JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi’s recently launched all-new Outlander, has quickly become a top seller for the brand in South Africa. The Outlander has found favour with local motorists who appreciate the modern design, heightened levels of quality, premium finishes, and an extremely comprehensive level of standard specification paired with the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating for seven occupants.
Mitsubishi South Africa is now expanding the Outlander offering at both ends of the pricing spectrum from two to a total of five derivatives with pricing now starting at a very competitive R699 995.
“The Outlander has impressed our local media too. Following numerous international accolades the Outlander was recently announced as a semi-finalist in the 2024 Car of the Year competition, hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) in the hotly contested Family category,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
The Outlander is the most thoughtfully engineered vehicle that Mitsubishi has ever developed and is based on an all-new platform that has allowed for the inclusion of a variety of new technologies, including the latest generation four-wheel drive systems, the ability to accept a hybrid drivetrain as well as quality improvements throughout.
The design, inspired by the Japanese product concept of I-Fu-Do-Do, is characterised by substantial horizontal proportions, which along with jet tail fin pillars, result in a bold, fixating presence.
Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front design creates a substantial presence that is accentuated by LED front foglamps, LED sequential turn signals, and daytime running lights as well as a front skid plate, rear spoiler, and LED high-mounted brake light.
Under the bonnet
All derivatives are powered by the same 2.5-litre Duel VVT DOHC engine that utilises Direct Injection to produce an exceptional 135kW at 6 000rpm and 245Nm at 3 600rpm. This engine is paired with a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission that ensures effortless acceleration, smooth gear changes, and a refined driving experience. The power delivery experience can also be tailored via a variety of drive modes including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud.
The transmission has been carefully programmed to keep the engine in the optimum range, ensuring excellent fuel efficiency and emissions, with a respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 8,1 litres per 100km.
Off-road pedigree is maintained thanks to 210mm of ground clearance and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) which uses intuitive sensors to maximise vehicle control, distributing power to all four wheels.
Modern interior and cutting-edge safety technology
The cabin is truly modern with high levels of comfort and luxury ensured by soft-touch surfaces and premium materials. This includes quilted leather door inserts, a black headliner, and pillars. The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable and is home to cruise control buttons and paddle shifters.
A central feature of the interior is a 12,3-inch Digital Driver Display, this is complimented by either an eight-inch Smartphone link display or a nine-inch Smartphone-Link display with navigation, depending on the model chosen. All derivatives feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability.
Built around Mitsubishi Motor’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure, the Outlander features ultra-high tensile strength steel around the passenger compartment, which is further bolstered by an impact-absorbing front body structure and high-durability, low-deformation passenger compartment structure. All derivatives are fitted with seven airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Stop signal system, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control as well as Active Stability and Traction Control.
Five models to choose from
As an entry point into the range, the GL offers a comprehensive level of standard specification with highlights that include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED day running lights, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors, heated seats, synthetic leather with suede combination, push start button, cruise control, ESS (Emergency Stop System), a seven-inch driver display and an eight-inch SDA with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
GLS models build on this offering with the addition of 20-inch alloy wheels, a digital speedometer, a 12,3-inch digital driver display, a powered lift tailgate, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless operation system, front rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, headlight washer, front LED side turn signals and front LED fog lamps, three-zone automatic climate control (front dual-zone) and a rear USB port.
The GLS Plus features the same comprehensive specification offering with the addition of a Multi Around Monitor.
Aspire derivatives offer additional interior, comfort, and convenience features including a powered panoramic sunroof, door mirrors with position memory, leather seats with seat memory, eight-way power adjustable and power lumbar support seats, a bigger nine-inch SDA with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as built-in navigation.
The new top-of-the-range model badged Exceed boasts additional creature comforts in the form of a smartphone wireless charger, a BOSE Premium sound system with 10 speakers, multi around view monitor, door mirrors with position memory & reverse auto tilt and a pull-up sunshade which bolsters the already comprehensive level of standard specification.
“The expansion of the Outlander range will allow more South Africans to get behind the wheel of this exciting vehicle by offering exceptional value for money across a wider variety of models, fitted with the equipment that meets the exacting requirements of our modern customers,” adds Allison.
