Top of the SUVs

For years the Mitsubishi Outlander has been one of the most popular SUVs on the Polish market. This year, it outsold all other cars in its class. Here's why. The Outlander is one of several all-wheel drive cars Mitsubishi has to offer. With experience gained on the racetrack, and successful participation in such grueling competitions as Paris-Dakar, the Mitsubishis have developed a reputation as tough cars capable of facing the most extreme conditions. Of course, that describes the Pajero Evolution models for professional racing, which have little in common with cars you see on the road. The Outlander could hardly be called an all-terrain car, since its All Wheel Control, added to the front 2WD, can only cope with rather smooth ground. But after all, it is just an SUV. Mitsubishi Outlander was unveiled in Europe in 2003 and was not particularly successful. But its second-generation model, on the market since the spring of 2007, was a hit. The car's body was modified in 2010 to make its front look more like other Mitsubishi models, such as the Lancer or Colt. Was this a good decision? Opinions are still divided. Most experts like the new grille. I liked the previous version more, yet it's evident that the harmonious body (4665 mm long, 1800 mm wide and 1680 mm high) with the characteristic large trapezoid grille is among the best-looking in its class. The spacious inside can hold five or seven passengers. The five-passenger option includes luggage space of 771 l. After unfolding the additional two seats hidden in the floor, there are only 220 l left for luggage. Maximum load is an impressive 660 kg. Standard equipment includes ABS/EBD and ASTC (the equivalent of ESP) systems, front and side airbags, an air curtain, a knee airbag for the driver, automatic air-conditioning, audio/CD system, rear parking sensors, rain sensors, aluminum rims, electrically controlled windows, and more. The model's available engines include two gasoline units (2 l/147 hp and 2.4 l/170 hp) and two turbocharged direct injection diesel units (2 l/140 hp and Common Rail 2.2 DID/156 hp). The cheapest Outlander with a 2-liter engine and front drive costs zl.84,990. The most expensive one, the turbocharged 2.2 DiD Navi Van, will set you back zl.181,400. The tested model had a 2 l/140 hp turbocharged diesel engine with a Rallitronic chip. Owing to the new fuel injection control software and a new memory map, the power was electronically increased by 27 hp to 167 hp and maximum torque grew by 55 Nm to 365 Nm. As a result, the car accelerates from stop to 100 kph in a little over 10 seconds and its maximum speed is 192 kph. The Outlander is not only dynamic, but also economic. During the test drive in standard road conditions, average fuel consumption was 7.8 l per 100 km. Given the car's large size and weight (nearly 1,700 kg), this is a more than satisfactory result. Attractive appearance, extensive standard accessories and reasonable price are the three factors that have contributed to the model's popularity. After several years on the market, it has also gained a good reputation among drivers who appreciate its functionality, solid finish and reliability. Source: The Warsaw Voice