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Vehicle Tests > Smart Choice
Smart Choice
Issue: January 2007
Words by Mathieu Raudonikis
First Drive - Mitsubishi ZG Outlander
* New four and six-cylinder engines
* Five or seven seats in bigger body
* Starts at $34,290
Smart Choice
As compact 4WDs get bigger in size and stature Mitsubishi Outlander steps up to the mark with an all-new model to woo family buyers.
A V6 powered, seven-seat 4WD family wagon would be a medium size SUV right? Not necessarily so. Any defining lines between vehicle segments continue to blur as manufacturers release new models that transcend traditional categories and specification levels. Models are getting bigger with more standard features and fresh variants are coming in under them. Compacts are as big as mid-size wagons were a few years ago and some are specced high enough to almost call them luxury vehicles. Four cylinder engines are making way for six packs and turbodiesels to make choices in the compact class greater than ever.
Mitsubishi's Outlander is a classic example. The original model perfectly fitted the traditional compact SUV mould - moderate dimensions, buzzy four-cylinder petrol engine and funky styling were the hallmarks of the category just a few years back. Now the second generation ZG Outlander has arrived and it has grown in size, has four cylinder and V6 petrol engine options and can even be configured with seven seats.
Vehicles like the ZG Outlander, Holden Captiva, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Santa Fe among a growing number of others, are all here to give buyers of family wagons more choices. Many of these buyers are stepping up from the 'old' compact SUVs while others are entering the segment from traditional six-cylinder family sedans like Commodore and Falcon. They are looking for a vehicle that can be more economical than the big sedan while being better suited to the active lifestyle of a young family.
What's special about Outlander?
Mitsubishi hopes that the ZG Outlander will do all those things, so to try and cover all bases it has been launched in a choice of two specification levels, with two engines, with five or seven seats. LS and XLS models have the four-cylinder engine while VR and VRX have the V6. The third row seat is an option on all models. About the only thing missing is a diesel engine but more on that later. Prices range from $32,990 to $47,990.
Outlander retains a five-door wagon, monocoque construction with independent suspension. Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms and coil-over struts at the rear. Technology and investment have gone into the body construction with high-strength steel used in the appropriate areas for strength, rigidity and safety, and lightweight aluminium used on the roof to reduce overall weight and lower the centre of gravity.
Weight saving was also a key factor in the design of both the inline four and V6 engines that each use alloy blocks and cylinder heads plus plastic resin intake manifolds and rocker covers. Both engines are all new from Mitsubishi and both feature MIVEC variable valve timing.
The inline four is a 2359cc, DOHC, 16-valve unit that produces 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4100rpm. MIVEC operates on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, which are hollow to further save weight, and the engine is mounted so that the intake is at the front of the vehicle and the exhaust toward the rear. The 2.4 is claimed to deliver 9.5L/100km ADR 81/01 fuel consumption, which is 16 percent better than the previous four-cylinder Outlander.
The 2998cc V6 is another new engine for Mits and not a three-litre we've seen from them before. Using the weight reducing materials as mentioned previously, this new engine is some 25kg lighter than Mitsubishi's old 3.0L V6. It uses SOHC, 4-valve-per cylinder heads with MIVEC operating on the intake only. A variable length intake manifold also aids the ability to produce a flat torque band. It has 276Nm at 4000rpm peak with 90-percent of that available from 2000rpm. Peak power is 162kW at 6250rpm and the all important fuel figure is just 10.9L/100km.
Two new transmissions are offered behind the new engines - an INVECS controlled CVT with the four and a similarly controlled six-speed auto behind the V6. The CVT operates between the ratios of 2.349:1 and 0.394:1 with a final drive of 6.466:1. It also has six stepped ratios than can be operated in the transmission's sports mode. These can also be operated using shift paddles behind the steering wheel on the XLS model. The conventional auto also has shift paddles on both the VR and VRX models. The shift paddles are easier to use than many similar set ups and we actually found ourselves using them on both the four and six cylinder Outlanders.
read on below advertisement
Offroad or soft-road?
Whereas previous Outlanders have always been full-time AWD the ZG has a switchable on-demand system offering 2WD (front) AWD (on-demand) and AWD lock. The AWD lock mode is still on-demand but simply directs more drive to the rear more of the time to ensure there's drive there when you need it.
Longitudinal drive distribution is handled by what Mitsubishi calls an electronically controlled coupling (ECC) located at the rear diff. This is a clutch that locks up to supply drive to the rear as required by the available traction at the front. 2WD to AWD can be switched on the move and in 'AWD Lock' around 1.5 times as much drive is directed to the rear axle. The lock mode can be used at any speed unlike some other systems.
What's it come with?
Outlander comes well specified for family motoring. The entry spec LS and VR model have all the usual power features (door locks, windows, mirrors) you expect plus dual front airbags, leather wrap steering wheel, ABS and cruise control. LS and VR ride on 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. Up spec XLS and VRX add 18-inch alloys, climate control, Bluetooth phone kit, fog lamps, paddle gear shifters and CD changer. Both the V6 models have standard electronic stability and traction control. The VRX further adds side curtain airbags, leather seat trim, HID headlights, five star-crash rating (expected) and a high-end Rockford Fosgate sound system similar to that found in the new Pajero Exceed. All model are fitted with a space saver spare wheel and tyre under the rear of the vehicle. There are a number of option packages available to spec the Outlander as required with safety and/or luxury features.
The third row seats are only small and best suited to small kids on short trips. They fold flat into the floor when not in use and have a smart fold-forward release mechanism that can be operated single-handedly from the rear of the vehicle.
How's it go?
The previous model Outlander had a great chassis and interior, but was hobbled by an inadequate engine and odd looks. Thankfully the ZG model continues with the great dynamics, looks a lot better and has two engines equally up to the task of family touring. The four-cylinder has adequate power and torque but can be a bit buzzy as the CVT slides seamlessly though its ratios. However its fuel efficiency and low entry level cost will be a drawcard for many buyers.
The V6 offers more relaxed motoring while giving away little in the way of economy. The auto gearbox gives a more positive feel of the wheels being connected to the engine than the CVT and the paddle shifters are easy and encouraging to use in give-and-take driving conditions.
The on-demand system isn't as quick as the old full-time set-up and the Outlander can push to understeer if left in 'Auto' on gravel roads. Selecting 'Lock' helps the cause giving Outlander a neutral balance on the dirt.
As we've commented many times on Pajeros, Mitsubishi sacrifices some ride and NVH quality for its excellent driving dynamics and this is again the case with the Outlander. The 18-inch alloys further highlight the harshness, which isn't as evident on the 16s. Thankfully 16-inch alloys are available as an option on the entry spec models.
With its up-to-the-minute looks, keen performance and family friendly versatility the ZG Outlander will be a smart consideration for anyone looking for a new generation, compact soft-roader. Sharp pricing and Mitsubishi's five-year warranty could make it an attractive choice as well.
Diesel derivative
While not available here yet, the new Outlander does have a diesel engine option in Europe. The engine is a 1,968cc, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant powerplant fitted under license from Volkswagen AG and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
MMAL staff told Overlander they would love to be able to offer the 103kW/310Nm DiD Outlander in Australia but the licensing deal with VW is for Europe only and until that can be changed we will have to make do with petrol only. They didn't totally write-off the idea of bringing it to Australia but if a deal can be worked out with VW it wouldn't be here until 2008.
It should also be considered that with its platform sharing ties with PSA (see Hotline) Mitsubishi should be able to source the more powerful 2.2HDi diesel engine from the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group that slots straight into the Outlander platform.
Mitsubishi ZG Outlander range and prices
Outlander LS 5-seat - $32,990 7-seat - $34,290
Outlander XLS 5-seat - $37,890 7-seat - $40,640
Outlander VR 5-seat - $37,890 7-seat - $40,690
Outlander VRX 5-seat - $43,190 7-seat - $47,990
Words by Mathieu Raudonikis
First Drive - Mitsubishi ZG Outlander
* New four and six-cylinder engines
* Five or seven seats in bigger body
* Starts at $34,290
Smart Choice
As compact 4WDs get bigger in size and stature Mitsubishi Outlander steps up to the mark with an all-new model to woo family buyers.
A V6 powered, seven-seat 4WD family wagon would be a medium size SUV right? Not necessarily so. Any defining lines between vehicle segments continue to blur as manufacturers release new models that transcend traditional categories and specification levels. Models are getting bigger with more standard features and fresh variants are coming in under them. Compacts are as big as mid-size wagons were a few years ago and some are specced high enough to almost call them luxury vehicles. Four cylinder engines are making way for six packs and turbodiesels to make choices in the compact class greater than ever.
Mitsubishi's Outlander is a classic example. The original model perfectly fitted the traditional compact SUV mould - moderate dimensions, buzzy four-cylinder petrol engine and funky styling were the hallmarks of the category just a few years back. Now the second generation ZG Outlander has arrived and it has grown in size, has four cylinder and V6 petrol engine options and can even be configured with seven seats.
Vehicles like the ZG Outlander, Holden Captiva, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Santa Fe among a growing number of others, are all here to give buyers of family wagons more choices. Many of these buyers are stepping up from the 'old' compact SUVs while others are entering the segment from traditional six-cylinder family sedans like Commodore and Falcon. They are looking for a vehicle that can be more economical than the big sedan while being better suited to the active lifestyle of a young family.
What's special about Outlander?
Mitsubishi hopes that the ZG Outlander will do all those things, so to try and cover all bases it has been launched in a choice of two specification levels, with two engines, with five or seven seats. LS and XLS models have the four-cylinder engine while VR and VRX have the V6. The third row seat is an option on all models. About the only thing missing is a diesel engine but more on that later. Prices range from $32,990 to $47,990.
Outlander retains a five-door wagon, monocoque construction with independent suspension. Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms and coil-over struts at the rear. Technology and investment have gone into the body construction with high-strength steel used in the appropriate areas for strength, rigidity and safety, and lightweight aluminium used on the roof to reduce overall weight and lower the centre of gravity.
Weight saving was also a key factor in the design of both the inline four and V6 engines that each use alloy blocks and cylinder heads plus plastic resin intake manifolds and rocker covers. Both engines are all new from Mitsubishi and both feature MIVEC variable valve timing.
The inline four is a 2359cc, DOHC, 16-valve unit that produces 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4100rpm. MIVEC operates on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, which are hollow to further save weight, and the engine is mounted so that the intake is at the front of the vehicle and the exhaust toward the rear. The 2.4 is claimed to deliver 9.5L/100km ADR 81/01 fuel consumption, which is 16 percent better than the previous four-cylinder Outlander.
The 2998cc V6 is another new engine for Mits and not a three-litre we've seen from them before. Using the weight reducing materials as mentioned previously, this new engine is some 25kg lighter than Mitsubishi's old 3.0L V6. It uses SOHC, 4-valve-per cylinder heads with MIVEC operating on the intake only. A variable length intake manifold also aids the ability to produce a flat torque band. It has 276Nm at 4000rpm peak with 90-percent of that available from 2000rpm. Peak power is 162kW at 6250rpm and the all important fuel figure is just 10.9L/100km.
Two new transmissions are offered behind the new engines - an INVECS controlled CVT with the four and a similarly controlled six-speed auto behind the V6. The CVT operates between the ratios of 2.349:1 and 0.394:1 with a final drive of 6.466:1. It also has six stepped ratios than can be operated in the transmission's sports mode. These can also be operated using shift paddles behind the steering wheel on the XLS model. The conventional auto also has shift paddles on both the VR and VRX models. The shift paddles are easier to use than many similar set ups and we actually found ourselves using them on both the four and six cylinder Outlanders.
read on below advertisement
Offroad or soft-road?
Whereas previous Outlanders have always been full-time AWD the ZG has a switchable on-demand system offering 2WD (front) AWD (on-demand) and AWD lock. The AWD lock mode is still on-demand but simply directs more drive to the rear more of the time to ensure there's drive there when you need it.
Longitudinal drive distribution is handled by what Mitsubishi calls an electronically controlled coupling (ECC) located at the rear diff. This is a clutch that locks up to supply drive to the rear as required by the available traction at the front. 2WD to AWD can be switched on the move and in 'AWD Lock' around 1.5 times as much drive is directed to the rear axle. The lock mode can be used at any speed unlike some other systems.
What's it come with?
Outlander comes well specified for family motoring. The entry spec LS and VR model have all the usual power features (door locks, windows, mirrors) you expect plus dual front airbags, leather wrap steering wheel, ABS and cruise control. LS and VR ride on 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. Up spec XLS and VRX add 18-inch alloys, climate control, Bluetooth phone kit, fog lamps, paddle gear shifters and CD changer. Both the V6 models have standard electronic stability and traction control. The VRX further adds side curtain airbags, leather seat trim, HID headlights, five star-crash rating (expected) and a high-end Rockford Fosgate sound system similar to that found in the new Pajero Exceed. All model are fitted with a space saver spare wheel and tyre under the rear of the vehicle. There are a number of option packages available to spec the Outlander as required with safety and/or luxury features.
The third row seats are only small and best suited to small kids on short trips. They fold flat into the floor when not in use and have a smart fold-forward release mechanism that can be operated single-handedly from the rear of the vehicle.
How's it go?
The previous model Outlander had a great chassis and interior, but was hobbled by an inadequate engine and odd looks. Thankfully the ZG model continues with the great dynamics, looks a lot better and has two engines equally up to the task of family touring. The four-cylinder has adequate power and torque but can be a bit buzzy as the CVT slides seamlessly though its ratios. However its fuel efficiency and low entry level cost will be a drawcard for many buyers.
The V6 offers more relaxed motoring while giving away little in the way of economy. The auto gearbox gives a more positive feel of the wheels being connected to the engine than the CVT and the paddle shifters are easy and encouraging to use in give-and-take driving conditions.
The on-demand system isn't as quick as the old full-time set-up and the Outlander can push to understeer if left in 'Auto' on gravel roads. Selecting 'Lock' helps the cause giving Outlander a neutral balance on the dirt.
As we've commented many times on Pajeros, Mitsubishi sacrifices some ride and NVH quality for its excellent driving dynamics and this is again the case with the Outlander. The 18-inch alloys further highlight the harshness, which isn't as evident on the 16s. Thankfully 16-inch alloys are available as an option on the entry spec models.
With its up-to-the-minute looks, keen performance and family friendly versatility the ZG Outlander will be a smart consideration for anyone looking for a new generation, compact soft-roader. Sharp pricing and Mitsubishi's five-year warranty could make it an attractive choice as well.
Diesel derivative
While not available here yet, the new Outlander does have a diesel engine option in Europe. The engine is a 1,968cc, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant powerplant fitted under license from Volkswagen AG and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
MMAL staff told Overlander they would love to be able to offer the 103kW/310Nm DiD Outlander in Australia but the licensing deal with VW is for Europe only and until that can be changed we will have to make do with petrol only. They didn't totally write-off the idea of bringing it to Australia but if a deal can be worked out with VW it wouldn't be here until 2008.
It should also be considered that with its platform sharing ties with PSA (see Hotline) Mitsubishi should be able to source the more powerful 2.2HDi diesel engine from the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group that slots straight into the Outlander platform.
Mitsubishi ZG Outlander range and prices
Outlander LS 5-seat - $32,990 7-seat - $34,290
Outlander XLS 5-seat - $37,890 7-seat - $40,640
Outlander VR 5-seat - $37,890 7-seat - $40,690
Outlander VRX 5-seat - $43,190 7-seat - $47,990
