Introduction
Mitsubishi's Outlander offers big estate practicality in a smart SUV package. Fitted with the new 2.2-litre turbodiesel, it makes a compelling case for itself.
What are its rivals?
The Outlander's most obvious rivals are its Peugeot and Citroen spin-offs, the awkwardly styled 4007 and the neat C-Crosser. Forget the brand-specific looks though, as all three cars are built by Mitsubishi, the French shortcutting their way to production by restyling the Outlander for Europe. It has been designed to compete in the compact SUV marketplace, so everything from the Land Rover Freelander to Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V is fair game. Unlike many though, the Outlander offers seven-seat ability, meaning it rivals a whole range of seven-seater MPVs, too. That's a broad spectrum of competitors, but the Outlander competes rather convincingly against all of them.
How does it drive?
The Outlander might sport the lofty looks and stance of an SUV, but the driving experience is more like a jacked up estate car. Obviously you're aware of its slightly higher centre of gravity when you push it hard in corners, but keep it sensible and the Outlander never feels anything less than composed. The transmission offers the choice of front-wheel drive, automatic four-wheel drive and locked four-wheel drive - front-wheel drive is fine most of the time and results in the best fuel consumption. The Outlander rides well - only sharp crests sending shudders through the cabin - while the handling is pleasingly sharp for such a tall vehicle. That's hardly surprising, as under the SUV styling is a platform that's shared with the Mitsubishi Lancer, and its Evo X flagship.
It's the 2.2-litre engine that's the real issue with the Outlander, though. When the Outlander was originally introduced it made do with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which, while respectable enough in performance lacked the punch to allow the Outlander to really shine. The 2.2-litre unit is borrowed from the French and although not the quietest when starting up is a serious improvement over the 2.0-litre unit - which remains on the price lists. The cabin is smart and uncluttered and the visibility good, though the privacy glass of this top spec Diamond model does make seeing out the rear in the dark a bit problematic.
What's impressive?
It's a good looker, arguably the best among its French relatives - it really is the swan to the Peugeot 4007 ugly duckling. In Diamond trim it comes with every conceivable extra, from the superb multi-speaker Rockfort Fosgate nine-speaker 650 sound system (incorporating navigation and a 30 Gb music server) to a parking camera that makes reversing a less fraught affair than in some rivals. Rear seat passengers are also kept quiet/entertained by a roof-mounted DVD system. It drives well too, the Outlander feeling remarkably wieldy and more car-like on the road compared to some rivals. Off-road it might not get you as far as some, but it gives you plenty of security on the road if its snowy or you like to tow. The interior functionality is perhaps the Outlander's biggest draw, it able to seat seven in comfort, the rearmost 'Hide & Seat' seats folding flat into the floor when they are not needed. The split rear tailgate is a real bonus too, it not only aiding access to the rear, but providing a very useful seat for changing out of muddy boots and the likes before getting in.
What's not?
The 2.2-litre turbodiesel might be the engine of choice regarding performance and economy, but it's not the quietest when it's started up. The refinement improves once on the move, but first impressions last. Leather might cover the chairs as standard on the Elegance and Diamond models, but you could be forgiven for thinking it's not the real stuff. Similarly, some of the plastics in places feel a bit low-rent, but no worse than its key rivals. IPod, or an auxiliary connection should be standard, the 30 Gb hard drive music server clever, though no substitute for proper connectivity for MP3 players. Use those rear-most seats and you can pretty much forget about carrying any luggage, too. It's not especially cheap either, many rivals more keenly priced, though the Mitsubishi does counter with high levels of standard equipment across the entire range.
Should I buy one?
There's a great deal to like about the Outlander, not least its smart looks, enormous practicality and car-like driving dynamics. Bargain hunters might like to push their Citroen dealers though, as they'll inevitably be offering much the same package for less. However, the Outlander does come fully-loaded and it's arguably the smartest looker among its French relatives, which means it is neat and inconspicuous compared to its other rivals. Economy is decent, and if you go for one of the lesser models it makes a lot more sense financially as a family purchase, even if you have to forgo some of the fancier, ultimately unnecessary, equipment. Opting for one of the lower trims also though does deny you the 2.2-litre diesel, which is something Mitsubishi needs to address - especially as both Peugeot and Citroen offer it in cars costing under £23,000.
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