– Article/photos by Rod Fuller –
Versatility, practicality, space, comfort and economy are key offerings of Outlander and what makes it such a value proposition for fleets and novated buyers in the medium SUV segment; it’s Mitsubishi’s third most popular vehicle (behind Triton and ASX) and in the top ten of all vehicle sales. Available in petrol or diesel and very keenly priced (from under $46K for the petrol and less than $49K for the diesel driveaway) the AWD ‘Exceed’ certainly does when it comes to expectations.
I drove the 2.2lt turbo diesel (110kW/360Nm) with a six speed automatic transmission (petrol models get a CVT) with three selectable drive modes (Eco, Auto and Lock) complete with paddle shifters. It’s a very comfortable/pleasant drive and whilst it’s no Ferrari, it’s not meant to be either. Outlander does everything that it sets out to do and does it well. Fuel economy is listed at 6.2lt/100km combined. 18” alloy wheels feature across the range with 225/55R18 Toyo tyres with a full sized alloy wheel/spare tyre.
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Inside, Exceed continues to impress, with dual zone climate control and leather seats all round (heated in front) with plenty of space for everyone. Outlander Exceed has the versatility of seven seats, which come in very handy when you suddenly have to ferry a few extra kids home from soccer practice. Being the ‘Top of the line’ it also scores other niceties, such as power tailgate, keyless entry with auto-fold mirrors and a sunroof.
Cargo volumes are, seven seats 128lt, 5 seats 477lt and two seats a massive 1608lt. Plus the second row seats split 60:40 and the third row seats 50:50, allowing much versatility in using this space to carry whatever you need to. And if you need to carry even more stuff, diesel models have a two tonne towing capacity.
Apple Car Play/Android Auto is provided working well through the cars six speaker stereo, but the use of a single speaker for the phone in the front passenger footwell makes sound quality of phone calls ‘tinny’ and echo. Therefore making it frustratingly difficult to hear at times. A seven inch touchscreen controls the cars infotainment systems including DAB radio and Bluetooth. Two 12V outlets (1 front and 1 boot) and two USB’s are provided, but you have to use your smartphone for Sat Nav.
Safety features for Outlander Exceed include:-
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Assist (Audible Warning only)
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Multi Around Monitor
Outlander Exceed from the outside is very easy on the eye with chrome touches and accents highlighting its very stylish and well-proportioned design. It not only can carry the goods, but looks the goods as well.
