Eleven years1 after it first coined the term “crossover”, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil its third embodiment of this concept at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show with the New Generation Outlander. This all-new mid-size crossover is meant to better comply with the times – a strategic and innovative premium vehicle of substance developed around a versatile global platform and borne of a harmonious balancing of:
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Low environmental impact (with target emissions below 130 g/km minimum – dep. on models & markets)
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Advanced safety(with Forward Collision Mitigation system, Lane Departure Warning system, Active Cruise Control, etc…)
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Comfortable driving (with now a dual zone air conditioner, etc…)
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Clever utility(with the adoption of a power tail-gate, full 3rd row seating, flat floor cargo area, etc…)
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Added convenience(with now tilt & telescopic steering column, Super-HiD “Wide Vision” xenon headlamps, etc…)
Similar in size to the current car, the New Generation Outlander follows a clear design brief where in true Mitsubishi fashion, key directions were for an “engineer’s car” with a “Solid – Safe – Simple” shape, blending substantial look with clean surfaces.
This same uncluttered quality look continues inside the car with high grade materials (padded surfaces, soft-touch finish, silver accents, gloss black appliqués…) gracing a dashboard designed for better driver concentration, including ergonomic steering wheel controls as well as high-resolution and easy-to-read instrument displays.
In Europe, the New Generation Outlander will offer at launch the choice between two low impact engines (whether in 2WD or 4WD): 2.0 l MIVEC petrol or 2.2 MIVEC Clean Diesel (MMC’s own 4N14 engine) Depending on market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox.
As part of its novel technical package, the new Outlander will also be equipped with an “eco-friendly driving system” that notifies the driver when she/he is driving at maximum efficiency. Accordingly, the driver can choose to drive at maximum efficiency to enhance actual fuel consumption of the vehicle – availability according to model & market.
After this Geneva unveiling, the Next Generation Outlander will be launched first in Russia this summer, prior to European (late summer), Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American debuts.
From 2013 in Europe2, MMC will also take advantage of the built-in possibilities of Outlander’s versatile architecture to add an EV-based plug-In hybrid powertrain – a fully integrated solution, based on MMC’s EV technology and making the best use of MMC’s extensive 4-Wheel-Drive expertise as well. When fitted to Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV system will allow for a range and very low CO2 emissions similar to that of the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV II (over 800 km and a target of below 50 g/km).
