It's taken some time to get here, but Mitsubishi's all-new Outlander has finally hit South African shores, ready to take on the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
The one challenge it'll face for now is that no diesel model is available at launch, although Mitsubishi promises that a diesel - along with a plug-in hybrid model - will become available at a later stage.
For now the new Outlander is only available in 2.4 GLS Exceed guise. Its normally aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine delivers 123kW at 6000rpm and 222Nm at 4100rpm. Mitsubishi claims a combined fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100km and a top speed of 195km/h.
Power is transferred to all four wheels through a CVT continuously variable transmission and multi-select permanent four-wheel drive system, which offers three driver-selectable modes: Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock-up.
ROOM FOR SEVEN
There's space for seven occupants in the new Outlander and the three-row seating arrangement allows for easy access through the simple fold-forward action of the rear seats. The second and third row can also be folded flat for those times when luggage is the priority.
Mitsubishi has specified this model to the hilt, with standard kit including leather seats (heated up front), dual zone climate control, cruise control, glass sunroof, electrically operated tailgate, automatic HID headlights and windscreen wipers as well as a touch-screen that links to a reverse camera and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system. An entertainment system is also in place for rear passengers, who can connect via wireless headphones.
The latest Outlander received five stars in EuroNCAP testing as is backed up by seven airbags as well as ABS and ASTC stability and traction control.
The Outlander 2.4 GLS Exceed sells for R429 900, which includes a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.
ALTERNATIVES
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 2WD AT (123kW/230Nm) - R330 300
Chevrolet Captiva 2.2D AWD (135kW/400Nm) - R454 300
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi 4WD (120kW/392Nm) - R517 900
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 4WD (147kW/436Nm) - R519 995