Mitsubishi Outlander Review
Published: 10th November 2004
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 Equippe
How It Drove - Performance
The Outlander 2.4 Equippe is powered by Mitsubishi's 2.4 litre, 16-valve four cylinder engine which develops 158bhp at 5750rpm and 159Ib of torque at 4000rpm enabling the Outlander to accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and continue to a top speed of 119 mph.
The Outlander is a dream to drive and that is partly due to Mitsubishi's 4-speed automatic INVECS-II gearbox. This transmission monitors the drivers style and simulates the decision making process of the human brain by shifting gear accordingly. The INVECS-II system also incorporates a sequential mode that allows you to change gear by nudging the gear lever backwards and forwards. The transmission cleverly reverts to first gear when you stop the vehicle, something the human brain doesn't always remind you to do yourself.
The engine is both quiet and refined and is fitted with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control System) which switches between separate low and high cam profiles for improved torque at all speeds. Fuel consumption is not brilliant and is the Outlanders achilles heel returning 20.5 mpg around town and 28 mpg combined. A diesel model is not available although a dual fuel version is which allows the driver to choose between petrol and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) on the move via a dashboard mounted switch.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The Outlander has benefited from the development of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and sits on a modified Evo VIII platform utilising its rally derived all-wheel-drive system. This system features a centre differential with a viscous coupling unit that under normal driving conditions splits the power evenly between the front and rear axles.
Under more demanding conditions such as ice, mud or gravel power is transferred to the wheels that are spinning the least - limiting slip. However, the Outlander is not a true off-road vehicle and whilst it will cope with country lanes and tracks it isn't equipped with a Hi/Low ratio gearbox or differential lock which are essential for serious off-roading.
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