Outlander gets V6 for USA

Mitsubishi will show off its latest Outlander to the US market this month at the New York Auto Show. The all-new crossover vehicle is already on sale in Japan and will come Down Under later this year.

Aimed at the likes of Toyota’s RAV4 and the likes of Mazda’s new CX-7, the Outlander is a little more SUV-focused than the current model. Mitsubishi says the vehicle combines “SUV functionality and design with sedan-like handling and ride.”

After less than six months on sale in the home Japanese market, Outlander has topped 20,000 units delivered, easily exceeding its 2000 unit monthly sales target.

The North American market Outlander raises further questions regards the spec Aussies will be able to buy when the model arrives Down Under.

The US version is powered by a 3.0-litre MIVEC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Japanese market Outlanders get a 2.4-litre four-cylinder powerplant. It’s likely Australia will offer only a four-cylinder version, though the V6 option would help differentiate the Outlander in the burgeoning Aussie crossover marketplace.

While the yanks can choose from AWD and front-wheel drive models it’s unclear whether Mitsubishi will offer a two-wheel drive version locally. Hyundai has successfully offered a two-wheel drive variant of its Tucson and Ford’s two-wheel drive Territory has also won favour with local buyers. It’s expected Holden’s upcoming Korean-built V6 Captiva seven-seat SUV will also be available in both AWD and 2WD versions.

One thing is likely to flow from the US Outlander. There a seven-seat layout (that features two occasional-use third row seats stored flat under the luggage area floor) is offered -- expect such a set-up to be an option Down Under.