2007 Mitsubishi Outlander: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/Mar/2006

Of all the compact AWDs on the market, Mitsubishi has made the least impact with its Outlander vehicle, which has been outshone by vehicles from Toyota, Subaru and Nissan. In an effort to attract more customers to its compact AWD portfolio (or 'crossover SUV', as they're being increasingly referred to), the company has taken a slightly different track with the 2007 Outlander.

The Japanese car maker will officially introduce the next generation 2007 model Outlander at the New York Auto Show (April 14th to 23rd), where it will take pride of place alongside other vehicles and concepts, such as the Concept-X, a mid-sized sports sedan featuring the volcanic 2.0-litre turbo engine from the Evo range.

In it's bid to stand out in the now-crowded compact SUV crowd, Mitsubishi has given its Outlander a number of fresh features, least of which is its new 3.0-litre V6 engine, expected to deliver about 240hp or 179kW. Likely to either start a new trend in the genre or - more alarmingly - ring its death knell, the Outlander will prove to be one of the more powerful vehicles in the compact AWD class.

It also showcases a newer, safer look, which takes the previous design's slightly radical styling cues and scales them back, creating a more conservative vehicle less likely to alienate older buyers. The new bodywork has just a hint of of Mitsubishi's larger 4WD, the highly capable Pajero, and forgoes the previous model's 'fun' image for something a little more serious, which is probably a good thing. Mitsubishi has called the new design "passionate".

Building on its more acceptable shape and style, the 2007 model Outlander from Mitsubishi will also be a bigger vehicle, offering a third fold-out row of seats for extra passengers on American-based XLS models. It is too early to know whether such a model would make it to Australia, and it not been clear whether this model designation will be a six- or a seven-seater vehicle, indicating that "An innovative two-piece flap-fold rear tailgate makes cargo loading easy, and an in-floor stowable third-row seat adds to the XLS model's versatility."

Together with the larger 3.0-litre V6 engine, which will feature variable valve timing (MIVEC), the next generation Outlander's powertrain will consist of a 6-speed automatic transmission, ostensibly increasing acceleration while offering better fuel economy when compared to a 4- or 5-speed automatic gearbox. Relating to its off-road capabilities, the Japanese company has revealed that All Wheel Control (AWC), an advanced version of all-wheel drive, will be available (but not standard, we assume).

The interior of the new Outlander will feature all the storage solutions that the genre is recognised for, while it promises to deliver a technological blow to its competitors with Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface a standard feature, and an advanced FAST-Key access system. Options will include 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio/DVD entertainment system and a cutting edge hard-drive navigation system.

With all the new features, its larger size, more powerful 6-cylinder engine and a visual style that will appeal to a broader cross-section of the car buying public, this could be Mitsubishi's last chance to make something of its compact SUV, the Outlander.

More: Mitsubishi will also exhibit a number of other vehicles at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. Naturally, these include mainly American models and concept cars (it is the Big Apple's premier motor show, after all).Production models include the all-new 2007 Eclipse Spyder convertible and 2007 Galant Ralliart sports sedan. Concept cars such as the Concept-X, a head turning design study introduced at the 2005 Concept-CT MIEV - a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car - will also be on display.

2007 Eclipse Spyder: Based on the widely acclaimed 2006 Eclipse coupe, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with a high-tech convertible top that folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in 19 seconds. The GS model is powered by a 120kW/162hp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine and the GT's 3.8-litre V6 produces 194kW/260hp.

2007 Galant Ralliart: The 2007 Galant Ralliart promises to compete with some of the best sport sedans, accentuating Mitsubishi's racing heritage and renowned bold, modern styling. The Galant Ralliart is distinguished with a powerful 3.8-litre V6 engine, sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling and interior features. The vehicle debuts the new Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system. For 2007, all Galant models will receive more sophisticated styling, an enhanced interior, a refined ride for greater comfort, and additional standard safety equipment for an incredible value. The new 2007 Galant Ralliart will be available this autumn in the U.S.

Mitsubishi Concept-X: With an exterior that carries over the full flavor of the Lancer Evolution's image and a high quality interior, the Mitsubishi Concept-X points the way to a new-age Evolution design that is as handsome and purposeful as it is functional. The Concept-X mates a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine to a high-performance 6-speed auto-manual transmission and introduces the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system. An on-board multi-media system complements the interior design, featuring a high-definition LCD monitor displaying real-time vehicle and S-AWC operating status (a la R34 Skyline), navigation system maps and DVD audio controls.

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV: The groundbreaking Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact 4-door hatchback captures the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption. The key to the Concept-CT MIEV's roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels. MIEV eliminates the need for a center differential and driveshaft, allowing for the relocation of vital components to optimise safety and weight distribution and maximise interior space.