2001 Mitsubishi Starwagon Reviews

Mitsubishi has announced there will be no price increases across its petrol Outlander mid-size SUV range in Australia. The Outlander will continue to be available from $39,990 (before on-road costs), with prices ranging up to $58,740 for the top-spec grade. It will also continue to offer five and part-time seven seat configurations, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive set-ups.The Mazda CX-5 is the same price as the Outlander, and the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 is a step up in price on both of those competitors. Mitsubishi has brought back the Black Edition variant of the Outlander, citing 2024 sales success as the reason for its return. This version adds several blacked out elements, including 20-inch alloy wheels and synthetic leather seats. It will only be available in a front-wheel drive seven-seater configuration. The Outlander’s announcement comes after Mitsubishi hiked the prices of plug-in hybrid versions of the car earlier this year. It means there is a near $20K jump for buyers to get into a PHEV versus a petrol unit. It will be powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine, producing 135kW and 244Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Mitsubishi said the car will keep the Australian-developed suspension and power steering tunes introduced in 2025.On the inside, there is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and same sized digital driver display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered as standard. The Outlander is Mitsubishi’s best-selling car in Australia, having managed more than 22,000 sales in 2025, with it still one of the brand’s top performers despite dipping sales generally.The new Outlander is due to land in dealerships from next month.2026 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing Australia 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander engine and efficiency 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander standard features Other standard features include: Satellite navigationLS grade addsMachined two-tone alloy wheelsTwo rear-mounted USB portsSilver front and rear bumpersWireless phone chargerBlack Edition grade adds20-inch black alloy wheelsBlack front and rear bumpersBlack door mirrorsBlack grilleBlack interior headliningBlack synthetic leather seatsAspire grade adds20-inch machined-finished alloy wheelsHeated steering wheelPower tailgateExceedVentilated front seatsLeather seat trimAluminum pedalsFrameless and digital monitor rearview mirrorMemory side mirrorsFront door foot lampsFull-size alloy spare wheelPanoramic roofExceed tourerSemi-aniline leather seats12-speaker premium Yamaha sound system2026 Mitsubishi Outlander safetyThe Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.  Standard safety features:Blind spot assistLane departure assist360-degree cameraRear auto brakingTraffic sign recognitionFront and rear parking sensorsAspire grade addsLane centre assistTraffic jam assist2026 Mitsubishi Outlander dimensions 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander warranty and servicingThe Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 10-year/200,000-kilometre warranty, when all scheduled services are completed in a timely manner at Mitsubishi dealerships.There is also a 10-year capped price servicing deal available on the car. 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander capped price servicing table  

Mitsubishi is planning to introduce hybrid models to its lineup by 2028, matching many of its key rivals, and it could be a game changer in Australia.The brand is expected to begin production and sales in Japan, according to reports.It will be the first time Mitsubishi has produced full-sized hybrids in Japan.Mitsubishi’s move brings it into line with several of its key rivals in Japan such as Toyota, which boasts a product lineup dominated by hybrid vehicles. It could also give the brand the jump on another of its competitors, Mazda, which is still yet to bolster its electrified options.This could be a game changer for the brand, particularly in Australia, given the increasingly stringent emissions regulations to be set out under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).Mitsubishi did not receive any liabilities for the 2025 performance period, but it will have greater challenges maintaining this record, given its substantially petrol and diesel powered lineup.The brand’s hybrid push comes at a time when it is experiencing a tough sales downturn in Australia, despite the relatively positive return on Triton ute models. Hybrids could be the key to turning around Mitsubishi's fortunes in Australia.While there are no new confirmed hybrid models for Australia yet, Mitsubishi continues to follow its 'Momentum 2030' plan, which puts electrification at the core of the business' lineup.Mitsubishi recently unveiled an updated version of its plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV, providing increased efficiency.The brand currently sells a petrol-exclusive ASX small SUV, along with the diesel Pajero Sport large SUV and Triton ute.It also has its Outlander mid-size SUV, which comes as either a petrol or a plug-in hybrid - the only electrified set-up offered by the brand in Australia. Mitsubishi will release a new large off-roader, expected to be called the Pajero, this year, which is rumoured to be destined for Australia.

Mitsubishi is close to bringing back its legendary four-wheel drive.The Japanese brand has confirmed its new large off-roader  — likely called Pajero — will be revealed this year, with an Australian launch also tipped for 2026.The latest mail from Japan’s Best Car magazine, which is known for its well-placed sources in the Japanese car industry, reveals the new Pajero will have a three-grade line-up.It is likely the Pajero will borrow the same model grade names from the Triton, which it shares its underpinnings with.This means the base and mid-tier versions are likely to be the GLX and either GLS or GSR. Best Car believes the range-topper will take on the Exceed name in a throwback to past generations of Pajero.Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed any details about the Pajero, including its name, except that the big rig will debut this year.Camouflaged versions have been spotted testing in Australia, including by CarsGuide earlier this year in Western Victoria.Mitsubishi's President Keisuke Kishiura told US outlet Automotive News, "the Pajero is a cross-country SUV that combines fully-fledged off-road capability with the ease of handling and comfort of a passenger car".“We plan to launch the new cross-country SUV within the year.”It is believed to be based on the Triton platform, which means a proper ladder frame that would give it genuine off-road ability. It'll need some fancy adaptable suspension to give it proper on-road manners compared to the Triton.Expect it to use a version of 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine, but it could make more than the 150kW and 470Nm in the Australian-specification Triton.The camouflaged vehicles give us a clue at what the new Pajero will look like, with big blocky styling similar to the new Nissan Patrol. There appears to be a large grille with vertical tiered headlights and bonnet bulges.There is no tailgate-mounted spare wheel, which could be added later or it is likely located beneath the vehicle.

Mitsubishi currently doesn’t have any electric vehicles (EVs) on sale in Australia but this will change before the end of 2026.The Japanese carmaker is set to produce an EV in partnership with Taiwanese manufacturer Foxtron — which is a joint venture between iPhone maker Foxconn and car manufacturer Yulong — and sell it in Australia and New Zealand.Mitsubishi Australia General Manager Product Strategy and Product Public Relations Bruce Hampel told CarsGuide, “We’re on track for having our BEV in market by the end of the year.”“We’ve got through the final evaluation, sign-off testing of that vehicle and we’re in the early stages now of getting ready with our go-to-market communications plan.“So you’ll hear more from us on that in the coming months. It’s a big year,” he said.At this stage Mitsubishi hasn’t detailed which Foxtron it will be using as a basis for its new EV.A likely candidate is the Foxtron Bria, which is a small electric SUV roughly the same size as the Renault Captur-based ASX. It was previously referred to as the Foxtron Model B.Two versions of the Bria are offered both featuring a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, allowing up to 516km of NEDC claimed range.One is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 171kW, whereas the other has a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 299kW. The latter can do the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 3.9 seconds.No other details about this forthcoming Foxtron co-developed Mitsubishi EV have been announced yet.Mitsubishi was one of the first in the world to offer a mass-market EV in the form of the i-MiEV which debuted in 2009. Based on the Mitsubishi 'i' kei car, it was on sale locally until 2012 and offered up to 150km of range, according to NEDC testing.There was no successor to the i-MiEV until the eK X EV launched in Japan in 2022.Additionally, Mitsubishi recently launched the Eclipse Cross EV in Europe in 2025. It’s a rebadged version of the Renault Scenic E-Tech.It’s unclear whether the Mitsubishi eK X EV or Eclipse Cross EV will ever launch in Australia.Regardless of this, Mitsubishi may soon need to introduce more EVs in order to outweigh potential fines from the Australian government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).As it stands the Japanese carmaker has credits but this could change in the following years as the CO2 emissions targets become stricter.As noted above, Mitsubishi currently doesn’t have an EV and it offers two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV, though there’s only dealer stock of the latter remaining.

For those of you who are looking to buy a new car but aren’t looking at an EV yet, we’ve put together a list of our top-five popular cars that run on the cheapest kind of petrol.Yep, there’s a lot of pressure right now to buy an electric car and avoid high petrol prices.But if you’re not ready for an EV and want to stick to petrol, there’s a way to still save money: buying a car which doesn’t need more expensive premium fuel.Premium fuel such as 95 RON or 98 RON is always more expensive than 91 RON, but with petrol prices so high right now any saving is good.At the time of writing, 91 RON was averaging 200c/litre, while 98 RON was 223c/litre. Filling up a 60L tank with 91 RON is currently $120 while 98 RON will set you back $133.80. So currently there’s about a $14 difference between 91 RON and 98 RON for an average-sized fuel tank. If you’re filling up once a week, that’s about $730 a year.For all we know, prices could go up more and depending on the situation and where our fuel is sourced from, so the gap between higher- and lower-grade fuels could expand.Yes, there’s 95 RON, but that is still more expensive than 91 RON.So, we’ve handpicked five of Australia's best-selling cars that don’t need premium unleaded and instead can run on a minimum of 91 RON. Hyundai’s Kona is a small SUV that comes in three variants – a pure petrol, a series-parallel hybrid and a fully electric. You’ll be happy to know both the pure petrol and hybrid petrol cars only need 91 RON.Fuel efficiency in the hybrid is excellent at 3.9L/100km over a combination of different driving conditions.The hybrid is offered across the entire range, which is great to see.The entry price into the Kona range is $33,700 plus on-road costs.GWM’s Haval Jolion is another small SUV, which is a little larger than the Hyundai Kona, but it also comes in pure petrol and series-parallel hybrid, both of which needing just 91 RON.The hybrid's combined fuel consumption is 5.1L/100km.It’s fantastic to see that the hybrid is offered right across the Jolion range.The entry grade in the Jolion range costs $26,990 drive-away.One of the original mid-size SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail in this latest generation is a superb family car that is offered in petrol and series hybrid variants.Now the pure petrol versions need only 91 RON. Nissan says the hybrids need a minimum of 91 RON, but 95 RON is recommended.Of course, you should follow the manufacturers advice here to ensure your X-Trail lives a long and happy life, but it’s good to know that 91 RON will do if you’re in a pickle.The other good news is that you really don’t need to step up to the more expensive hybrid to save fuel.The hybrid is fuel efficient at 6.0L/100km, but the regular petrol will use 6.1-6.5L/100km depending on the grade.  The entry grade of the Nissan X-Trail range lists for $38,140 plus on-road costs.The Mitsubishi Outlander is another mid-size SUV icon and comes in two variants – a pure petrol and a plug-in series-parallel hybrid (PHEV).Nissan says both the pure petrol version and PHEV need only 91 RON, which is a nice surprise.Fuel consumption in the PHEV is outrageously good at 1.5L/100km in combined driving conditions, but seriously you’ll have to charge it regularly to get this – and I mean every day.The combined consumption of the regular pure petrol Outlander ranges from 7.5-8.1L/100km depending on the grade.The entry grade in the Outlander range starts at a list price of $39,990 plus on-road costs.Chery’s little Tiggo 4 SUV is the smallest car in our selection (about a match-stick shorter than the Kona) and comes in both pure petrol and series-parallel hybrid form.The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, however, isn’t as fuel efficient as you might think in this not-so-big SUV. The combined fuel consumption according to Chery is 7.4L/100km. But the hybrid variant is much better with 5.4L/100km .The entry price into the Tiggo 4 range is $23,990 drive-away. 

The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero hasn't even arrived yet, and already competition in the off-road space is heating up, with Nissan at last confirming an SUV version of the Frontier Pro SUV that will put a target on the back of 4WDs in Australia.The question is, is the Nissan product about to beat Mitsubishi at its own game?Mitsubishi largely pioneered plug-in hybrid technology in Australia, but the brand has previously ruled out adapting the technology for its diesel engines. Instead, all reports point to the incoming Pajero – which is expected to use the Triton as its base – using the powertrain from the brand's ute.That means 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and eight-speed automatic, though some reports point to a plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain also being under development. Nissan, though, is set to abandon diesel, with the ute version of the Frontier Pro adopting a plug-in hybrid powertrain that would make the SUV version among the most powerful vehicles in its class.Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a transmission-mounted electric motor produce up to 320kW and 800Nm combined.The concept version of the SUV is to be revealed at the Beijing Auto Show, seemingly answering the question of what our market might receive in answer to the US-built (and V6-powered) Xterra.Built in partnership with Dongfeng, the SUV is reportedly built on what the group calls its Star Core platform, which can be paired with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrain options.The Frontier Pro looks set to soon be locked in for our market, with the reports pointing to an early 2027 launch date. If so, that would make the SUV version – which is being developed for export markets – a sure starter for Australia, too.Will diesel or plug-in power win the battle between Nissan and the new Pajero? Only time will tell.

Mitsubishi is soon releasing the Australian-fettled Triton Raider and if it’s a success the Japanese brand claims there’s room for something above – perhaps with Ralliart in the name.Mitsubishi Australia General Manager Product Strategy and Product Public Relations Bruce Hampel said the Japanese carmaker has many iconic sub-brands, including Ralliart, but for the time being is trying to build the brand name with the Triton Raider.“We’ve positioned this vehicle above the GSR. I guess with the rally raid theme is really what we to pursue and that really helped us inform the Raider naming for this particular variant,” said Hampel.“It’s really our first foray we’re breaking new ground for Mitsubishi in that higher price bracket compact pick-up segment, which is quite extensive in the Australian market.”It’s worth noting that Mitsubishi offered the limited-production Triton Xtreme in 2023, which was co-developed by Walkinshaw. It’s still the most expensive new Triton to date at $71,990 before on-road costs.“So we’re really seeing how goes, how well we’ve managed to deliver the customer needs and how well that’s resonating with them,” added Hampel.“The goal is ultimately to build the brand and pull on our heritage, and part of that is the history we have with our sub-brands in the Australian market.“And if successful then, yes, we’ll continue taking the next step.”Ralliart is an iconic, high-performance sub-brand for the Mitsubishi brand that has its roots in rally racing.The Ralliart name is still affixed to certain, range-topping versions of the Japanese carmaker’s vehicles.The last Mitsubishi model offered in Australia with a Ralliart badge was the Lancer in 2015. Sitting below the Evolution, it was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sent drive through an all-wheel drive system.There have been many versions of the Triton Ralliart offered in other markets across many generations now, however they have largely been decals and aesthetic packages.There is demand for souped-up dual-cab utes in Australia, particularly stirred up by the Ford Ranger Raptor with its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.The forthcoming Triton Raider has been developed in partnership with Melbourne-based engineering and manufacturing firm, Premcar.Although the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine doesn’t produce any more power or torque, the suspension and tyre package has been tweaked to make this Triton more capable on- and off-road. There are also tougher looks.Using the model year 2026 (MY26) version of the Triton GSR as a base, the Raider gains Yamaha horizontally mounted dampers to further reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).There’s a unique front and rear suspension damper package with the front damper gaining an internal rebound spring to create more wheel control on a variety of surfaces.Other tweaks include 18-inch ROH ‘Assault’ alloy wheels finished in a unique brushed bronze finish that are wrapped in Bridgestone AT002 all-terrain tyres.As a result of the suspension and tyre package, there is a 25mm ride height increase at the front, 10mm ride height increase at the rear and 20mm wider track width.Matching the brushed bronze alloys, there are a range of exterior highlights and decals with the same finish. Additionally there are upgraded side protection bars, underbody protection and a sports bar with unique red highlights.Inside the Triton Raider receives black leather upholstery with orange stitching and Raider branding embroidered into the front headrests. There’s also a Raider badge fitted on the centre console.At this stage Mitsubishi hasn’t detailed pricing for the Triton Raider, though it is likely to be more than the current flagship GSR trim, which is priced at $65,590 before on-road costs.This means the Triton Raider could be closer to $70,000 before on-road costs.

Mitsubishi has confirmed its new flagship large SUV, which will likely be called Pajero, will be in Australian showrooms by the end of 2026.Mitsubishi Australia General Manager Product Strategy and Product Public Relations Bruce Hampel said the company will be able to provide more information regarding this car around the middle to third quarter of 2026, which is understood to be when it’ll be revealed globally.“We have vehicles in Australia at the moment,” said Hampel, noting that CarsGuide was one of the first to spy camouflaged prototypes on public roads late last year.“So we have them conducting validation testing in various locations around Australia. And again, that’s another proof point of the importance of Australian market to the MMC company that they’re coming out here and they’re evaluating the vehicle in our environment and conditions.“With the product though, we’re at the mercy of the global reveal for the program. We are one market of many for this very important product for Mitsubishi.”Hampel notes that an Australian global reveal of this new flagship SUV was under consideration at some point, however it will happen in Japan.“It’s a very important product for the Japanese market and that’s its pride and joy. So I think the final decision was to have the global launch in Japan,” said Hampel.As previously reported, it’s understood this new Pajero Sport successor will be dropping the Sport suffix altogether, therefore reviving the original Pajero nameplate for the first time since it was retired in 2021.Speculation indicates the new Pajero will be based on the underpinnings of the current Triton ute, likely meaning it’ll also feature a version of its 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine.In terms of styling, previous prototypes have shown it’ll have a big, boxy and bluff silhouette. From some angles it even looks like the Nissan Patrol Y63.Although we haven’t seen the design in full yet, it’s expected to feature a large grille, headlights that cascade down the front fascia, plus prominent bonnet bulges.At the rear there is no tailgate-mounted spare wheel, likely meaning it’ll be mounted under the vehicle.The interior design is yet to be revealed though it will likely share a lot with the Triton. Five- and seven-seat configurations are likely.

Mitsubishi has finally confirmed timing and critical details surrounding the new Pajero, locking in a true off-road 4WD that will launch before the end of the year.The brand had only so far confirmed a new large SUV was coming, leaving plenty of guess work to be done as to whether it would be a monocoque road-focused vehicle, or a true rival to vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol – not to mention newcomers like the Denza B5 and B8.But now we know the latter is the case, with Mitsubishi's president, Keisuke Kishiura, confirming that 4WD capability will be at the heart of the Pajero's development. And in more good news, the brand's most senior executive also locked in a 2026 launch for the new 4WD.Camouflaged examples of the new model have already been photographed in Australia.The executive specifically called out the off-road prowess of the old Pajero to US outlet Automotive News, saying "the Pajero is a cross-country SUV that combines fully-fledged off-road capability with the ease of handling and comfort of a passenger car", before adding:“We plan to launch the new cross-country SUV within the year.”Whether or not that also confirms the new model will be called the Pajero – which we believe it will be – we'll leave up to you, but it certainly locks in the off-road prowess, and fuels reports the model will be built using the Mitsubishi Triton's ladder-frame chassis.If it gets the Triton's underpinnings, expect the Pajero to use a version of the ute's 150kW and 470Nm 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine. “For me, the Pajero is an object of admiration,” Mr Kishiura told Automotive News.“Thanks to its off-road capability, allowing it to tackle any weather or road surface with confidence, its reliability, which withstands even the harshest conditions, and its ride quality and comfort that minimise fatigue on long drives, the Pajero has been cherished by customers around the world.”

Diesel fuel prices have been skyrocketing in Australia, making buyers think twice about running costs.According to NSW fuel price data, diesel is up to $1 per litre more expensive than petrol on average, sitting on average at over $3 per litre.Diesel sales were already in decline, but sustained higher fuel prices appear to have accelerated this trend.What may surprise some, though, is that petrol car sales are decreasing at a faster rate than diesel. Diesel sales have declined 10.1 per cent compared to February 2026 and 4.8 per cent overall this year. Petrol sales for the same periods have declined by more than 20 per cent and nearly 18 per cent, respectively. This equates to almost 22,000 less vehicles sold compared to this time last year. Diesel sales have only declined a little over 4000 units compared to March 2025. There were 28,364 diesel sales in March 2026 as opposed to 34,694 petrol ones, but if petrol sales continue to decline at the same rate, it will not be long before diesel is the top selling non-electrified fuel type for vehicles.Diesel also still more than doubles the sales of electric month-on-month, but EVs are rapidly catching up.One of the key reasons for these differences is many brands are ditching pure petrol models for electrified variants, as Australia's new vehicle efficiency standards start to impose big consequences for higher-emitting engines. For example, most of Toyota’s major models are now hybrid only, such as the Yaris hatch, Camry sedan and RAV4 SUV. There have also been talks of brands completely cutting petrol options from their line-ups, such as Chery.Local Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris told CarsGuide earlier this year it is something he is eager to see happen.  “Personally I would hope that we get to that point because the super hybrid driving experience, in particular Chery’s super hybrid driving experience is so good and I think it is much better than ICE,” Harris said.“The more people that try it, the more consumers go that way. We’ll be led by demand so if all of a sudden nobody is buying an ICE Tiggo 7, and they're only buying Tiggo 7 super hybrid, it probably doesn’t make much sense to continue bringing an ICE product that consumers don’t really want.”Other brands have echoed these comments in the past as they move to predominantly hybrid and electric line-ups. In February, for example, Hyundai was number two for hybrid sales in Australia, a title it may lose to BYD's popular range of plug-in hybrids like the Shark 6 and Sealion 6. BYD, meanwhile, is already hybrid and electric only.Diesel utes still dominate the sales charts, the Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux leading the way, with the Isuzu D-Max also in the top 10. Both the HiLux and D-Max experienced subtle growth, while the Ranger had a near 10 per cent decline compared to last month.  Best-selling diesel cars in March 2026