Mitsubishi Outlander getting close

And the new Outlander will be bringing plenty of excitement when it arrives later this year with new engines, a totally new look, premium interior treatment and features and the availability later on of a plug-in hybrid 4WD version that uses a back up internal combustion engine.

The new, lighter Outlander has a much smoother look something like a scaled down version of Ford's Territory mixed with the Mitsubishi Challenger.

It's handsome from all angles and practical too with seven seat capacity and fold flat seats for improved load carrying capacity. The tailgate is one piece and is available with electric assistance.

Rake and reach steering wheel adjustment makes an appearance as does dual zone climate control and optional xenon headlights. A rear vision monitor is likely in all Aussie spec' models while noise, vibration and harshness has been reduced for improved interior comfort levels.

Safety equipment is more comprehensive and Mitsu' will offer new Outlander with sophisticated equipment such as adaptive cruise control, collision prevention that automatically applies the brakes and lane departure warning. 

It will be available with 2WD and 4WD with a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel. The petrol has a five speed manual or CVT and is good for 110kW/195Nm output. It replaces the previous 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol (and the 3.0-litre V6 petrol).

The turbodiesel is good for 110kW and 360Nm in six-speed auto form and 110kW/380Nm in six-speed manual. All Outlanders have auto stop and go to optimise city fuel economy.

The big news is the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model which uses an electric drive engine for each axle and an internal combustion engine as a generator or EV motor assist through three drive modes.

"Pure" uses the electric motors alone for propulsion. "Series" uses the twin electric motors for 4WD and the internal combustion engine as support while "Parallel"? uses the internal combustion engine for front wheel drive and the two electrics for 4WD.

It's said to be super fuel efficient and offers strong performance over a wide operating range. No price details are yet available.