Mitsubishi’s Bold, New Outlander...and a peek at the all-new Pajero

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines entry into the burgeoning small SUV market arrives a little late for the party, but it makes a daring fashion statement nonetheless. Sporting what may be the most distinctive snout in the history of the local small-SUV market, the new Mitsubishi Outlander seeks to grab significant market share away from established leaders such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda C-RV (now available in 4x4 as well), and the slightly larger and hi-tech Nissan X-Trail. Based on the new Lancer platform, the Outlander is a Sport Utility Vehicle that uses the same all-wheel drive technology as the no-excuses Lancer Evolution VIII. It has no Low range. Instead, the full-time four wheel drive uses a viscous-coupling center differential to apportion torque between the front and rear wheels.

The Outlander uses a large SOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder displacing 2.4-liters. The same engine found under the hood of the 2003 Space Gear but with a different computer and camshaft profile, the 2.4 produces 136 PS at 5,000 rpm and 21 kg-m of torque at a low, diesel-like 2,500 rpm. It is paired to an advanced automatic transmission: a 4-speed with fuzzy logic INVECS II programming and a sequential "Sportronic" shifting mode Lancer MX owners will be familiar with. Left in "Drive", the INVECS-II uses two shift control programs: Optimum Shift Control and Adaptive Shift Control to switch between economical and aggressive driving. A catalytic converter is fitted, and the Outlander is compliant with Euro emissions standards.

As a fashion statement, the Outlander’s flaring proboscis is sure to catch the attention of even the most jaded motorist. More reminiscent of an "Evo" Lancer than the more sedate MX, the Outlander’s exaggerated grille, prominent air intakes, and bulging hood give it enough presence to make it appear larger than it really is in one’s rear view mirror. Clear lens multireflector headlamps also get the benefit of retractable headlamp washers. Inside, the cockpit is highlighted by a retro-ish dashboard with the horizontal plane reminiscent of something from the 60s. The instrument binnacle consists of two exaggerated hoods for the tachometer and speedometer, with the temperature and fuel gauges in between. A stylized analog clock further punctuates the funky attitude of the interior. The circular motif continues with the a/c vents and rotary dials.

Despite the design, ergonomics are still paid attention to with major controls and switches easily within reach and instantly intuitive. Ingress and egress are also aided by an optimal hip-point design for the seats so passengers neither have to step up nor crouch down to get into or out of the vehicle. The four-spoke steering wheel is noticeably smaller than the usual, more akin to a sport sedan’s than to an SUV’s.

Indeed, the all-wheel drivetrain is paired to similarly car-based underpinnings in this "crossover" vehicle. The Outlander rides on the same fully independent suspension design as the Lancer consisting of front McPherson struts, and a rear multilink system. Front and rear stabilizer bars contribute to minimized roll. Riding on 215/60-16 tires, the Outlander’s ground clearance is at 205 mm. Brakes are ventilated disks in front and drums in back, augmented by 4-wheel, 3-channel ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Dual SRS airbags are standard, as are a collapsible steering column and impact sensing door unlock, which automatically unlocks all the doors whenever the airbag control unit sensor detects any impact to assist occupants’ escape or rescue following a collision. The Outlander’s unibody design also uses Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) engineering. The rigid cabin structure resists deformity in a collision for greater protection.

Only one type is available: the GLS with the 4-speed INVECS II, power everything including power folding mirrors, foglamps, a rear spoiler with LED-type center high mounted stoplamp, rear wiper and washer, an auxiliary 12 volt socket, and other goodies. The 5-seater Outlander offers no fancy seating configurations, but the rear seatback is split 60:40 to expand cargo capacity, and there is a retractable tonneau cover. An underfloor compartment adds some extra cargo space. Available by the third week of October, the Outlander carries an introductory price of P1,270,000. It will be available in four exterior colors: Black Mica, Wine Red Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, and White Pearl.

Mitsubishi also took the opportunity at the press launch of the Outlander to give a sneak preview of the 3rd generation Pajero. Arguably the SUV that began the craze for the type of vehicle as far back as 2 decades ago, the all-new Pajero finally reaches our shores with far more aggressive bodywork and a choice of large displacement diesel and gasoline engines.

Now engineered as a monocoque, the Pajero’s brash bodywork is highlighted by bulging fenders, minimal front overhang, and a longer and wider stance versus the previous model. By increasing the width and lowering the height, it now has a height to width ratio of almost 1:1 for increased stability and a lower center of gravity.

The interior is also much improved. Some old-school wood trim is employed and the modular-looking cockpit looks a bit chunky, but the effect is to look both durable and space-age. The top center of the dash houses a multi-info LCD display screen for the clock, date, climate control status, compass, altimeter, and barometer. The driver gets an 8-way power adjustable seat, and all seating surfaces get plush, genuine leather. The 3rd row bench seat is detachable, plus it can be stored in the underfloor compartment to free up more luggage space. Other convenience features include dual fully-automatic air conditioner, double level glove boxes, cupholders for everyone, and accessory 12V sockets. The power retractable antenna even has a setting for half height, and the power mirrors also fold automatically.

The Pajero will be available with either a 3.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC Direct Injection 4-cylinder diesel or a 24-valve SOHC, 3.8-liter gasoline V6. The 3.2-liter delivers a healthy 165 PS at 3,800 rpm and a gutsy 38.1 kg-m of torque at 2,000 rpm, while the 3.8-liter belts out 215 PS at 5,000 rpm and 34.4 kg-m of torque at 3,750 rpm. The standard transmission for both is a 5-speed INVECS-II automatic with Sportronic shifting and shift-on-the-fly Super Select 4WD. Super Select now uses an electronically controlled transfer case with four modes, two of which engage 4-wheel drive and lock the center differential. In the 4H setting, front and rear torque is split 33:67, with power sent to the front via a viscous coupling unit and planetary gears.

The Pajero now rides on an all-wheel independent suspension; front double wishbones and a multi-link rear. Brakes are ventilated disks in front and ventilated drum-in-disk design at the back, coupled with 4-channel, four-sensor ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Aside from Super Select, the Pajero has Mitsubishi Active Stability Traction Control (M-ASTC). Engine output and brake force on each wheel are continuously monitored and modulated to prevent drifting and spin outs by monitoring understeer, individual wheel speed, steering angle, engine output, vehicle speed, yaw rate, and G-force. Like the Outlander, the Pajero’s cabin was designed with Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) to maintain cabin integrity during collisions. As with the Outlander, dual SRS airbags are standard along with a collapsible steering column.

The Pajero will be available by the 3rd week of November, but it won’t come cheap. The indicative price is P2.350M for the 3.8-liter gasoline V6 and P2.450M for the 3.2-liter diesel, and will come with a 3-year/100,000 kilometer warranty.