Mitsubishi is building its reputation as a manufacturer of desirable 4×4 vehicles with an all-new Outlander model joining its UK range in March 2007. This SUV-estate car crossover has five doors and seven seats. The flexible interior features a second row of seats that fold and tumble to create more load space, while the rearmost seats fold flat and are designed for occasional/child use.

The Outlander has a drivetrain that can be switched using a dial on the dashboard from two-wheel front-wheel drive to automatic four-wheel drive, with torque split between the front and rear axles according to conditions. The system can also be locked in 50:50 all-wheel drive for tackling off-road or very slippery surfaces.

At launch the Outlander will be offered with a 128hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, capable of 42.8mpg in combined cycle driving and emitting 174g/km of carbon dioxide. A 154hp 2.2 turbodiesel and all-new 168hp 2.4-litre petrol engine, developed by DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai, will follow by the end of 2007. Equippe, Warrior and Elegance grades will be available, with standard features including stability and traction control systems, a split tailgate and air conditioning.