I’ve always been quite fond of the Mitsubishi Outlander, thanks mostly to its purposeful stance and sleek design that belies the immense practicality of what is essentially not such a small SUV. This week sees the Outlander get a refreshing make-over, with numerous updated features and a significant change in exterior design aesthetics.

It’s still powered by the proven 2.4-litre DOHX 16v MIVEC GLS engine, producing 125kW of power and 226Nm of torque. The popular Mitsubishi CVT gearbox with sports mode INVECS III remains, the drive-train revered for its accessible all-round performance, smooth city driving and distinctly eager, sporty responses when pressing on. Further driving versatility, control and safety are assured by the electronically controlled 4WD system.

The Outlander’s new look resembles a jet-fighter and brings it in line with the sleek, sporty and aggressive look of the Lancer models. The front grille gets a chrome surround, as well as chrome side window mouldings and a new chrome tailgate. There are also three colour additions: Cosmic Blue Mica, Red Metallic and Solid White.

The cabin is adorned with a useful array of storage areas and a family of five can easily be accommodated in comfort, with no shortage of leg, head or elbow room. The addition of an upper glove box with cooling and warming functionality is an innovative feature that enhances the Outlander’s lifestyle orientation.

Further enhanced interior features are the synthetic leather finish of the dashboard, and the front- and rear-door trims, affording the cabin a distinctly more luxurious look and feel. The instrument cluster has also been given a fresh appearance with back-lit dials and LCD multi-information display that enhance visibility and ease of use.

A first for Mitsubishi products in safety technology is the standard adaptive front lighting system (AFS) that takes into account both steering angle and vehicle speed to orient the headlamps to an angle that provides better night-time visibility. AFS provides a wider range of visibility during cornering, the illumination of a gaze point of up to 300% of that offered by conventional fixed headlamps, with visible distance increased by some 35%.

Further convenience safety features include the rear-parking sensors, which alert the driver when parking the Outlander. Added to the already feature-packed standard specification list is the popular keyless operating system and start function, cruise control, full automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, full leather interior, an electric tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, integrated roof rails and the trademark privacy glass for the rear windows.

Active and passive safety continues to be a high priority with a total of six airbags (front driver and passenger, as well as front-seat side and curtain airbags), along with Active Stability Control (ASC) and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). EBD varies the braking power between the front and rear wheels according to vehicle load, assisting in emergency braking, to bring the vehicle under control and in a straight line.

One of the Outlander’s most appealing features is the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, complete with a six-disc MP3-compatible CD changer and a total of nine speakers, including a powerful subwoofer in the luggage compartment. This impressive system, including a 6-CD changer, delivers exceptional audio entertainment with a remarkable output of 710W is a standard fitment.

With bold new styling and even more great features at no extra cost, the latest Outlander is more appealing than ever and is bound to attract a whole new group of young, dynamic and active urbanites. It’s priced at R381 000 and comes with a 3-year/ 100 000km warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000 km).

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