new mid-size wagon is longer, wider and higher, but lighter than the outgoing model according to Mitsubishi. It features selectable two or four-wheel drive and will be offered in both five and seven-seat versions.

Outlander pricing is yet to be announced. Expect it to be competitively priced and nipping at the heels of Toyota's RAV4 et al.

The recently released NS Pajero -- displayed in long and short-wheelbase versions -- was highlighted by the display of Mitsubishi's Paris-Dakar winning Pajero Evo rally-raid racer and surprise visitor, multi-times motorcycle and all-wheel drive Dakar champ, Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel.

A legend in offroad racing, Peterhansel will put the Evo through its paces locally before heading back to northern Africa to continue testing for this January's Dakar rally.

In terms of passenger cars, the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart 380 was the biggest surprise (see separate story) on the stand with its supercharged 230kW V6. Giving the 380 some much needed 'talkability', the new hot front-wheel drive sedan is set for production.

Smaller in output, but not necessarily in style, the now-confirmed-for-sale Colt Cabriolet caught the imagination of small car fans.

On sale today in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged guise, the Cabriolet is a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Pininfarina and is built in Italy. Both models feature a five-speed manual gearbox.

The 80kW 'natmo' hits dealers at $32,990 with the 110kW blown version $37,990.