Mitsubishi Outlander: quality in quantity
Until recently, fashion and demand for compact city all-terrain vehicles meant almost nothing for the "three diamonds" - with the exception of Pajero Pinin, the Japanese had nothing to offer to those who looked up to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or Land Rover Freelander.
Until recently, fashion and demand for compact city all-terrain vehicles meant almost nothing for the "three diamonds" - with the exception of Pajero Pinin, the Japanese had nothing to offer to those who looked up to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or Land Rover Freelander. Such an arrogant attitude to the market requirements did not slow down to affect the financial side of the business, and here, guided by the proverb "better late than never", the company brought to the European market its worthy answer to its competitors - Mitsubishi Outlander.
If you can't remember where you've seen it before, go through the car magazines for 2001 - that's when Mitsubishi exhibited its ASX concept car. Or pay attention to the Airtrek model, produced only for the domestic market - Outlander borrowed some features from her. But as a whole "Outlander" remains absolute "original" - to take at least the fact that it will be the unique new model of the company launched in Europe for last three (!) years. Being a crossover by its very nature, it, of course, will not be the first to break the usual frames of classes and segments. Even inside his brand. For example, in 1983 the first Space Wagon was both a minivan and a station wagon, and in 1998 Space Star became the first golf car of the class to claim microwave laurels. Here and Mitsubishi Outlander in 2003 represents a steep mix from the sports universal and the off-road vehicle, addressed to inhabitants of the big city to whom for uncertain reasons of personal character it is desirable to keep mobility despite road and weather conditions. If we go down from the highest spheres of market definitions and advertising proclamations to the simple inhabitant, he should start describing the charm of "Outlander", without moving away from the core values of the company. In fact, Mitsubishi managed to create a car that is not so "parquet" as it may seem at first glance.
Transmission
Transmission of the car with interaxle differential, lockable by viscoffer, allows it to have a constant all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution coefficient between the axles. This technological solution, derived from Lancer Evo rally models, is complemented by a completely independent suspension of all wheels. The use of McPherson-type front tines and a multilever system at the rear has made it possible to achieve almost easy handling at high speeds, eliminating the disadvantages of high ground clearance.
At the launch stage, this all-terrain vehicle will be available with three gasoline engines. The first of them will be psychologically important for the Europeans 2-liter engine with the index MPI, the basis for which was a "gallant" 16-valve valve. After modernization, the engine received a head with two camshafts and is now able to produce 136 hp and 176 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The other two engines will be a 2.4-liter unit with the abbreviation Mivec, which hides the company's system of gas distribution and valve lift control (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Control), and two-liter turbine engine, which is in fact only a slightly deformed version of the engine for Lancer Evolution VIII. The engines will be equipped with manual five-speed transmissions, and 2.4-liter engine - sequential "automatic" INVECS-II.
In Outlander the latest achievements in the field of active and passive safety of cars have found the application. It has a strong, rigid bodywork and a number of advanced security systems. A permanent four-wheel-drive system that provides increased traction and directional stability, anti-lock braking system (ABS), integrated with the electronic brake force distribution system (EBD), as well as a multilever rear suspension will help prevent traffic incidents. If an accident does occur, a powerful bodywork made of high-strength steel using Mitsubishi RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) technology; inflatable cushions working in combination with 3-point belts and adjustable head restraints for the driver and all passengers will provide reliable protection. In addition, an automatic door lock release system is used in the event of a collision. For the safety of the youngest passengers, Outlander provides lockable rear door locks, safety windows, and ISO-FIX child seat mountings.