Mitsubishi Outlander (2007-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

Mitsubishi has been making its Shogun off-roader since 1982, but the Outlander is another entity entirely.

It may have all the right 4x4 styling cues and drive to all four wheels, but it's been developed with on-road driving dynamics as a priority rather than out-and-out rock-climbing and swamp-crossing ability. That's not to say that it can barely cope with more than a muddy car park, though: its electronically-controlled 4WD system and high ground clearance mean that it can go most places owners are likely to ask it, plus it can also tow up to 2,000kg.

The Outlander is built on Mitsubishi's new Lancer small family car platform, developed in partnership with DaimlerChrysler. It thus shares much of its underpinnings with the Dodge Caliber and Nitro SUV - and also the Jeep Compass and Patriot, which can only add to its off-roading credibility. It has two further sister models, too: the Citroen C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007, effectively Outlanders built by Mitsubishi for PSA, but fitted with new front ends and different interiors. In Mitsubishi form at least, it's a well-specified, practical family vehicle, striking-looking and smart.

Though the outgoing Outlander (on sale from 2003) was offered in Europe only with petrol engines, this new Outlander comes first with a Volkswagen-supplied 2.0-litre diesel (140bhp). A 168bhp 2.4 petrol and the Peugeot-Citroen 2.2-litre diesel (156bhp) will follow towards the end of 2007 and the 2.4 petrol will come with a six-speed CVT gearbox.

Entry-level Equippe versions come as five-seaters, while the Warrior and Elegance have an extra foldaway pair of seats to accommodate two more.