THE 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire, and its siblings, are the Japanese automotive maker’s shot at redemption, and it’s a rattling good one. We’d go as far as to say it’s the perfect geared up automobile the model has ever offered in Australia.
To be honest, the last-generation Mitsubishi Outlander wasn’t precisely a class-leader by any means. Actually, it’s secure to say that it lagged behind its rivals in a couple of features, particularly within the cabin division.
Its new flagship (for the reason that demise of the Pajero) could be had from a really affordable $34,490 plus on-roads. The Aspire we’re testing right here has a listing worth of $41,490 plus on-roads, however earlier than including any optionally available extras.
Sitting on a newly developed platform and powertrain, its somewhat daring and radical exterior might not be to everybody’s style however we discovered the automobile to be somewhat good-looking, within the flesh. With chiselled and muscular strains, it’s fairly the top turner in your common carpark.
The automobile is claimed to utilise “I-Fu-Do-Do” (genuine and majestic) Japanese design language and options the model’s next-generation “Dynamic Defend” grille, which is Mitsubishi’s signature design component.
In a market saturated with comparable SUVs and crossovers, the Outlander’s design is a refreshing, ice-cool glass of liquid id. Design language apart, it was the refined, tech-fest inside that we discovered to be an enormous development over the earlier mannequin.
For starters, the overall structure of the cabin and ergonomics had been strong. Every part from the air-con to the drive-mode selector had been the place you’ll anticipate them to be. It was straightforward to search out the best driving place and outward visibility was excellent.
Construct high quality was a step-up too, with minimal creaks within the Outlander Aspire. Most surfaces within the cabin felt premium, aside from the steering wheel centre, which may have been constituted of a softer materials.
As normal, you obtain a 9.0-inch infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay (wi-fi) and Android Auto (wired), The mid-spec Aspire comes with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a colored head-up show.
Although not the slickest within the sector, the gauge cluster and infotainment system had been intuitive to function, with no noticeable points or main enter delay. With bodily shortcut buttons and knobs on your primary wants, the inside prioritises practicality above all else.
The usual sound system is past ample, with first rate bass, and raspy sound solely exhibiting its presence at close to full quantity. Audiophiles also can go for a 10-speaker BOSE premium audio system, which is normal on the Exceed.
It’s a seven seater (the entry-level ES has simply 5 seats), but it surely’s price noting that the third row is simply spacious sufficient for toddlers. Having all three rows up cuts the boot area to simply 163-litres. Drop the again seats and also you’ll take pleasure in 478-litres.
You can even lay the spectacular second row down too. We are saying spectacular as a result of the center set of seats have near-endless quantities of legroom and headroom. There’s an extended record of security expertise as nicely.
This contains blind spot monitoring, brake help, lane departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise management and ahead collision mitigation.
Below the bonnet is a newly developed 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, which is ready to produce as much as 135kW of energy and 245Nm of torque.
These aren’t precisely probably the most exhilarating of figures however with the eight-step constantly variable transmission (CVT), the behemoth that’s the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire was in a position to safely merge and overtake with out a problem.
Do you have to want a bit of extra ‘punch’ in sticky conditions, the paddle shifters are responsive and straightforward to function. Gasoline economic system is rated a mixed 7.7-litres/100km for the 2WD Aspire, which we had been in a position to obtain with a stability of freeway and metropolis driving.
As normal in most trims, the Outlander is front-wheel-drive and we discovered it to be greater than ample for metropolis and nation driving. In case you’re a metropolis dweller who’s planning to cowl the odd free gravel floor and puddle, you don’t require all-wheel-drive.
Do you have to plan to be a bit of extra adventurous, you may choice the Outlander with Mitsubishi’s motorsport-derived Tremendous All-Wheel Management (S-AWC) system. It’s claimed to offer the optimum driving expertise in nearly each driving situation.
Regardless of the gargantuan measurement of the 2022 Outlander, it felt no bigger to drive than a small crossover. Torque steer was non-existent and the mass of the automotive was comparatively steady round tight corners.
The one criticism we had was the steering, which felt a bit of too gentle and disconnected round city. Nonetheless, in the event you’re upgrading from a hatchback or small crossover, you shouldn’t have any points with the Outlander’s bulk.
Parking was a breeze too due to the crisp rear-view digicam. In case you select the Aspire, you additionally get 20-inch alloy wheels as normal and a bunch upgraded inside expertise. In case you’re after one thing extra luxurious, the Exceed is the one to go for at $47,990.
The Outlander comes with Mitsubishi’s industry-leading 10/10 Diamond Benefit guarantee, which covers the automotive for as much as 10 years/200,000km, and contains 10 years of capped worth servicing.
Total, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire is a robust worth proposition and an awesome alternative for households. It’s nicely well worth the improve over the past technology with out query. With a brand new beating coronary heart and a contemporary inside, the Outlander is price a take a look at drive.
Our take a look at automobile was supplied by Mitsubishi Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire, contact your native Mitsubishi supplier.
