Mitsubishi Outlander

2008 Outlanders

The 2008 variants of the family getaway machine, the Mitsubishi Outlander, have arrived in Australia with specification updates including important safety, design and technology features.

Mitsubishi said Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system has been fitted to every variant in the 2008 range.

All models in the Outlander line-up - including the 2.4lt LS and XLS, and the 3lt V6 VR and VRX - are now available in a seven-seat layout. In addition, a new manual transmission is available exclusively on the 2.4lt LS model, providing an attractive entry price point to the range, said Mitsubishi.

Also new to the Outlander line-up is a luxury version available on XLS and VRX models. This includes new exterior styling highlights and a new, unique 18-inch wheel.

Mitsubishi has enhanced the interior appointments of the vehicles, including trim treatment, equipment levels and instrumentation. External upgrades to the 2008 Outlander include new alloy wheels to the LS, new headlamps to selected models and revised door decals.

SIX OUTLANDERS
The Outlander range now comprises a total of six variants with a choice of five or seven-seat layout.

In addition to the ASTC, 2008 Outlander four-cylinder LS variants add 16in alloy wheels and fully automatic air-conditioning to its specification levels.

LS models also have standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

2008 VR Outlander models receive revised 16in alloy wheels while the VRX variant benefits from the new hands-free voice activated Bluetooth system and new sports mesh seat trim. The newly added VRX Luxury model includes the full complement of Outlander features, including sunroof, rear seat entertainment system and leather seats.

The new 2008 Outlander retains drive trains from the previous model. LS, XLS and XLS Luxury models are powered by the 2.4lt 16-valve DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve timing) engine. Developing 125kW and 226Nm of torque, the four-cylinder engine has an alloy block and makes extensive use of resin components to decrease weight, said Mitsubishi.

For additional power, said Mitsubishi, VR, VRX and VRX Luxury models offer an alloy 3.0lt 24-valve SOHC V6 engine with MIVEC which develops maximum power of 162kW at 6250rpm and 276Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

All Outlanders feature Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control (AWC) technology, which incorporates Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology and an electronically controlled, on-demand all-wheel-drive system with Active Stability Control now standard on all models.

A new five-speed manual transmission is on the 2.4lt LS model only and a CVT with INVECS III and 6-speed 'Sport Mode' sequential shifting function is available on all other four-cylinder models.

Six-cylinder models feature an INVECS II intelligent six-speed automatic transmission with 'Sports Mode' sequential shifting.

The XLS and VRX run on wide footprint 18in wheels, while 16in wheels and tyres are fitted to LS and VR variants. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard on all vehicles.

Mitsubishi said the 2008 Outlanders continue the modern and purposeful styling of the previous generation.

The new models also carry the same features - split tail gate and one-touch automatic-fold rear seats that offer a host of flexible cargo carrying options, and the availability of an occasional third row seat that stows under the cargo floor when not in use.

» Click here for CarPoint's further news & reviews articles on the Mitsubishi Outlander range