This new Mitsubishi SUV will probably share the same platform as the new Nissan X-Trail.
The current generation Mitsubishi Outlander is, for all intents and purposes, a thoroughly adequate SUV. The only all-wheel-drive 7-seat (reasonably priced) SUV locally, the Outlander was a true go-anywhere family hauler.
Saying that, having been launched way back in 2012, it is starting to feel a little stale. Especially in the face of its newer, more technologically advanced opposition in this highly competitive sector of the market. Happily however, an all new Outlander is set to debut in the coming months. To once again allow Mitsubishi to compete on a level playing field with its contemporary rivals.
As Mitsubishi is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, it is unsurprising then that the upcoming Outlander will share its underpinnings with the all-new Nissan Rogue. Which for those who are unfamiliar, is the North American version of the X-Trail. Incidentally another car that hasn’t been updated locally for quite some time already.
Despite the shared platform though, judging from the spy shots and renders, the exterior design of the new Japanese SUV looks to be all Mitsubishi. A taller riding car than the prior generation, the Outlander will most likely still continue with Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ corporate front end aesthetics. Thus, a brash chrome grille finished with thin slit-like LED lights should be on the menu. Not to mention the prominent, boxy ‘crystal block’ LED position lights that cap off the front end design of nearly all Mitsubishis nowadays.
Moving down the side, a floating roof design, courtesy of a black D-pillar trim, contrasts nicely with the chrome trim running along the lower window line. Sculpted body lines and a subtle chrome strip on the rugged black plastic arch extensions add a little design flair to the side profile too. Sharp LED light clusters round the back meanwhile are reminiscent of those on the current Outlander.
On the subject of powertrain options, it would appear that the next generation Outlander will be ditching MIVEC power, in favour of a Nissan-derived 2.5 litre four-cylinder. Going by the power figures of the Rogue which features the same engine, this particular variant of Outlander is expected to output 188 hp and 245 Nm of torque. Nevertheless, the new Outlander will indeed feature an engine developed by the tri-diamond automaker in the form of a new PHEV powertrain. In the hopes perhaps of continuing the Outlander’s current success as one of the world’s best selling PHEVs.
No official details have been released by Mitsubishi Motors thus far. That said, seeing as the new Rogue has already hit the global market, conservative estimates put the launch of the petrol variant at least to be sometime in early to mid 2021, with the PHEV variant further down the line.
Moreover, there is no also no official word from Mitsubishi Malaysia about bringing this new model into the local market. If they do decide to bring it in however, let’s hope they bring it in sooner rather than later. And not sit around for a couple of years like what they have done with the local launch of the Xpander.
Spyshots courtesy of carbuzz.com
Renders courtesy of kolesa.ru
