• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £19,542 to £27,264
• On the road price: £23,559 - £30,279
• For : Car-like handling, fuss-free four-wheel-drive system, seven seats, great value for money
• Against : Rear seats look like an afterthought, diesel engine needs more polish

Driving
The Outlander offers a choice of three engines. The Volkswagen-developed 2.0-litre diesel ticks all the right boxes when it comes to practicality and efficiency, as it produces 138bhp while returning 42.8mpg. It’s rather noisy though, and performance is disappointing; the Peugeot-Citroen-sourced 2.2-litre is much more refined and a strong performer as well. The 2.4-litre petrol is unexceptional, but does offer a standard auto gearbox. On the road, the Outlander feels assured and composed. It's based on a platform that also underpins the latest generation Lancer saloon, which means the compact SUV feels very car-like to drive. Of course, in tight corners it suffers from more body roll than your average hatchback, but the steering is accurate for such a big machine and the ride is comfortably supple.

Marketplace
Described as a 'crossover' car rather than a dedicated mud-plugger, the Outlander shares its platform with the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007. With its bulging wheelarches, angular headlights and tough metal-look lower front bumper, it certainly stands out on British roads. Chunky silver roof rails and sculpted side sills add to the Outlander's road presence, but the rear overhang looks out of proportion with the rest of the muscular bodywork. Under the skin, clever variable four-wheel-drive offers three distinct modes. On the road, drivers can swap between front and four-wheel drive, with the twist of a knob on the transmission tunnel. If conditions become more treacherous, there's a low-range setting that offers extra traction. Competitors naturally include the Citroen and Peugeot twins, but also the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander and Nissan X-Trail, while the larger Hyundai Santa Fe provides seven seats as well.

Owning
The Outlander's extended tail does mean there's room inside for a standard set of seven seats on all but entry-level models. While the rearmost bench is meant only for children, the extra chairs are a big bonus in this sector. However, they appear to be an afterthought, and the pull cord handles mean the system is awkward to use. At least the spacious second row is more flexible, splitting 60:40 at the touch of a button. Up front, the dashboard is clearly laid out, if a little dull to look at. Flagship versions get a seven-inch touch screen central display, while the driver's seat offers an excellent view of the road ahead. The VW diesel engine is pretty efficient, but the 2.2-litre is only marginally behind and comes with all that extra pace too, while on-the-road prices are very competitive.

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Model Variants and Specifications

• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX2 £22309
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D 2WD GX3 £23559
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D 2WD Leather GX3 £24759
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX3 £25154
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D Leather GX3 £26354
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D SST GX3 £26529
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DI-D Juro £26954
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D SST Leather GX3 £27729
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DI-D SST Juro £28279
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX4 £28904
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D SST GX4 £30279

Car Tax Calculator: Mitsubishi Outlander

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