Mitsubishi revises Outlander, including best-selling PHEV
2015-04-27 10:20:38
Mitsubishi has provided an early facelift to its Outlander SUV. The revised model gets a new-style front end, improved dynamics and a new CVT automatic gearbox. The revised Outlander is expected to arrive in the UK by the middle of the year.
Mitsubishi refer to the new styling concept as a “Dynamic Shield”, inspired by the XR PHEV II concept seen earlier this year at the Geneva motor show. It features new bumpers, grille and halogen headlights. There is no denying that the half-chrome and half-blacked out face is eye-catching, and to our eyes, attractive. Daytime running lights at both ends get LED technology. The new look will be rolled out across the whole Mitsubishi range including the best-selling PHEV.
Softer materials are prevalent throughout the cabin. The steering wheel has also been redesigned. New equipment includes Mitsubishi’s new Multi Communication System (MMCS) which features navigation, and a new sound system, dashboard and door trims have been added.
The Japanese company has also done much to improve handling dynamics by improving the structural rigidity and redesigning the suspension to aid on-road driving dynamics. There are also improved levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) thanks to more sound insulation and the adoption of noise-deadening glass. The CVT automatic gearbox is said to improve performance too.
No mention has been made about the engines, so we can only assume the all-wheel drive petrol-electric powertrain used in the highly-acclaimed PHEV plug-in hybrid model is likely to remain largely unchanged apart from a few minor updates to improve battery range and economy.
This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
