Think Mitsubishi and you tend to think of its World Rally Championship cars and their road-going rocketship equivalents, not of a car company fighting for its very existence. Mitsubishi has had a pretty hard time of late, a troubled period marked notably by the steady dilution and recent divestment of former owner DaimlerChrysler's entire stake in the company, and the announcement that Mitsubishi would be pulling out of WRC racing, at least until 2008.

However all is not doom and gloom. Mitsubishi has already embarked on a three-year revitalisation plan and the WRC hiatus was a necessary step in order for the company to apply laser-like focus on its core business of building road cars. The new Outlander is one of the first examples from the model onslaught stipulated by the revitalisation plan and so far at least, this renewed focus on product seems to have paid off.

The new SUV isn't as physically imposing as you might expect, given the actual size of the thing. Mitsubishi has given the car what appears to be a relatively narrow bodyshell, and very clean overall lines that help to disguise its bulk. The nose is a radical departure from that of the old car's shark-like affair, and the front treatment in general seems to be very much in keeping with the current Japanese SUV vogue.

You get a honeycomb mesh grille flanked by neatly sculpted headlamps (HIDs are standard) and a smooth, almost featureless bumper with a big central air intake and neatly inset fog lamp housings. The styling on the rest of the car is similarly restrained, and even the prominently flared wheel-arches come off as very subtle. There's a bit more flamboyance at the rear, with LED tail lamp elements set in rakishly sculpted smoked chrome surrounds.

DRIVING IT

There's very little to dislike about the way the Outlander goes. It's comfortable and behaves in a predictable car-like manner, especially commendable traits for something with a fairly determined off-roading bent.

The steering is nicely weighted, and offers a decent amount of feel. Turn-in is relatively free from the boat-like wallow that other SUVs tend to suffer from, with quick direction changes in general pointing to well resolved body control. Road noise is a bit too pronounced, however.

The newly-developed 2.4-litre engine develops 170bhp and 226Nm of torque. This powerplant uses Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing technology to enhance efficiency and proves to be very smooth, even under full bore acceleration. The Outlander's Continuously Variable Transmission is similarly creamy, and very responsive to boot.

The drivetrain is fairly quiet, too, no mean feat considering the apparent paucity of sound deadening insulation overall. 170 horses are enough to get the Outlander off the line in pretty sharpish fashion, and there's sufficient oomph to deal handily with the cut and thrust of everyday motoring.

In fact, in two-wheel drive mode, there's easily enough grunt to overcome grip from the front tyres out of corners. Or there would be if the Outlander's ASC or Acceleration Skid Control system didn't keep things in check.

To enhance the Outlander's sporty, determinedly lifestyle-oriented cred, Mitsubishi has also included an electronically-selectable four-wheel drive system. There are three modes available; for normal, economical on-road driving you have the option of selecting two-wheel drive. For added security in slippery conditions, a four-wheel drive mode where torque is automatically apportioned forward and aft when necessary is also available.

If you do decide to venture off-road, the Outlander also comes with a differential lock, the third mode, which ensures equal torque split between the front and rear axles, a must in muddy situations. All three modes are accessed via a rotary dial, located just behind the gear lever.

INSIDE IT

The Outlander is actually available in Japan with seven seats, although at the time of writing this option had yet to be confirmed for our market. Consequently, in five-seater guise, there's enough interior room to swing all manner of wildlife. Front seat occupants are particularly well-served, with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. You get dual airbags up front as well.

You can squeeze three abreast in the back row without too much complaint, and the seats themselves are very comfortable. They're upholstered in what appears to be a happy cross between neoprene and suede, with judiciously applied inserts of roughly textured cloth for added grip.

The dashboard is simply designed and everything falls quite neatly to hand. There are quite a few cubbyholes and storage spaces, including a double-decker glove box arrangement, all of which are hidden behind flush-fitting panels that help to keep the dashboard architecture clean and uncluttered.

Our "Luxury Edition" test car came with an integrated stereo with built-in CD changer, as well as a MiniDisc player. The "Premium Edition" Outlander comes with a factory-fitted Rockford Fosgate sound system. Build quality looks pretty satisfactory, and most of the materials and controls feel quite solid.

The boot is large, and that's with the rear seats in place. Fold them forwards and you liberate a truly vast load area. The folding operation can be effected electrically - two switches release catches on either end of the 60:40 split folding rear bench, and powerful springs do the rest, folding the seat backs down and tumbling the whole assembly, squabs included, forwards. The slight downside is that you do need to apply a fair bit of effort against the spring action to return the seats to their original position.

Dollars and Sense

Local distributor Cycle & Carriage has given the indicative pricing for the "Luxury Edition" model tested here as $98,000 with COE. Look to add about $12,000 if you're after the "Premium Edition" variant, which comes with options like the special sound system, an extra two side airbags as well as electric seats and leather upholstery.

Verdict

You do get a fair amount of car for the money, it's a comfortable drive, and a very competent one to boot. You also get a ton of space so it's great if you're constantly having to haul plenty of stuff around. Most importantly, though, the Outlander, as a new product from a company that's working hard to reinvigorate itself, looks like a step in the right direction.

Need to Know

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 (A)
Engine type: 2,359cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power: 170bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 226Nm at 4,100rpm
Gearbox: CVT
Top speed: 180km/h
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds
Price: TBA
Warranty: TBA
Contact: Cycle & Carriage Automotive at 6473-9722

Similar Cars We Have(n't) Driven

Toyota RAV4 2.4 (A) $89,988 with COE
The new and improved RAV4 is about as big as the Outlander and promises to have just as versatile an interior. The new Toyota is also packed with equipment like a trick electronically controlled four-wheel drivetrain. Our verdict next issue.

Subaru Forester 2.5 XT (A) $93,500 with COE
The new Forester packs a turbocharged 230bhp punch and full-time four-wheel drive. It offers a terrific blend of fearsome performance and great utility, but the Outlander is the more spacious and comfortable car overall.