Mitsubishi Outlander 2.9 DiD SE

Big, Bold and Practical

Times change and companies have to adapt to keep up with these changing times, and ultimately people.

When 4×4s first started pounding the tarmac the public were willing to accept that these were a different breed to family cars, and were prepared to accept that comfort and handling were a necessary sacrifice.

Now, however, people want the best of both worlds and 4×4s need to be as much of a family car as an off roader. Because these vehicles are going to spend a majority of their lives on tarmac, not mud.

Hence manufacturers like Mitsubishi have devoted a lot of time, energy and money into transforming their 4×4s into decent family cars.

The Outlander is a good example. Its a big 4×4 thats more than comfortable on the tarmac, with decent handling and a good turn of speed.

The Outlander comes with a choice of three engines a 2.4 litre petrol, a two litre turbo diesel and a 2.2 litre diesel.

I drove the two litre turbodiesel, which really got into its stride when the revs were up, and the turbodiesel kicked in.

It delivered an impressive burst of acceleration, most noticeably at high revs in low gears and was comfortable at higher speeds, too, eating up the miles with no problem. The six speed gearbox causes no problems, either, being precise and neat.

Unmistakebly a diesel, the two-litre engine is raspy at low speeds, but things are quiet enough as the speedo rises and it doesn’t intrude greatly while cruising at high speeds.

Road noise is low but there was an amount of whistle through the side windows in my test car.

But when the Outlander does score highly is in its handling. For a big 4×4 – and it is a big car – it handles like a dream.

Theres little body roll, it corners really well and the steering is light, but keeps you in touch with the tarmac.

A switch next to the gearstick allows you to switch between four-wheel drive and two wheel drive or there’s an automatic setting that will switch between the two when conditions dictate.

Mitsubishi has really upped its game inside and outside. The Outlander is an attractive looking car on the outside, and insid things are improving.

Its hunched body looks powerful, aided buy the big wheel arches, and there’s a good-looking front section.

Inside, the dashboard is tidy rather than spectacular, and looks hardwearing and of a quality build.

The switches are functionally designed and dials are clear. The big seats are solft and comfortable and the rest of the cabin is of equal quality and sturdiness.

There is plenty of room for seat and steering adjustment and visabiliy is fine front, back and side.

There is plenty of headroom and loads of legroom in both front and back, theres a massive boot oo.

One thing that is going to appeal to those looking for a big family car is the two fold-away seats which emerge from the boot. These came in extremely useful for us when unexpected guests with child arrive expecting to be ferried around.

The two seats are only going to be suitable for children, really – both of them admitted they wouldnt want to spend a huge amount of time strapped into them.

These extra two seats are accessible when the back seats are folded up so its a bit of a palaver, especially as the seats are manipulated by drawstrings which seem to ping back and forth like Arkwrights till in Open all ours.

The Outlander comes in a number of trims. Entry level Equippe, which comes with twin front airbags, airconditioning keyless entry six-speaker CD/MP3 player, Active Stability and Traction Control Safety system, electronic windows and mirrors.

Move up to Warrior for 18-inch alloys, that third row of seats, side and curtain airbags, body kit, cruise control, Bluetooth hands free telephone kit, privacy glass, roof rails, front fog and a leather covered steering wheel and gearlever.

The Elegance model adds sunroof, satelite navigation with DVD player and music server, parking sensors, rain sensors and rear view camera.

And top spec Diamond adds the 2.2 Diesel engine, privacy glass, and a roof mounted DVD system for rear passengers.

Economy figures of 42.8mpg are competitive compaired to rivals such as Freelander and Nissan X-Trail.

The Outlander is a good looking car, with lots of family space and practicality, a more than decent ride and the bonus of those two extra seats.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.9 DiD SE
Engine – 2.0 litre
0.62 – 10.8
Top Speed: 116mph
Combined mpg: 42.8 mpg
OTr price from: £19,999