Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD-Review

The Outlander is the sister car to the Peugeot 4007, but outsells the pug in the thousands. Prices for the new Outlander 5 Seat petrol with manual transmission start at $29,340. So does the new budget conscious version of the Outlander mean reduced quality? Well, short answer is yes. You can’t expect gold at lead prices, but that’s not to say this new base model is disappointing.

What’s it like? Let’s find out.

Behind the wheel:
With a typical high-riding stance and some neat design touches inside with cowled dials that are meant to echo the instrument design on a motorcycle, while the centre console is a similar shape to a motorcycle fuel tank. The decor is plain and purposeful; all controls fall easily to hand. The rotary knobs for the ventilation system are simple and intuitive, and the rest of the dash is smooth and uncluttered but looking a bit old with hard plastics throughout. The steering wheel only adjusts for tilt, not reach; visibility is good although the windscreen pillars can obscure the view at roundabouts.

Performance
Powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4 litre DOHC MPI MIVEC petrol engine, the Outlander LS 2WD offers 125kW (at 6000rpm) and 226Nm of torque (at 4100rpm).The new variant is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. A continuously variable automatic transmission – including Sports Model sequential shifting and INVECS Smart Logic – is available as an option. Cruising along in the Mitsubishi is not the most restful place to be with plenty of road and wind noise noticeable at freeway speeds. This 2.4-litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and you would have to say it is punchy with good acceleration from a standing start and quick response on the move, but it is not easy on the ears and can become quiet noisy under heavy throttle. The brakes feel wooden and don’t inspire much confidence under heavy braking.

Handling
The Outlander feels more top-heavy than its competitors through corners and its vague unevenly weighted steering adds to the unsettled through tight twisting corners. The steering also kicks back over mid-corner bumps and suffers from torque steer under heavy throttle. By far the place this outlander feels more at home is around town, where the Outlander is far more user-friendly, troubled only by bigger bumps, while it’s steering feels heavier and more direct.

Comfort
The dashboard is logically laid out and easy to use. There’s plentiful small-item storage, cup/bottle holders and 12-volt outlets and it’s all screwed together neatly. The front seats aren’t remarkably comfortable, the steering wheel lacks reach adjustment, but as I mentioned earlier there is plentiful use of black hard plastics in the cabin and when compared to the current crop of its opposition it feels, out of date. However it is versatile the big, box-like shape has an 882-litre capacity and great access from its brilliant split tailgate. The 60:40 split-fold back seats fall forward and out of the way at the touch of a button for even more space. The back seat sits higher than the front seats and has sliding/reclining functions. It’s a good space for children, but a bit narrow for 3 bigger adults.

Equipment
The Outlander LS 2WD model kicks off from $28,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs), that’s $4250 cheaper than its 4WD equivalent, which is good dollars for your pocket The LS is a five-seat proposition only and looses climate control for regular air-conditioning. Otherwise, you get cruise control, trip computer, CD/MP3 audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2WD gets stability control but just two front airbags are fitted as standard. The side curtains add an extra $850.

Summary
Unfortunately it isn’t quite as refined or as practical as other soft off roaders with a narrow load space and a firm ride.The 2WD LS feels a bit cheap inside, its road manners are unremarkable and so is its standard safety equipment. However it does have assets that are going to tempt many buyers, from its versatile, user-friendly features and that brilliant industry leading warranty on all its vehicles including a comprehensive five year/130,000 km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km power train warranty and a five year/130,000 kilometre roadside assistance package.

What is good and not so good?
What is good?
Genuine good-value,
Long Warranty
Roomy Cabin
Powerful engine

What’s not so good?
Cabin feels cheap with hard plastics
Not the best driving dynamics

Model Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD
Model Price $29,340 RDAP
Drivetrain 2.4 litre petrol FWD 5 speed manual
Power 125 Kw @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 226Nm @ 4100 rpm
Safety 4 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 227 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 4 Star
Economy (ADR comb) 9.5 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 1500 kg
Tow Ball Rating Not Supplied
Servicing $ Not Supplied
Warranty 5yr/ 130,000 km with full roadside assist

Overall OzRoamer Rating 66/100
Behind the Wheel 7
Comfort 6
Equipment 6
Performance 7
Ride & Handling 6
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 5
Off Road Ability 5
Value for Money 8