Mitsubishi Updates Compact AWD

Before news broke of Mitsubishi's impending financial woes, there was already trouble at Mitsu: it's compact AWD was failing to excite buyers.

The exterior design was pleasing, and in general it was a fairly solid product - save for the raspy low-tech engine that could eke out just 100kW of power, or 134 horsepower.

This kept the promising Mitsubishi AWD from ever challenging the dominant players in the soft roader market, such as the Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4, but this is all about to change.

Mitsubishi has just release an upgraded Outlander (codenamed ZF) in Australia, sporting more power, interior and exterior upgrades and improved standard features, increasing its appeal significantly.

The new 4G69 engine is based on the outgoing 2.4-litre 4G64 single cam 4-cylinder powerplant, but has seen a slight increase in displacement (from 2351cc to 2378cc) and the inclusion of VVT for more power and torque.

Mitsubishi's beefed-up four-banger can now compete on level ground with its rivals, outputting 120kW @ 5750rpm (up from 100kW at 5000rpm) and 220Nm of torque @ 4000rpm, where 95% of this torque is available from 2500rpm.

The 16-valve SOHC mill has a 60 litre fuel tank and the 2005-model Outlander, which weighs between 1565 and 1580kg (depending on the model) will sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds, which is up on the 2004 model's 12.1 second dash.

The more powerful '05 Outlander compares well with the Subaru Forester (112kW, 223Nm) and Toyota RAV4 (120kW, 224Nm), and though its entry-level price of $32,490 is about a grand above the norm, standard features including dual airbags, ABS, EDB and automatic transmission help offset this.

If you're wondering whether the AWD system is a legit 'full-time' 4WD setup, then wonder no more, because the Outlander is indeed a full-time 4WD, unlike Honda's CR-V, which reverts to FWD until the wheels slip.

The outlander features a centre differential (developed from Mitsubishi’s rally experience with the highly successful Lancer Evolution series) that regulates the torque split between the front and rear wheels, and when cruising or under normal driving conditions it will equalise the torque split 50:50 front to rear.

Available as an automatic only - there is no manual model - the new Outlander uses a four-speed auto with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting capability, which should please the shift-a-holics.

However, it is not only an increase in power and torque that is significant for the ZF Outlander - there are also significant design changes inside and out.

All models have new Euro-inspired front end with bi-xenon headlights, diagonal bars in the front grille, front and rear bumper garnishes, bee-sting style radio antenna, and large colour keyed rear spoiler with clear lens high mounted LED stop lamp.

The rear tailgate has also been redesigned to incorporate a larger rear window and larger tailgate handle.

The new model designations begin with the entry-level LS model ($32,490) featuring dual airbags, power windows/mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, CD stereo, speed sensitive windscreen wipers and ABS with EBD.

Next up is the XLS ($36,390), which comes with all the LS features, plus front and rear wheel flares, a side sill garnish with colour coded inserts and revised red (previously clear) tail lamp assembly.

Inside the XLS there is new decoration on the dash insert, chrome scuff plates on the front doors, chrome tailgate garnish and new seat fabric.

The range-topping VR-X model, in line with the Lancer and Magna VR-X models (tested here), is aimed at capitalising on the increasing demand for sports luxury models in the market, and will arrive in September '04.

From where we stand, this is without doubt the funkiest compact AWD on the Australian market today, distinguished externally by darkened headlamp surrounds, 17-inch alloy wheels, clear tail lamps, striking monotone exterior paint treatment, unique badging and a chrome exhaust extension.

Inside it has carbon fibre-look garnishes, chrome interior door handles, unique leather and suede seat trim, sports profile front bucket seats, VR-X embroidered carpet mats and a Fujitsu 10 Eclipse premium audio system.

Finally, to cater for a more spirited drive the VR-X also has sports suspension tuning to help reduce bodyroll through corners.

The upgraded LS and XLS models will be on sale by the time you read this, and the VR-X version will hit the streets in September. There is also talk of a Subaru Forester Turbo rival, tentatively called the Outlander Turbo.

It will be shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and will be powered by a de-tuned version of the Lancer Evolution VIII's 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo 4G63 engine.

The Outlander Turbo will compete with Subaru's 2.5-litre turbocharged Forester (155kW, 320Nm) and will reward its driver with a 150kW power hit and 303Nm of torque, which translates into a 0-100km/h time of about 7.7 seconds, while top speed will be about 220km/h.

The go-fast Outlander gets a bonnet vent to keep the turbo mill from creating a pressure cooker atmosphere in the engine bay, and buyers will be greeted with plenty of Alcantara leather inside, while subtle changes to the bodykit and front end will differentiate it from the VR-X model.

Now that Mitsubishi is on level footing with its main competitors, thanks to the increased engine grunt and contemporary new face, it has a good chance of increasing sales, which it projects will be about 470 units per month, up from 272 (recorded end of June 2004). The Forester was the highest selling compact AWD, selling 1476 in Australia for the month ending June 2004.

The reluctance of major ally Daimler Chrysler to bail the company out, like Renault did for Nissan, is a big blow for Japanese automaker Mitsubishi, but it's recently implemented restructuring appears to be keeping the company afloat, and if it can keep up the solid introduction of new models, such as the new Outlander, Evo VIII and Grandis, it has a good chance of fighting back.

Pricing:

LS $32,490
XLS $36,390
VR-X $37,990