Mitsubishi Outlander – compelling value

CAR makers are rarely reserved when it comes to making bold claims about their products.

In the majority of cases we just take those boasts of ‘most comfortable’, ‘most spacious’ or ‘most versatile’ with a pinch of salt.

But try as you may to pick their argument apart, Mitsubishi’s assertion that the latest Outlander petrol model is the UK’s best value seven-seat 4×4 SUV is hard to deny.

Updated for 2020 and costing from £28,085, the Outlander is a quite compelling proposition for those seeking maximum versatility from a family SUV.

Those enhancements, for instance, include a new eight-inch infotainment set-up with Bluetooth and DAB digital radio as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatability plus a rear-view camera.

And there’s also a reduction in CO2 emissions to 169g/km, cutting the car’s first-year VED rate by £325 in the process.

Our tested model was the 2.0-litre Design petrol variant with automatic transmission and steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gearshifts.

Given that this is the entry level vehicle in a 25-strong Outlander line-up, it’s standard spec and overall comfort is exceptional.

Take interior space as an example. When fully slid back, the second row seating allows for near limo-like leg space; and should you need to use the pair of individual back row chairs you simply move the middle row a few inches forward and there’s ample room for seven.

The only down side is that the centre second row position is a bit perched and you can certainly feel the seatbelt slots.

Otherwise this is a bright, airy and durable environment for all passengers to relax, even on a long journey.

The 2.0-litre engine feels ‘clean winded’ and as it produces a healthy 150PS there’s sufficient power on tap to ensure the Outlander never needs drag its feet. An official average fuel consumption figure of 38.2 miles per gallon is not to be sniffed as either – even if our own return was closer to 34mpg.

As for ambience the car’s climate control panel has had a re-design, giving the dash a fresh look, while the driver’s seat now features power lumbar support and rear seat comfort has been boosted courtesy of extra padding.

Entry grade also gets the likes of 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless operation, an electronic parking brake, front fog lamps, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and privacy glass, though there’s no sat nav.

Buyers also get a 1,600kg towing capacity, a 400mm wading depth and an On Demand four-wheel drive set-up with 4WD eco and lock mode, plus a five-year warranty.

The only extras on the tested model were Atlantic Grey Metallic paint at £470 and a textile mat set for £27.49.

Mitsubishi, a manufacturer renowned for the reliability of its products, has struck the perfect balance of practicality, kit, quality and value with the Outlander petrol. It’s a real tough cookie too.