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Mitsubishi Launches All New Outlander

Published: Tue 7 Feb 2006 10:21 AM
Media Release
Tuesday, 7 February 2006
Mitsubishi Launches All New Outlander
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand has introduced their new SUV, the 2.4 litre MIVEC Outlander. In its first two months on the Japanese market, Outlander outsold its sales targets by 250 per cent - its value for money, fuel efficiency and outstanding performance the most notable customer feedback.
With fuel economy test figures of 8.6l/100kms the Outlander will be a real bonus for SUV lovers who have seen their wallets getting lighter as the price of oil continues to climb.
“We are really excited about Outlander,” said Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “It epitomises our brand; it’s a great looking vehicle, bursting with technology developed from a long history in top-level on and off road motor sport.
“It has fantastic fuel efficiency while still delivering the driving experience of a larger vehicle, and it’s very competitively priced.
“While there are three model specifications across the range LS, XLS and VR-X, the major technological features and efficiencies are standard but the models vary in trim,” said Mr Wilkins. “This vehicle replaces the Airtrek and delivers new technologies and excellent styling. It is also very environmentally friendly achieving emissions 75 per cent lower than required by the Japanese government.
“There has been unprecedented demand for Outlander in Japan and we anticipate it will prove equally popular here,” he said. “Due to that high demand our stock levels in New Zealand are initially going to be quite tight, but this will be resolved within a couple of months.”
Key technology features of the new vehicle include an electronically controlled, on-demand all wheel drive system with active stability control. The advanced AWD system is driven by a new fuel efficient 2.4 litre alloy MIVEC engine coupled with a CVT(continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6speed Sport mode .
The four wheel drive system draws on Mitsubishi Motors’ vast experience with this technology. A major advance is an electronically controlled coupling that allows drivers to change modes on the fly, switching from two to all wheel drive at the turn of a dial.
“Driving the vehicle in 2WD mode offers much better fuel economy, while the AWD options offer increased safety when required and the ability to get off the beaten track,” said Mr Wilkins.
There are two AWD selection positions; a full-time AWD option and an auto setting in which the vehicle instantly allocates torque to each of the individual four wheels according to their traction on the road surface.
At the heart of the fuel economy story, which testing shows at (8.62 litres per 100 km), is the new 2.4 litre MIVEC engine. Developing 127kW and 230Nm of torque, the new engine has an alloy block and makes extensive use of resin components to decrease weight.
A double overhead cam, with application of the MIVEC variable valve timing technology on both intake and exhaust valves, improves engine efficiency and contributes to the reduction in fuel consumption.
To further achieve fuel efficiency the CVT maintains the engine rev mode at an optimum speed, adjusting the gearing to suit. It is controlled by INVECS III, the latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s acclaimed fuzzy logic intelligent transmission control system. This also allows use of a six speed Sports Mode, enabling the driver to change gears manually.
Four wheel disc brakes are standard across the range and the XLS and VR-X run on wide footprint 18 inch wheels with 16 inch tyres fitted to the LS.
The styling of the vehicle builds on the Airtrek but introduces new design features including a split tailgate, one-touch automatic fold rear seats, improved safety engineering and an aluminium roof for reduction of the body weight and centre of gravity.
Interior space is generous with maximum rear leg room of 875 mm and maximum cargo space with the rear seats up of 882 litres and with them folded down of 1691 litres.
Access is easy with hip height seats and the driving position offers excellent forward vision.
The uncluttered, stylish dash gives a sporty edge. The instrument panel contains an easy to read speedometer and tachometer and the touch of a button gives a clear electronic screen display of all critical operating details.
A centre console carries the gear change, 2WD/AWD selector, hand operated park brake and an elbow-high, two level storage compartment.
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions front and rear, front dual-stage airbags and front dual seat belt pre-tensioners are standard throughout the range. Side and curtain airbags on the XLS and VR-X also contribute to the high safety standard set for Outlander.
Externally, the Outlander is marked by its eye-catching body styling, with roof rails on all models. Discharge headlights on the XLS and VRX are auto-levelling to compensate for load while levelling is manual on the halogen lit LS. LED rear tail lamps provide very bright rear lighting for following drivers.
Pricing for the new range is:
Outlander LS $ 34,990
Outlander XLS $ 38,490
Outlander VR-X $ 43,990
Outlander XLS
Outlander XLS (Click link to download image)
Outlander XLS
Outlander XLS Rear 3/4 (Click link to download image)
Outlander VR-X
Outlander VR-X Rear (Click link to download image)
ENDS

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