• Mitsubishi Outlander commands respect

    by  • June 5, 2013 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

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    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander exterior front left dynamic

    The new Mitsubishi Outlander is a lot better looking than the previous model

    If space and respect on the road are your top priorities in a family car then you should definitely take a look at the Mitsubishi Outlander.

    It’s a massive, muscular looking seven-seat SUV whose high up driving position gives you a commanding view of the road.

    The new Outlander is more spacious, more economical and better looking than the previous generation.

    Inside, the cabin is very minimalist, with a very uncluttered looking dash.

    Just one trim specification is available in Ireland and it is well specced, with dual control air conditioning, cruise control and limiter, stop/start technology, hill start assist, auto lights and wipers just some of the standard features.

    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander interior cockpit

    The cockpit in the Mitsubishi Outlander is very minimalist looking

    It also has electric folding mirrors and a reversing camera. I would recommend parking sensors as well.

    The infotainment requirement was served through a radio/CD unit with a USB port hidden away in the centre storage area.

    The cover on the USB port proved awkward for anything other than a straight traditional USB as it got in the way for novelty memory sticks.

    It also had a Bluetooth hands free system.

    The Mitsubishi Outlander is a very comfortable car, with oddles of legroom in the front and middle row of seats.

    While it is a seven-seater, the rear-most seats, which pull out of the boot, are best reserved for the smallies.

    As you’d expect from a vehicle of its size, the Outlander has a massive luggage area in its five seat configuration.

    However, if you want bums on all seven seats then you’re going to have to be satisfied with a smaller boot.

    The test car was a six-speed 2.2-litre 4WD manual diesel model. The four wheel drive is selectable, which basically means that you can drive in 2WD in normal conditions, with the option of 4WD for when the going gets tough – in bad weather conditions, towing or off roading.

    2013 Mitsubishi Outlander interior seats folded

    The middle row of seats also fold for increased cargo space

    It had three drive modes – Eco, Auto and Lock. With routes that took me on city streets and urban motorway as well as country roads, I spent most of my time in Eco mode.

    The Mitsubishi Outlander is a beautiful car to drive, whether in the city or out on the open road.

    It offers a smooth ride with seamless gear changes. It also handles very well, even in tight spaces.

    Acceleration from 0-100kph was good, and stop/start technology, which cuts the engine when idling at the lights, worked really well in the city.

    Overall, I enjoyed driving the Mitsubishi Outlander. It’s a great, spacious family car that’s both stylish and practical.

    The Mitsubishi Outlander is available now, with prices starting from €34,950 for the five-seat 2WD model. Prices for the test car start from €36,950.

    It also comes with the Mitsubishi eight year extended warranty.

    Tech Spec
    Engine: 2.2l DI-D 150bhp (diesel)
    Acceleration: 0-100kph in 10.2seconds
    Top speed: 200kph
    Fuel Economy: 5.4l/100km
    CO2 emissions: 140g/km
    Annual road tax: €280

    Visit the Mitsubishi Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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