We decided to test the new Mitsubishi Outlander in mud conditions. This time I tested the car not alone, but with a group of colleagues, so the test drive can definitely be called "family".
We leave the garage on the new Outlander and literally immediately smile at the radio ad: some girl asks to tell how Outlander defeats the wolf and saves Little Red Riding Hood. Strongly said. But we are a writing brethren, let us metaphorically imagine wolves in the face of pits, potholes, mountains and hollows, because Outlander still belongs to the clan of crossovers worthy of a test drive in the mud off the road.
You still need to get to the mud, since February in Krasnodar turned out to be quite spring - the sun was shining on the street at 15 degrees Celsius. We are going to the district of Abrau-Durso. There, they say, there are places for mud baths.
And this is wonderful: we will have the opportunity to test the car on asphalt, along the serpentine road in the vicinity of Lake Abrau and through bumps and dirt in the forests near Novorossiysk.
On the highway
We are driving along a spacious highway where the new Outlander feels great. It is worth noting the average fuel consumption, which ranges from 9-10 liters per 100 kilometers. When using the climate system, consumption increases slightly, but not so much. For such a motor and car class - a decent result.
Under the hood of the new Mitsubishi Outlander is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 146 “pre-tax” horsepower. As a transmission, a CVT is installed here.
This power unit is more than enough even for quite aggressive driving on and off the track. We did not spare the car. Since I called myself a cargo, so climb into the back, as they say. If your heart beats faster than other drivers, you can choose a modification with a 2.4-liter engine or even with a 3.0-liter engine.
Off road
Someone might say that the Mitsubishi lineup has real SUVs, while our war horse is not one of them. It would seem that the car has impressive overhangs both in front and at the stern, which should negatively affect its ability off-road. Here lies the main mistake of a cursory glance from the side. In fact, the crossover has a very, very good geometric cross. Outlander mud baths aren’t scary; the owners of these cars will probably agree with me.
Plus, all-wheel drive, which not only connects the rear axle when the front wheels begin to slip, but also works when the gas pedal and aggressive taxiing are active.
The clearance of the Mitsubishi Outlander is an impressive 215 mm. With the angles of exit and entry no more than 21 degrees, the car feels off-road very convincingly.
What is the difference
Outwardly from the previous generation, the car is distinguished by bumpers, a radiator grill, optics and rims. This is at first glance.
In fact, there are many more changes. There are also new door linings, and LED light. In the cabin in the back row there was a USB port, air conditioning system ducts, and new seats with more impressive lateral support were installed in front. There was a backlight for the mirror adjustment buttons and power windows, which received automatic mode. In general, work was carried out in accordance with the wishes of customers, owners of the dorestyling Outlander.
Sound insulation has also been improved. This is very noticeable in the front of the car, where the noise of the engine and the impact of gravel on the wheel arches have become less noticeable.
Salon
There is enough space in the car. If you are not Shaquille O'Neill or Nikolai Valuev, then you probably will not complain about the tightness. The luggage compartment is also impressive, which when folding the rear row of seats increases from 477 to 1640 liters and has a low loading threshold. It is very convenient.