Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Outlander Equippe

Think Mitsubishi, and the chances are that only two models will spring to mind - the Shogun mud-plugger and the thrilling rally-inspired Evo VIII. Both have proved a success in the UK, but now the Japanese company wants more.

SUV looks and rally-bred all-wheel drive should make this Mitsubishi's best car... but they don't. A poor ride and coarse engine take away some of the pleasure from the driving experience. Yet good value combined with capable handling and 'soft-roading' potential should attract enough buyers to meet the sales target of 2,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Think Mitsubishi, and the chances are that only two models will spring to mind - the Shogun mud-plugger and the thrilling rally-inspired Evo VIII. Both have proved a success in the UK, but now the Japanese company wants more.

Enter the Outlander, which mixes the visual punch of the beefy Shogun SUV body with the Evo VIII's sensational four-wheel-drive system. Aimed at rivals such as the Subaru Forester, the car's impressive parentage promises practicality and performance. We drove one of the first in the UK to see if the opposition should be worried.

The styling is something of an acquired taste, but does have some attractive detailing. The front wears a prominent Mitsubishi-badged snout, while the rear end looks sharp and modern. Unfortunately, it's not such a happy tale inside. By aiming to be part estate, part SUV, the Outlander has made some serious compromises.

Most dramatically, a high floor eats into the load space - not what we'd expect from a leisure vehicle. Thankfully, passengers fare better than their luggage, and there's lots of room front and rear. That said, the driving position is hampered by limited steering wheel height adjustment, but otherwise the ergonomics impress, while the raised ride height gives excellent visibility.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLC

2022 Mercedes

GLC

75,544 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,097
View GLC
Grandland X

2018 Vauxhall

Grandland X

41,400 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,100
View Grandland X
Mokka

2021 Vauxhall

Mokka

33,983 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,100
View Mokka
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

21,085 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona

Performance
UK-spec Outlanders will be available with only one petrol engine - a 158bhp 2.4-litre mated to a four-speed auto gearbox. LPG power will also be offered from launch. We tested an entry-level petrol Equippe. Once on the move, you will immediately notice the intrusive noise from the motor. Performance is average - if you can live with the lack of high-rev refinement - and the 0-62mph sprint takes 11.2 seconds, while maximum speed is 119mph. Fuel economy works out at 28mpg.

The harsh engine note isn't helped by the clunky automatic gearbox, but while not especially smooth it does at least offer a sequential manual override. Thankfully, the handling saves the driving experience, with the Outlander's Evo VIII heritage ensuring it is competent on B-roads, although at the expense of a smooth ride. There is little body roll, too, considering the car's increased height, which in turn at least lets it tackle light off-road work.

At £16,999, the base Equippe is good value for money, and undercuts Subaru's entry-level Forester by £446. Meanwhile, the flagship Outlander Sport SE weighs in at £18,749. With a sales target of only 2,000 next year, Mitsubishi isn't setting its sights too high. Maybe that's just as well, because although a decent drive saves the overall package, most buyers will find more comfort and versatility elsewhere.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025