Mitsubishi
drives its Outlander into 2006 with a new trim
level, more standard safety equipment and a brand-wide
slogan meant to catch the curious off-guard. "Driven
to thrill," has an immediate impact. You
just have to find out what's behind it. What's
there is a compact sport utiity vehicle that Mitsubishi
calls "Japanese cool." This is the Asian
auto maker's smallest and most affordable entry
into the sport utlity field, with a number of
years under its belt. Refreshed a year ago, for
'06 the Outlander gets front seat-mounted side
airbags and anitlock brakes as standard equipment
for all models.
More
a weekend/commute/out-for-the-evening fun kind
of vehicle than one designed for heavy duty offroading,
Outlander still delivers a lot of bang for the
buck. It gained more power output in last year's
upgrades, with an advanced valve timing and electronics
system, for a widespread range of torque for more
OOMPH! during acceleration at higher or lower
speeds. The new SE trim fills an amenities gap
above the base LS, while the upmarket Limited
adds automatic climate control. Both upper models
add a new, bold Electric Blue.
For
those on an outboard mission, optional tubular
roof rails can accommodate sports equipment, extra
luggage or some great scavanging finds at an antique
barn sale. Flex seating inside adapts to hold
five, or hides for more cargo area.
Mitsubishi's
2.4-liter inline four, for front or all-wheel-drive,
grunts out 160-HP and 162-lb.ft of road taming
torque. The Sportronic trans adds manual fun while
ekeing out more performance in the process. Appreciation
is boosted by the $18.5 K base price ($26 K tops)
and 10 year, 100,000 mile limited warranty.
Some
critics give the Outlander so-so marks for handling.
We recall earlier renditions more than adequate
for carving in and out of Northern Virginia hills
and swales at speed while holding tight to the
road -- a blast, in fact. With augmented power
in today's version, it should move with the kind
of aggressiveness more akin to its rally-inspired
Lancer "Evo" relative. And Mitsubishi's
catch phrase for the way Outlander handles? Call
it "J Thrill." Any way you cut it, that
alone could pique one's curiosity.
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