Mitsubishi Outlander 2008

By Bruno Bouchard

Nothing in common with the former model

The 2007 model year brought freshness to the small SUVS at Mitsubishi. The risk was taken to discard the concept, the design and to start from scratch. Quite frankly, it’s a success. Mitsubishi changed the Outlander completely, turning their smallest vehicle into one of the biggest of the category.

The interior

The Outlander possesses fine qualities but the materials and the bare main console do not figure on the list. Like in the Mazda 3, reading the board on the main console during the day becomes difficult. The poor contrast makes reading the information a guessing game. The top of the dashboard becomes an excellent dustbin due to its excessive depth. All that wasted space is striking. We can’t fail to mention, however, the interior’s excellent assembly and the user friendly controls.

The Outlander’s strong suit lies in all that passenger room. It went from one of the smallest in the category to one of the most voluminous. Five adults can sit comfortably for long stretches; leg room for rear passengers is exemplary. I quickly imagined this space being at the expense of cargo room because the last row seems deliberately set as far back as possible. Wrong! The cargo space competes with the biggest in the category. In fact, here the Outlander puts many middle sized SUVS to shame.

Performance

Mitsubishi wanted an impressive new Outlander. Though the shell and the interior look quite differently, the performance has not diminished. From a former timid Outlander to a confidant machine that displays its power proudly. Say goodbye to the four cylinder Outlander and welcome the 3 litre, V6 pushing 220hp. The accelerations are as smooth as the passing manoeuvres. I have but praise for the Outlander power train. The transmission works well. But there is a certain abruptness between first and second gear. This six speed automatic (two more than the Ford Escape) adapts beautifully to the engine’s power curb. When using cruise control, the result translates into excellent comfort and fuel economy for passengers since the transmission seldom downgrades while climbing. The Outlander consumed only 8.8 litres/100km on the highway. The urban numbers impressed as well with an average of 12.5 litres/ 100 km.

The former generation Outlander lacked power but its small size and low centre of gravity gave it superior adherence compared to the competition. To our astonishment, the new addition’s added weight and wider girth had little effect on road stability. The Outlander handles securely; it negotiates curbs nicely and displays minimal roll.