2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews

When launched at the start of 2003 the Mitsubishi Outlander replaced the Mitsubishi iO, a 4WD that had not sold particularly well. Mitsubishi had been in the vanguard of the affordable recreational 4WD market since the 1980s, but the little iO was aimed at the semi-serious 4WD buyer and was relatively expensive.Mitsubishi’s move into the crossover segment with the Outlander changed that way of thinking and it soon began to gather a lot of supporters. It continues to sell well to this day and an all-new model seems sure to further expand interest when it arrives down under in a few months time.We anticipate a surge of trade-ins of Outlanders to buy the new model and this could lead to some excellent deals for used buyers as dealers shift the trades. No promises, though...Styling has long been a much talked about feature of the Mitsubishi Outlander.The initial model had a prominent nose that some liked and others hated. The standout nose was removed in 2006, replaced by a smoother shape with the introduction of a slightly larger new model. The move to the Mitsubishi ‘jetfighter’ front grille in 2009 gained a lot more praise for its radical shape. Interestingly, the upcoming new model has again gone for a more conservative design.Though not really aimed at off-road driving, the 4WD system is reasonably sophisticated for its type and the Outlander can competently cope with rough tracks, beaches and corrugated dirt when driven correctly. On-road the Mitsubishi Outlander is capable and generally quiet and comfortable to ride in. Some owners complain about the amount of tyre noise on coarse-chip roads, others say they don’t really notice it.Inside, there’s space for two adults and three children with good legroom and head space. Three adults can be carried in the back seat, but may find themselves on the squeezy side. The optional third-row seat is strictly for tiny kids and even then isn’t particularly comfortable. It steals most of the luggage area, but that’s hardly unusual in this class of compact vehicle. Otherwise boot space is good and the Outlander is easy to load, even more so from the mid 2004 facelift.The 2004 reworking was interesting in that a lot of the work was done by the engineering team at Mitsubishi Australia for global use. The biggest changes were at the rear, with a wider tailgate and styling mods that gave it more presence in the appearance stakes. Also for 2004, Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing was added to the engine. Capacity of the single-cam, four-cylinder powerplant remains at the 2.4 litres, but stronger torque with a good spread made it enjoyable to drive.Disc brakes, with ABS and EBD were fitted to all four wheels to cope with the added engine output when the four-cylinder engine was upgraded. Previously some had criticised the Outlander for having drum brakes at the rear. The optional 3.0-litre V6 engine, though relatively expensive, is the powerplant of choice amongst those who like to drive. It can be quite thirsty, particularly when worked hard.Transmissions are manual and automatic with the added efficiency of continuously variable transmission being used in the latter from the 2006 model. Some don’t like the sound of a CVT but once you become accustomed to it the audio differences soon become unnoticed. Mitsubishi Australia is a well-established player in the local Australian scene having been here for over forty years. Though the company no longer builds vehicles locally it has a large, well-organised dealer network that’s widespread.Due to the company’s success in the 4WD market with the Pajero and Challenger there are more dealers in country areas than is usual with crossover vehicles that compete with the Outlander. We hear no real complaints about spare part pricing or availability. A good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work due to the generous under bonnet and under-car accessibility. Safety related items should only be touched by professionals.Insurance rates seem to vary more than normal among the major companies so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. As always, make sure you are doing accurate comparisons when looking at the various policy features.WHAT TO LOOK FOROutlander is well-built and generally reliable but, as always, recommend a professional inspection after you've done initial checks to the best of your technical knowledge. Though it’s nominally a 4WD few Outlanders are taken off road so if you see any signs of body or under body damage - check the lower corners of the bumpers and the door sills - it’s probably best to look for another one.Engines are strong units in the Mitsubishi manner. A powerplant that’s reluctant to start when cold, or which hesitates at any time is a cause for concern. Check the front of a four-cylinder engine for water stains indicating possible water pump troubles. We have heard of a few problems in continuously variable transmissions. During your test drive it should be quiet and smooth. If unsure, have a Mitsubishi mechanic check it out.Manual gearboxes should be light and smooth in operation. When they eventually wear out, the change down from third to second is usually the first to give trouble. Listen for noises and feel for a reluctance to go into gear. Look over the interior for signs of rough use, particularly in the back seats if kids have run amok.CAR BUYING TIPCrossover SUVs that go seriously off road are rare and it’s probably best to pass them up - unless the price is very favourable.  

That strange person in bikinis on the beach is not an alien from the Planet Jaffa. It's just finished an application of cheap spray-on suntan.That watch isn't an Omega, it's an Omegga and its impressive face hides a dodgy circuitboard glued to a piece of recycled cardboard. With a battery that will expire after a three-hour international flight.And is that a real iPhone 4? The Chinese have a $175 look-alike that will even make a call, take a photo and store a contact list.Up until about 18 months ago, if you wanted an SUV you would get a wagon with all-wheel drive.  Now there's the fake SUV - a two-wheel drive look-alike that is less expensive to buy and own compared with an AWD model, yet still makes you out to be an adventure loving, leisure-seeking family man.Australia's Compact SUV market is 80 per cent AWD and 20 per cent two-wheel drive. Yet only 18 months ago, 2WDs accounted for only 10 per cent.  The 2WD market continues to accelerate. Almost every player is in the game.The reason is that the fake looks, goes and has almost all the features of an AWD but is $2000-$5000 cheaper.  The Mitsubishi Outlander for 2011 gets a 2WD model that costs from $28,990 as a manual which compares to its AWD sister at $33,240.It is also slightly more economical on fuel and has the potential to be cheaper to insure, repair and service given it has 65kg less hardware.The automatic version of the five-seater LS model tested is $31,490 plus on-road costs and is an attractive buy given its excellent safety, welcome versatility, spacious cabin, pleasant road manners and solid equipment list.  It costs about the same as the Toyota RAV4, for example, but has more standard safety and convenience features.Outlanders are basically rebodied Lancers. Both share the platform and some drivetrain components but side-by-side, you'd never pick it.  First generation Outlanders were a bit soft in styling but the latest is distinctive and even striking, mainly because of the flat expanse of the angled nose.Compared with a conventional small car, the tall stance and high seating position aid entry/egress, improve driver visibility and carry the perception of greater safety in a crash.  Cabin room is generous partly because of the vehicle's height but also because of the Outlander's boxy shape. The blunt tail also makes for a big and very useable cargo area.But hard plastic and under-enthusiastic design across the dashboard cheapen an otherwise clever layout.  The nine cupholders, big personal storage areas, twin gloveboxes, three 12V power outlets, comfortable rear armrest and steering wheel controls are impressive standard features.The Outlander has a couple of welcome surprises in its tail. The five-seater has remote buttons in the boot that automatically retract the second seat row.  These 60/40 split seats tumble forward. That instantly turns the family wagon into a vehicle with van-like cargo space.The two-piece tailgate has a lift-up hatch and a fold-down section. The latter increases the cargo floor area, makes for an easier loading and unloading platform, and can become a seating position at picnics and when watching sports events.  All seats have fold-flat backs so the cabin can become one big sleeping area.Mitsubishi's 2.4-litre petrol engine - the only offering in the 2WD - isn't highly sophisticated but is a reliable and durable powerplant.  Matched to the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) option as tested, it's unlikely to get intelligent drivers into too much trouble with the law.The underpinnings are simple MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link system at the back that - in the transition to 2WD from AWD - has been relieved of the drive shafts and differential.That makes more underfloor space and Mitsubishi has wisely used that to boost the fuel tank size to 63 litres from the AWD's 60 litres.  All five-seater Outlanders have a full-size spare wheel. This is good news. Proper spare wheels mean a relatively rapid change-over if there's a puncture and immediately restores the vehicle to its full dynamics.Space-saver - or emergency - spare wheels are rated at an 80km/h limit, are short-term solutions and then require a full replacement.That full-size spare wheel means you can confidently take this vehicle out of the city limits.  But that's not all. This has a five-star crash rating and comes standard with electronic stability control.  It has two airbags - which is rubbish - but Mitsubishi offers a full six airbag package for an extra $850. You are obliged to pay the extra.Basically, driving Junior to school and picking up dinner at McDonalds won't show up any difference between the Outlander AWD and the 2WD.Heat the action up a bit and you'll find the AWD a bit grippier on corners and showing less understeer.  Go bush and you'll find a new vocabulary as you explore the physical benefits of digging out a vehicle embedded in hot beach sand. So, NOW there's a difference!The CVT is preferable to the $2500 cheaper five-speed manual version only because it's easier to drive in city conditions.  It's actually a decent auto because in comparison to a lot of CVT units (which are fundamentally a steel band spinning up and down two cones to create variable gearing) this one doesn't have much lag off the mark.Yes, there is some annoying over-revving of the engine at times but overall the Mitsubishi transmission is as good as any conventional automatic. You can also lock in its six preset gears and drive it like a manual if you're bored.  Ride comfort (save for the over-hard rear seats) and quietness on the highway is surprisingly good. This counters an initial impression that the tinny sound of the doors opening and closing presumes that the wagon is lightly constructed.I liked the steering wheel controls - including standard cruise - and simple ventilation dials and the ease with which it all worked.  But I really liked the cabin configuration, its versatility and the fact the rear seats are higher than the front so children have a better outlook.And that family-friendly appeal - and not the all-wheel drive system - is the Outlander's strength, making the 2WD version a logical choice.

The rough backroads of the Eyre Peninsula - and associated terrain just off them - was the scene of our introduction to the new V6-powered Outlander, but what about the four-cylinder model.  We're in the entry-level machine, the five-speed manual LS, which dwells in the bottom half of the $30,000 compact SUV range.