NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

With more than 100 new or redesigned parts, the updated Mitsubishi Outlander is more than your average mid-life model facelift.

Revealed at the New York motor show the seven-seat mid-size SUV debuts in Australia in May with Mitsubishi's latest corporate design language as its face. The bold design language will be rolled out across all upcoming Mitsubishi product says the company.

"The Outlander has an eye-catching new design aesthetic inside and out, and with its long list of engineering upgrades, the new Outlander literally looks, drives and feels like an entirely new vehicle, making it an even more compelling value than before," said Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president, Don Swearingen at the unveiling in New York.

The new design is known as 'Dynamic Shield' and draws inspiration from past Pajero (aka Montero) models. Modified front guards along with halogen headlights - with available LEDs - plus LED position lights and taillights, modified lower door sections, 18-inch wheels and a modified rear section complete the exterior updates.

Inside, seating surfaces and accent trims are modified for a more premium feel and there's a redesigned steering wheel and updated audio system, but for the most part the interior appears untouched.

Underneath, the chassis has been upgraded with a stiffer structure and suspension for greater rigidity says Mitsubishi. Electric power steering has also been modified for improved feel: "You don't steer the new Outlander, you drive it," said Swearingen.

The car a more refined offering according to the company, with more sound insulation applied throughout, along with thicker rear glass to make the Outlander quieter inside. New dampers are said to improve ride quality too.

The new-generation CVT is perhaps the biggest advancement and is said to offer 'improved acceleration, performance, shift feel and torque delivery', according to Mitsubishi. The US market won't get the PHEV or plug-in hybrid version for about another year, which means it's arrival Down Under is likely to be some ways off too.

Details on local specification and pricing will be announced closer to the Australian launch in May. Stay tuned to motoring.com.au for full drive impressions.