Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced the
seven-seat Outlander CKD, introducing a new locally-assembled 2.0 AWD variant
to be sold alongside an updated 2.4 AWD CBU. The 2.0 AWD model carries an
introductory price of RM 139,988 (until the end of 2017), while the 2.4 AWD CBU
remains at RM 171,000.
The new base model has a 2.0 litre four-cylinder
engine that makes 145 PS and 196 Nm of torque, channeling drive to all four
wheels through an INVECS-III CVT gearbox. Yes, it’s the same powertrain from
the CKD ASX, which is also contracted for assembly in the same plant.
Comparatively, the Outlander 2.4 has 167 PS and 222 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel
consumption for the 2.4 AWD is 13.0 km/l, while the 2.0 AWD is marginally
better at 13.7 km/l.
Mitsubishi’s proprietary Multi-Select 4WD system
with three modes – 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock, operable via a button just
aft of the gearstick – is standard on the Outlander 2.0, making it one of the
most affordable 2.0 litre AWD SUVs in its class. In Eco mode, power is
primarily sent to the front axle for optimal fuel efficiency.
On the outside, it’s pretty much identical to the
CBU Outlander 2.4, save for the halogen projector headlamps (the 2.4 gets twin
LED projectors). The LED DRLs, LED combination taillamps, shark fin antenna,
reverse camera with guide lines and front and rear parking sensors are all
carried over from before. The 2.0 gets the same triple-five spoke 18-inch
wheels as the 2.4 model.
Inside, the Outlander 2.0 makes do with fabric seats
and loses out on the 2.4’s paddle shifters, sunroof, electronic parking brake,
auto-dimming rear view mirror, powered driver’s seat and powered tailgate.
Other than that, it gets keyless entry and start, auto headlamps and wipers, a
7.0-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and a dual-zone automatic
climate control system.
The middle row seats – with two Isofix anchors –
slide (by 150 mm) and recline to give more space for the third row. Mitsubishi
also claims best-in-class cargo capacity of 1,608 litres with both the last two
rows folded down. The full size spare tyre (alloy wheel) is externally stored
underneath the rear of the car.
On the safety front, the Outlander 2.0 AWD is
identical to the 2.4 with seven airbags, Active Stability Control, Traction
Control, Hill Start Assist, and Rest Reminder, which audibly alerts the driver
after driving for a certain number of hours. There’s also a new wide-angle
dashcam (170-degree view) and security safety film for all windows thrown into
the package.
The Outlander comes in three colours, Red Metallic,
Solar White and Ruby Black (predominantly black with a tinge of maroon under
sunlight) which is new and exclusive to Malaysia and available only on the 2.0
AWD. The CBU Outlander 2.4, on the other hand, keeps the existing Grey Metallic
option. A five-year/unlimited mileage warranty is standard, and bookings can be
made at all authorised Mitsubishi dealers nationwide.