It's unique for sure, but then again not so radical that less adventurous buyers will be offended.(Photo: Mitsubishi Motors)
In Japan, at least, the new Outlander will be available in eight body colours, but the automaker isn't saying which ones. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors)

Mitsubishi rarely takes its vaunted street cred for granted, and therefore offers an optional premium sound system that could make top-tier luxury buyers jealous. The Rockford Fosgate system didn't only provide a nine-speaker, 650-watt DSP system to out-rock, out-rap, or out-whatever any other OEM system in the compact SUV segment, but it designed the system to work specifically within the framework of the new Outlander, and even had Mitsubishi stiffen the doors to negate any potential vibration. The popular audio supplier developed a similar system for Mitsubishi's new Eclipse, and the result is otherworldly.

Overall, the interior is unique in its choice of motifs, with Mitsubishi opting for a motorbike look to appeal to young, adventurous buyers. It's unique for sure, but then again not so radical that less adventurous buyers will be offended.

In Japan, at least, the new Outlander will be available in eight body colours, but the automaker isn't saying which ones - only that they'll have strong outdoor cues. Inside, black and silver offers a sporting appeal over luxury.

The new Outlander will be built in Japan at Mitsubishi's revamped Mizushima Plant, where a new welding line has been added. Despite the cooperative arrangement with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai, the engine will be produced at Mitsubishi's Shiga Engine Plant, which has also been updated to include "state-of-the art machining and assembly lines."

it appears to offer the right packaging for the times, focusing ondynamic performance, fuel economy and top-tier accommodations. (Photo:Mitsubishi Motors)

Mitsubishi is also promising improved quality assurance levels "throughout the full development-to-shipment chain." The Japanese automaker further states, "Outlander is the product of stringent scrutiny and inspections implemented through the Mitsubishi Motors Development System (MMDS) in the development phase and the multi-level In-Stage Quality Creation (ISQC) system on the production line." In other words, this Outlander will be better built and more reliable than anything Mitsubishi has developed in the past.

Off to a good start, the new Outlander just won the 2005 Good Design Award, in the Product Design Category, sponsored by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. Will it be good enough to win "Truck of the Year" awards by other organizations and publications throughout the world? Only time will tell, but it appears to offer the right packaging for the times, focusing on dynamic performance, fuel economy and top-tier accommodations.

Preliminary Specifications:

  • Price Range (estimated MSRP): $26,000 - $36,000
  • Body Type: 5-door SUV
  • Layout: front engine, AWD
  • Engine: 200 hp, 200 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve, SOHC I-4
  • Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
  • Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc with ABS and EBD (opt ABS)
  • Curb Weight: N/A
  • Cargo Area Volume: 774 - 1,691 L (27.3 - 59.7 cu ft)
  • Seating Capacity: 5 (optional 7)
  • Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
  • Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive - 120/160,000 powertrain
  • Competitors: Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Nissan X-Trail / Xterra, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester
  • Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca