The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander there’s a new twin-blade grille with black mesh insert and silver garnish and new front bumper as well as new rear bumper and new 18-inch alloy wheel design to set it apart from last year’s Outlander. There’s also a number of smaller specification upgrades across various models that we’ll go into detail later. What do you get?There are no shortage of Outlanders to choose from with 10 in the conventional range (with either a petrol or diesel engine) plus the plug-in hybrid line-up.
We’re driving the mid-grade LS equipped with the 2.4-litre petrol engine, continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. Standard gear includes a keyless ignition, auto headlights and wipers, a cargo blind, 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, digital radio, a reversing camera and dual-zone climate control. For 2019 there’s new leather-look seat trim for the LS. Safety is well covered with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems all standard. What’s inside?Aside from the new look on the outside there are a number of small changes to the interior of the latest Outlander. There’s an electric park brake for automatic models, rear seat air vents, one-touch power windows, four-way power adjustable seats and new seat cushions. They’re all minor changes that don’t make an obvious difference to the overall impression of the interior. Indeed the cabin design of the Outlander remains rather simple and plain. The saving grace of the Outlander is, and always has been, its space. The LS comes standard with a seven-seater configuration which makes it a good choice for families that need the added flexibility. Room in the third row is tight, but that’s understandable as the Outlander is a mid-size SUV rather than full-size, so it gives families the ability to carry family and friends for short trips when the need arises. Under the bonnetThe 2.4-litre petrol engine carries over from the old model, producing 124kW of power and 220Nm of torque. It’s a shame Mitsubishi focused primarily on the cosmetics of the Outlander as the engine could be improved. It does an adequate job, but nothing more. The combination of a naturally-aspirated engine with modest performance and a CVT makes for a noisy experience on road, especially under acceleration. Mitsubishi claims changes to the exhaust manifold have reduced noise but from behind the wheel it doesn’t feel that obvious. Fuel economy hasn’t been improved either with the engine still using a claimed 7.2-litres per 100km, which is behind the class-leaders but not dramatically so. On the roadMechanically Mitsubishi has tweaked both the suspension and steering for the 2019 Outlander. The steering now has a quicker rack that the company claims improves response and feel for the driver. The suspension features larger front struts and new rear shock absorbers to make it more comfortable. Has it worked? The good news is the updated Outlander is an improvement over the old model, feeling more responsive when you take a corner, and the suspension changes are aimed to help body control. Dynamically the Mitsubishi is still very much in the middle of the mid-sized SUV pack. VerdictIf you’re looking for a seven-seater option on a budget - the Mitsubishi Outlander on offer at Group 1 Mitsubishi is hard to beat. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD specifications Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol Power: 124kW Torque: 220Nm Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive Fuel use: 7.2L/100km Article source: https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/mitsubishi-outlander-ls-2018-new-car-review-119547
0 Comments
In its press material Mitsubishi makes much of the Pajero’s Dakar Rally-winning heritage of a record 12 victories, even though it hasn’t competed there in years.
But the marketing hype isn’t unjustified because the Pajero is still one of the “real” all-terrain vehicles in the market, rather than the ever-growing number of urban soft-roaders that aren’t necessarily designed to get their tyres muddy. Point this Mitsubishi at a rugged 4x4 trail and it has all the tools needed to plod through picturesque pastures and duel with deep dongas with minimum chance of getting stuck. A lofty 235mm ground clearance, a 36.6 degree approach angle (superior to rivals such as Prado, Pathfinder and Discovery), 25 degree departure angle, selectable all-wheel drive, low range, and centre and rear differential locks ensured that the long-wheelbase Pajero cruised through our steep and slippery off-road trail. The Super Select 4WD system also allows convenient shifting between two and four-wheel drive at up to 100km/h. The three-door SWB derivative (not tested here) has even better approach and departure angles of 34.8 degrees and 36.7 degrees respectively, but the longer five-door Mitsubishi Pajero LWB still has plenty of offroading ability along with a family-sized cabin. The 2015 model year range, in both short and long-wheelbase versions, features a number of cosmetic enhancements as the last upgrade on the current derivative before it’s replaced by the fifth-generation Pajero in about two years’ time. A minor facelift sees a grille and bumper restyled with LED daytime running lights incorporated into the headlamps, while other cosmetic tweaks include an upgrade from 17” to 18” alloy rims and a new spare-wheel cover. The headlamps get an auto-dimming function that switches from high to low-beam when encountering vehicles ahead. OLD-SCHOOL HANDLING Improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels sees the large SUV cruise along more quietly than before. Like its more direct rivals, the Toyota Prado and Nissan Pathfinder, the Pajero’s talents lie more in its ability to cruise comfortably over rugged trails, where its soft springs and fully-independent suspension deliver an impressively cushy ride that copes gracefully with bumps and ripples. On a smooth road the test vehicle displayed vibrations at certain speeds however, as if the driveshaft or tyres needed balancing. Comprising the SWB GLS, LWB GLS and the LWB GLS Exceed, all models in the simplified three-model Pajero range are powered by the existing 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine which runs on 50ppm or 500ppm diesel. There have been no tweaks under the bonnet and the 140kW and 441Nm outputs feel sufficiently gutsy to move this big SUV along at an easy gallop. It slightly out-powers the Toyota Prado 3.0’s 120kW/400Nm and is basically on a par with the Pathfinder 2.5’s 140kW/450Nm. The five-speed automatic transmission, while not having as many gears as some newer contenders, shifts smoothly and has a manual override functionality. Our test vehicle achieved reasonably economical consumption of 9.6 litres per 100km in mostly freeway driving, but it’s a much thirstier beast when off-roading. PRACTICAL TOUCHES The Pajero’s interior is also showing some “senior” moments, particularly the laughably old-fashioned “calculator screen” information display. Also, the door pockets are quite thin and difficult to access because there’s not much space to stick your hand between the seats and the doors. The steering adjusts only for height and not reach, which meant my knees touched the dashboard when I sat at my ideal arm distance. But that said, there are some practical touches in the Pajero’s passenger quarters too, for instance the expandable flap in the sun visors which allows you to block out the sun along the entire length of the side window. The extra-large storage bin between the front seats is a great feature too, as it takes heaps of clutter. Handy too is the third row of seats which turns the long-wheelbase Pajero into a seven-seater when needed, but folds out of sight into the floor when not. These rear seats stow away completely flat and don’t affect luggage space, because the spare tyre is mounted on the tailgate. In spite of the age factor this is a luxury-specced package and all derivatives come with modern niceties such as a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, voice control, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a radio/CD/MP3 touchscreen audio system with USB and Aux support. The range-topping LWB GLS Exceed, priced at R659 900, adds items such as a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, HID xenon headlights with washers, an electric sliding/tilting panoramic sunroof and a wood/leather combination steering wheel for an added touch of luxury. ABS brakes, stability control and six airbags provide the peace-of-mind, and the Pajero has a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. The price includes a three-year ort 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan, with service intervals every 10 000km. VERDICT The age lines are showing but the iconic Mitsubishi Pajero is still a vehicle you’d put on a shortlist for a continent-crossing cruise on a range of unfriendly surfaces. This Mitsubishi comes into its own where the road ends and adventure beckons - get behind the wheel at a Group 1 Mitsubishi dealership - book your test drive. FACTS Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Di-DGLS Exceed Engine: 3.2-litre, Four-cylinder turbo/petrol/diesel Gearbox: Five-speed automatic Power: 140kW @ 3800rpm Torque: 441Nm @ 2000rpm Top speed (claimed): 175km/h Consumption (claimed): 10.1 litres per 100km Warranty: Three-year/100 000km Service/Maintenance plan: Five-year/1000 000km Article source: https://givememoremitsubishi.blogspot.com/2018/11/pajero-still-old-school-suv-icon.html Mitsubishi has kitted-out its Pajero three-door 3.2DI-D GLS short wheelbase (SWB), as well as the long-wheelbase variant, with accessories that should keep it as fresh as possible, at least until the new generation arrives.
...the automaker calls it the Legend II. How do I work Bluetooth?! As a millennial I'd like to think that I have an inkling of how to navigate my way through a vehicle's infotainment system but I had never felt more out of place trying to pair my phone to the Pajeor's Bluetooth system. Ultimately it wasn't all that difficult... The USB port is hidden behind a latch in the cabihole, but though there is a feature for an auxiliary connection, no ports were found anywhere. If there is one, better get your expedition gear ready. The on-board computer gives all the relevant details drivers would require, but the digital layout is old and dated. The Mitsubishi Pajero SWB boasts an easy-to-use electric driver seat, heaters for both front seats, an electric sunroof, folding side mirrors, cruise control and headlight washers! Rear passengers may find the three-door configuration a bit of a hassle, because it's only the front passenger seat that makes provision for rear entry/exit. Showing its worth Yes, by no stretch of the imagination the Pajero Legend II SWB is undoubtedly one of the best off-roaders in South Africa today. During the test period I paid a visit to one of the off-road trails just outside Cape Town. It's a daunting experience going there for the first time, and a proper machine is needed to tackle the obstacles. After deflating the wheels to 1.0-bar I lined up at the start of the course and set off into the unknown. Engaging the various 4x4 settings is still done with an extra stick next to the gear lever and for every setting the gearbox needs to be put in Neutral. For the sand, I started off in 4x4H (default mode is 4x2). But as I ventured deeper into the unknown and the wheels spun a bit more than usual, I engaged 4x4HLc and the Pajero carried on as if the sand was not even there. At the first incline I positioned the SUV and set off, but experienced too much wheel spin and had to let the Pajero do a roll-back. If this had been a competition that would have been ten points gone! I lined up again, but this time elected to engage 4x4LLC. This mode deactivates the traction settings, but manages power to all four wheels for improved grip. I approached the incline and managed to scale it without any hassle. More inclines followed throughout the course and not once did the Pajero show any signs of finding something difficult. Navigating around bends and through tight spaces proved easy for this Pajero thanks to its short measurements. And with approach and departure angles of 34.8° and 36.7°, respectively, no obstacle could halt the progress this scallywag was making. Is it worth it? This 3-door Pajero GLS Legend II is as capable in the bundus as a champion mountaineer scaling Table Mountain. This SUV is as rugged as they come and when the overall persona of the Legend II is taken into consideration, then it starts making sense why Mitsubishi opted not to make it too modern. The Pajero needs to be robust, because it is just about the only true 4x4 left in SA. Mitsubishi is persevering with an offering that it knows is literally the last of a dying breed. But off-road enthusiasts will know that this vehicle is what's needed when you trade the city-life for bashing through wildernesses. It's the type of SUV you need when going away on a weekend to where it is near inhospitable for ordinary vehicles to travel. If a fun, weekend-vehicle is what you're after or if adventure is at the forefront of your existence, this SUV should be near the very top of your wishlist. This SUV is huge fun - find the Mitsubishi Pajero SWB, that suits your lifestyle and the adventurer in you, at Group 1 Mitsubishi today! Article source: https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/the-mitsubishi-pajero-legend-ii-is-one-heck-of-an-off-roader-20161103 |
Archives
December 2022
|