Making waves with the Mitsubishi Outlander

MITSUBISHI has good reason to feel confident the latest version of its Outlander 4×4 will prove a massive hit.

The Japanese brand has sold more than a million of the mid-size SUVs since the original’s launch back in 2001.

And while the PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – variant that dominates the UK plug-in scene continues to scoop countless awards, the diesel version has been making waves of its own.

Freshly updated both inside and out, the new Outlander is up for grabs with five or seven seats and vies for sales with the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Operating in such a competitive arena demands the highest of standards and to that end the Mitsubishi really looks and feels the business.

Fit, finish and sound insulation is top notch, there’s some lovely soft leather in higher spec cars like the tested GX4 model, better software, fewer buttons, decent interior space and a large boot.

Add to that some genuine exterior design flair plus smart touches like seats that stay cool in summer and reflect UV rays to keep warm in winter and a set-up that prevents accidental acceleration from a stationary position and a you have a car pretty much without compromise.

The latest Outlander also benefits from 40 changes aimed at reducing noise, vibration and harshness compared to the previous version.

If you’re one of those people who can’t get their head round plug-in hybrid the diesel, with its 2.2-litre 148bhp engine, makes a lot of sense.

It may not cruise silently through the streets like its stablemate but it’s smooth, strong and can return decent economy – on faster roads at least.

Head off-road and its 4WD system easily copes with muddy track, waterlogged fields and rocky surfaces in general.

Space is plentiful for five and while the two third row seats are individual they’re realistically only for kids – and having them in place severely restricts luggage capacity.

Otherwise you get a terrific load area which can accommodate a couple of mountain bikes if you fold down the second and third row seats.

Stowage is ample, the likes of door bins with bottle holders, deep central box, glovebox, four cupholders and a small container in each door.

All four of the trim grades are well specced up and include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running lights.

Go for GX3 or 4 and you get silver roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels,  leather upholstery, a heated and electric driver’s seat, LED headlights, sat nav, rear-view camera and an electric sunroof.