Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 S-AWC
With or without a plug
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 SEL S-AWC
© press-inform – the press office
Mitsubishi has long been just a supporting actor in Europe, because the music is made by cooperation partner Renault. Only the Outlander has been able to break out of the gloomy monotony in recent years. It offered a mixture of plug-in hybrid and SUV that was almost unrivaled at the time. We show what the second generation can do.
While Europeans will have to wait some time for the new generation of Outlanders, things are very different in the United States. The previous generation in the style of a brick standing on the narrow side has already had its day here, just as it is in the home market of Japan. The design of the new Mitsubishi Outlander is significantly beefier and more powerful than previously known. This is ensured not only by the extremely striking front with the unusual LED headlight elements, but also by the rear view and the significant gain in width, which noticeably benefits the interior. There is still room for up to seven people inside the Japanese, although the seats in the third row are only recommended for those short passengers who are not particularly close to their hearts. One does not like to speak of comfort here, even on short journeys.
Even if the Mitsubishi Outlander has made a name for itself in Europe in recent years as a hybrid pioneer of the mid-range SUV, the number of hits for the new generation is initially a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine without electric support. It develops 133 kW / 181 PS and a maximum torque of 245 Nm, which is available at 3,600 rpm. The recommended all-wheel drive version of the Outlander 2.5 SEL S-AWC does not get too much out of the lower speed range, because on the one hand the 181 hp are not much for a 1.8-ton all-wheel drive with a tough automatic CVT and the Japanese continue to forego the use of one Turbo engine and leave it with variable valve train. After all, the standard consumption is economical: 7.8 liters of super per 100 kilometers.
The variant with a plug-in hybrid module will follow in spring, generating the necessary propulsion from three motors. The main work is done by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front axle with 98 kW / 133 hp. Additional electric motors on the front and rear axles are fed from the 20 kWh battery pack in the underbody and contribute 85 kW / 115 PS / 255 Nm (front) and 100 kW / 136 PS / 195 Nm (rear). This means that more than 80 kilometers are purely electric. The battery pack can be recharged to 80 percent in 40 minutes using a quick charge function and 350-volt technology. As with the Eclipse Cross PHEV, despite the 220 HP system output, propulsion is over from a speed of 160 km / h.
Even more than the previous Mitsubishi Outlander, the 4.70 meter long successor is also a relaxed family cruiser that nothing can disturb. Chassis, steering, brakes and noise level – the new Outlander 2.5 SEL likes it discreetly in the background without great ambitions. The steering works a little better because it is more precise than before, but it is still too indirect. The chassis pushes away even unpleasant transverse joints quite confidently and the previously all too annoying pitching and especially rolling movements are also significantly reduced. The individual driving programs can be adapted to local conditions or the driver’s wishes using a rotary controller on the center tunnel. The animated instruments with different views behind the steering wheel and a nine-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, which can be used to control the most important comfort functions, as well as navigation and entertainment, are both very clear and modern at the same time.
However, not only the exterior design with its successful proportions won, but also the significantly improved interior. More space, a high-quality overall impression and modern instruments as well as controls make the Mitsubishi Outlander appear much more contemporary than its predecessor, which had fallen behind, especially due to the strong competition in the past two years. The loading volume is at the level of the European competition. The stitching on the seats and paneling is supposed to give the impression of premium charm – and it works. If you fold the emergency seats in, you have an impressive 950 liters (US standard) available behind the two normal rows of seats, while behind the electric tailgate, if the rows are folded down, even up to 2,200 liters are available on request. It starts at around $ 26,000. For a surcharge of US $ 1,800 there is the option of ordering the sensible all-wheel drive with variable power distribution for all equipment variants. The top model Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 SEL S-AWC including 20-roll wheelset, air-conditioned leather seats, LED headlights, panoramic roof and driver assistance package costs 36,445 US dollars – along with an impressive ten-year guarantee. Let’s see what the package for Europe will look like.