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There are few cars that have the ability to adapt to each new driver who finds their way behind the wheel, though the Mitsubishi Outlander is one vehicle that sure comes close. Its ability to offer comfort, space and user friendliness on the road is exceptional, but the biggest surprise came for me when the tarmac turned to dirt and the Outlander transformed from a smooth sailing SUV into a no-nonsense off-road machine.
The Megalong Valley is around two hours west of Sydney and home to a number of large properties, stables and even a winery! The winding roads leading in from Blackheath and seemingly endless offerings of unsealed road throughout proved to be the perfect stomping grounds for the Outlander.
On the road the Outlander is as you’d expect it to be; highway driving is not interrupted by road noise and loud wind, while the leather interior and heated front seats on premium models provide a driving experience well above the Outlanders quite reasonable price point.
The CVT transmission takes some getting used to; admittedly on tighter roads and around town it’s not as urgent as you’d like, leaving you wanting more as you press down on the throttle. There is however a solution to this in the form of the paddle shifters located ergonomically behind the steering wheel; which allow you to drop down a gear or two and take off when the opportunity presents itself.
The interior of the Outlander is definitely driver focused, with the majority of control available at your fingertips, if not within arms reach. Three-row seating provides flexibility and functionality with the second row folding down in a 60:40 split. From the outside, where perhaps some of the most notable changes have been made, the new Outlander really creates a class of its own, premium looks in the form of new LED parker lights and a healthy blend of chrome and metallic black accents coupled with 18” alloy wheels help this car stand out from a crowd.
Three drive modes 4WD-ECO, 4WD-AUTO and 4WD lock do not differ a great deal from the driver seat, though come to life when used as intended. As soon as I hit the dirt 4WD-Lock was activated and there was not a single moment when I felt as if the car wasn’t up for the challenge. A number of rutted trails and dense leaf coverage did not stop the Outlander from getting on its way, reaching each destination with comfort and ease.
Overall the Outlander proved itself to be an incredibly adaptable SUV. Whether it’s running the kids to school in the morning or headed to a campsite on the weekend the Outlander offers something for everyone, and is definitely a worthy addition to any Australian driveway.
For more info on the Mitsubishi Outlander, visit: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/vehicles/outlander
The Megalong Valley is around two hours west of Sydney and home to a number of large properties, stables and even a winery! The winding roads leading in from Blackheath and seemingly endless offerings of unsealed road throughout proved to be the perfect stomping grounds for the Outlander.
On the road the Outlander is as you’d expect it to be; highway driving is not interrupted by road noise and loud wind, while the leather interior and heated front seats on premium models provide a driving experience well above the Outlanders quite reasonable price point.
The CVT transmission takes some getting used to; admittedly on tighter roads and around town it’s not as urgent as you’d like, leaving you wanting more as you press down on the throttle. There is however a solution to this in the form of the paddle shifters located ergonomically behind the steering wheel; which allow you to drop down a gear or two and take off when the opportunity presents itself.
The interior of the Outlander is definitely driver focused, with the majority of control available at your fingertips, if not within arms reach. Three-row seating provides flexibility and functionality with the second row folding down in a 60:40 split. From the outside, where perhaps some of the most notable changes have been made, the new Outlander really creates a class of its own, premium looks in the form of new LED parker lights and a healthy blend of chrome and metallic black accents coupled with 18” alloy wheels help this car stand out from a crowd.
Three drive modes 4WD-ECO, 4WD-AUTO and 4WD lock do not differ a great deal from the driver seat, though come to life when used as intended. As soon as I hit the dirt 4WD-Lock was activated and there was not a single moment when I felt as if the car wasn’t up for the challenge. A number of rutted trails and dense leaf coverage did not stop the Outlander from getting on its way, reaching each destination with comfort and ease.
Overall the Outlander proved itself to be an incredibly adaptable SUV. Whether it’s running the kids to school in the morning or headed to a campsite on the weekend the Outlander offers something for everyone, and is definitely a worthy addition to any Australian driveway.
For more info on the Mitsubishi Outlander, visit: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/vehicles/outlander