All-New Outlander Should Boost Mitsubishis Compact SUV Market Share

       

Last week, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled its completely revised Outlander sport utility, in the metal, at the Tokyo Motor Show, previously released to the media only in photos.

Mitsubishi is claiming the all-new SUV is midsize, due to its new platform and larger overall dimensions, and possibly in Japan, where it was launched in dealerships October 17th this is so, although in North America the Outlander will be positioned as a large compact model.

Its seven-occupant capability puts it in competition with few compact SUV players, Suzukis XL-7, which is due for a complete overhaul soon, and Toyotas all-new 2006 RAV4 being the only two - so far.

Riding on a larger, stiffer chassis architecture made of high-tensile steel sheeting, which is touted to offer much better crashworthiness than the previous Outlander, is a more powerful, more efficient aluminum block 2.4-liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system)

enhanced four-cylinder, a new global engine that comes as a result of a cooperative relationship with DaimlerChrysler (Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass/Patriot) and Hyundai (next-generation Elantra/base Sonata and Kia Spectra/Magentis). The new engine will be mated to a "Sport Mode" paddle-shift-actuated 6-speed CVT, that in-turn will drive all four wheels. Mitsubishis 4WD system is electronically controlled, continuously optimizing front and rear wheel torque depending on road conditions. It includes three dial-activated drive modes, including 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK. As is now becoming common in the SUV segment, active stability control is also part of the package.

The new drivetrain helps the Outlander achieve a four-star rating for emission levels, which means that it leaves 75 percent fewer emissions in its wake than required by Japanese 2005 Emission Regulations, helping it qualify for Green Vehicle Tax Exemption by returning fuel consumption that is 5 percent lower than Japanese 2010 efficiency requirements.

Other highlights include a new aluminum roof panel, to reduce weight and lower its center of gravity, plus a new MacPherson strut front and trailing arm multilink suspension with mono-tube rear shock absorbers, which join a wider track and longer stroke to increase stability, while additional "advanced technology" Mitsubishi first developed on its famed Lancer Evolution sport sedan is also part of the package, designed to leave traditional off-road SUVs in the preverbal dust. Its optional 18-inch 5-spoke lightweight high-rigidity alloy rims wrapped in 225/55R18 all-season performance tires should help in the handling department too.

As previously mentioned, the new Outlander will be one of few compact SUVs to offer up to seven-occupant seating - that optional package dubbed Smart X Sport and featuring a third row that conveniently folds flat into the floor. That makes for class-leading storage space of between 27.3 and 31.1 cubic feet, depending on whether the second row of seats is slid forward or backward, when five occupants are aboard. When the second row is folded flat, via a process that Mitsubishi says takes only a flick of a switch, cargo volume increases to a massive 59.7 cubic feet.

Getting gear inside should be easier thanks to a handy split tailgate, allowing smaller items to be loaded in through the top section and larger cargo if the entire fifth door is lifted up. That bottom section can handle up to 440 pounds of what-have-you, making it ideal for heavy luggage and/or a place to sit down.

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 didnt 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 Mitsubishis 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. Its 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 colors, but the automaker isnt saying which ones - only that theyll have strong outdoor cues. Inside, black and silver offers a sporting appeal over luxury.

The new Outlander will be built in Japan at Mitsubishis 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 Mitsubishis Shiga Engine Plant, which has also been updated to include "state-of-the art machining and assembly lines."

Mitsubishi is also boasting 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.