Road Test: Mitsubishi Outlander

There were many in Ireland who thought the SUV would die with the demise of the Celtic Tiger but such obituaries proved very premature, writes Trish Whelan. In what is one of the growth segments of the Irish market, the SUV is now more important than the medium family saloon segment and is increasingly being considered to be the ideal family car.

Among the latest such arrivals here is Mitsubishi's new Outlander, which represents a big step up from the previous model in every way.

So let the credits roll ... this new car comes with more space, improved fuel economy and more standard equipment than previous generations of Outlanders. It boasts over 40 safety, comfort and styling features now offered as standard. Yet the car's footprint is smaller than that of most family estates.

This is a good sized SUV ideal for the school run, or to swallow a couple of mountain bikes whole if you fancy some more strenuous outdoor pedalling away from the suburbs.

Customers have a choice to make as Outlander comes in both 2WD and selectable 4WD versions.

The 5-seat 2WD suits most people's day-to-day needs, while the 7-seater 4WD, in either manual or automatic, is for those who want extra grip when driving in bad weather conditions or to use for a bit of fun off-roading. It's well capable of driving on mud or snow and ice, but if you want some serious off-roading, then it's the Mitsubishi Pajero you want.

The front has a strong, uncluttered look with nice clean surfaces. Yet it still manages to keep the rugged look from the outgoing car. It's understated yet assertive. 2WD cars are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels while the 4WDs get 18-inch ones for that extra traction. The 4WD button provides a number of different 4WD options, distributing torque to all four wheels according to the driving conditions.

This is one of the safest vehicles on our roads as it carries a top 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

There's just one highly equipped standard specification level across all three models in the range. The long list includes seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control, ABS with EBD, Emergency Stop System, Hill Start Assist, front fog lights, roof rails, privacy glass, daytime running lights, Cruise control, Bluetooth, dual zone automatic air conditioning, rearview monitor, remote central locking with keyless entry, Emergency Stop System, and even a luggage floor box.

The interior is spacious and is fitted with good quality materials. The dash has been designed not to distract the driver while the instrument displays are all visually pleasing and are easy to read. You see your current average fuel consumption and how economically, or not, you are driving. The centre audio display is touch and go. Just touch the radio station you want to select. It's one of the best around and turns into a reversing monitor. Seats are comfy with nice support in all the right places; rear ones split 60/40 and have two ISOFIX child seat anchors. Just pull the tag on each of the very back two seats to raise or fold them back down again. There is a spare wheel, but it's fitted down underneath the back of the car. Thankfully, it's easy to lower in case of necessity.

I particularly like SUVs as they have the benefit of a high driving position so provide a commanding view of the road ahead. While I got a great 'fit' behind the wheel - thanks to the rake and reach adjustments - the steering was a bit on the light side for me as I prefer something with a little bit more weight, but you soon get used to it.

All models in the range use the brand's own efficient 2.2 clean diesel engine which delivers up to 150bhp and 380 Nm of torque. It's no slouch as it can go from 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds. You'll get around 58mpg for the combined cycle, aided by the Stop & Go system.

The engine proved very quiet and refined on a good mix of roads for my lengthy test drive period. The suspension has also been improved for extra comfort. All in all, this is a really, really nice, reliable car to drive and this should appeal to many families.

Outlander also comes with improved safety and traction when towing a horsebox or whatever. While there was no towbar on this particular review car but you can order one with your car.

The 2WD version is priced at €34,950 and is in B1 of €280 for annual road tax; the 4WD manual, which is the review car, is priced from €36,950 (B2 of €280), while the automatic at €39,950 moves down a band and costs €390 a year in road tax.

Mitsubishi Ireland provide an 8-year full warranty which is fully transferable if you sell it on to a new owner during the cover period.

The old Outlander was very popular in its segment and this new one will certainly build on a successful base. Since the first model was launched here over five years ago, over 1500 have been sold on the strength of their styling, performance, good economy and value for money.

There is also a New Outlander Commercial in 4WD with automatic transmission and look out for a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander later this year.