The Mitsubishi Outlander Has A Face Lift

Mitsubishi Motors (UK) has just announced details of the new face-lifted Outlander crossover, which boasts a number of new features including the availability of the twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission SST (also found on Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart models).

The ‘Juro’ Special Edition

The first derivative of the new range will be a Special Edition variant, the “Juro” which will be available at Mitsubishi dealers from 1st July 2010, the rest of the range will arrive in October 2010.

New Outlander - Product Enhancements

New Outlander features the following product enhancements:

New Exterior Appearance Features:

• Distinctive ‘Jet-Fighter’ grille gives Outlander the family face of Mitsubishi – in line with Lancer Evolution, Lancer and Colt
• New front skid plate
• New side sill garnish – black material with chrome accent
• New colour keyed door mirror with side turn lamp
• New chrome bezels for front fog lamps

New Interior Features:

The interior passenger environment is dramatically enhanced with the introduction of faux leather and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels. Furthermore, a new high contrast colour LCD instrument meter display gives a higher quality feel than the current display.

New Technical Features:

•  Twin-clutch SST Transmission

The SST ‘auto’ transmission (except Equippe) uses two clutches, one to engage the gear in use the other to pre-select the next gear required, which ensures that the gear change takes place instantaneously. This innovative technology saves on CO2 emissions and massively reduces power loss through the range. With no torque converter, this 6-speed TC-SST gearbox is more efficient than a normal automatic.

• Hill start assist

Hill start assist automatically holds the brakes for about 2 seconds to prevent the vehicle from slipping backwards on steep slopes.

• Upgraded ETACS

Electric Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) controls the functionality of all electronic devices on board

• Emergency Stop signal System (ESS)

The ESS system automatically detects sever braking to engage the hazard warning lights and also increase braking efficiency. This is just one of the innovative technologies incorporated into the Outlander range to give it its Euro NCAP

Product Line Up and Specification - Outlander Juro

The first new Outlander derivative to be available will be the Juro Special Edition.

Juro Specification:

Based on the current Warrior specification (without front resin guard and chrome items) the Juro offers a comprehensive specification to include:

• 2.2 diesel engine
• Choice of manual or SST auto transmissions
• Leather seats as standard
• New design 18" alloy wheels
• Privacy glass
• Metallic paint as standard

Colours:

The Juro will be available in the following metallic colours at no extra cost:

• Tanzanite Blue (metallic)
• Amethyst Black (metallic)
• Cool Silver (metallic)

Pricing:

The new Outlander Juro list price, including free metallic paint (excluding VED and FRF), will be as follows:

• Outlander 2.2 DI-D Juro Manual £25,999 List Price
• Outlander 2.2 DI-D Juro SST £27,199 List Price

Aftersales and servicing:

The new Outlander range comes complete with 12-month / 12,500 mile service intervals, and for just £315 including VAT the customer gains 3-years / 37,500 servicing under the Mitsubishi Service Plan (MSP).

MSP has constantly had in excess of 99% take-up with customers as it offers such great value, especially when coupled with Mitsubishi’s 3-year unlimited mileage warranty and pan-European breakdown and accident management service, which is standard on all passenger cars.

The Rest of the Outlander Range:

The balance of the new Outlander range will go on sale from 1st October. The line up will be simplified and will mirror the current Equippe, Warrior and Elegance range.

As the SST auto transmission will be optional on Warrior and Elegance trim levels and no Elegance petrol auto derivative. As well as the availability of the SST auto, the new Outlander range will also feature a 2WD diesel opportunity, which has proved very popular on other vehicles in this class - often taking up to 30% model mix.

Pricing for the rest if the Outlander range will be published in due course.