New Mitsubishi Outlander breaks cover

The new generation 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has been revealed ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, showing off a rugged new exterior design.

Based on the PX-MiEV show car, the new Outlander is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2012. It will be one of the Japanese company's most technologically advanced vehicles, not least because of its plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The SUV has an advanced sensor suite comprising a frontal radar/camera system and lateral cameras that can warn the driver and/or stop the car from leaving its lane or even hitting an object head on. Adaptive cruise control is also offered.

The new model has been designed to be "eco-friendly" says Mitsubishi, and will be launched first in Europe, offered with three engines types - a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Mitsubishi Australia's Corporate Communications Manager, Caitlin Beale, told motoring.com.au that it would launch the new Outlander in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2012 with the 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Then by May 2013 we would see the plug-in hybrid petrol/electric Outlander, that could become one of the most efficient hybrids in the country if the quoted figure of "below 50g/km" of CO2 emissions is realistic. The company also says the hybrid has a cruising range of over 800km.

Beale explained that a decision on the future of a diesel-powered offering in Australia would depend on how well the hybrid version fared, saying it wasn't a certain starter for the local market.

The Outlander will remain a five- or seven-seat proposition, and features like high resolution instrument panels and a power-operated tailgate will be offered.
Stay tuned for more details on the next generation Mitsubishi Outlander from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in early March.

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