Mitsubishi has been selling its Outlander, as a seven seater SUV in its international market. Moreover, the Japanese automaker showcased the 2013 Outlander at the Geneva Motor Show just a couple of days back, and this might just be the SUV for India. Sadly though, we have to wait another year for this 2013 variant to come home, as the company is planning to launch the Outlander in its home soil by late 2012.
As for now, the Japanese automaker has plans for India with the Outlander LX, which sells as a seven-seater crossover in the international market. Mitsubishi also favors the customers with a revised price tag of Rs 19.95 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi), about Rs 1 lac drop in previous price. Though the seven-seater Outlander, dubbed LX crossover, has a price drop of one lac rupees, Mitsubishi does not want it to be deemed as a stripped down variant, as no compromise is done with quality of features. The Japanese automaker recently launched the Pajero Sport SUV in India, and now with the Outlander decision, it seems Mitsubishi is warming-up the market before launching the small car it has planned, in collaboration with Hindustan Motors. Since the seven-seater variant is making its way to India, Mitsubishi will have to revise the price of the five-seater variant to avoid cannibalization.
With lots of seats to offer, the Outlander is very spacious, however, its comfort is a big question. The seats can be moved about in any manner to arrange increased boot space and accommodate extra luggage. To achieve this, Mitsubishi has added two extra seats to the existing five-seater variant. The 2013 Outlander crossover comes with 50:50 split seats in both the second and the third row, without compromising the third row with jump seats like the current seven-seater Outlander.
Feature-rich Outlander offers steering-mounted audio and cruise control, keyless entry, HID headlamps with AFS function, Adjustable headrests, front & rear seat belt anchor and heated leather seats. In addition, it sports remote operated side mirrors, two-speed variable intermittent windshield viper and washer system together with headlamp washer and automatic headlamp leveling device. For the driver’s assistance, there is a multi-information display unit inside the cabin, 4-way power driver seat, and power steering with tilt adjustable steering column and warm and cool upper glove box.
On safety end, the Outlander features ABS with EBD, collapsible steering column, Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body, power windows with anti-pinch system, child protection rear door locks, a theft protection device and front dual air bags have also been installed in the 2012 Outlander. Though one lac cheaper, there is no compromise done when it comes to safety.
Under the hood is the same 2.4-litre MPFI petrol engine borrowed from the 5-seater variant. This motor is capable of pumping over 167PS of power and 226Nm of torque. Mated to the gasoline motor is a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving the crossover a max fuel-economy of 10.3 kmpl. Mitsubishi has no plans for a diesel variant yet.
In the market, it will compete against Honda’s CR-V, Ford’s Endeavor and Chevy’s Captiva. Would you go for the less comfortable seven-seater variant, or wait another year for the 2013 Outlander.