Decent economy and price don’t outweigh awkward gearing and underwhelming dynamics

What is it?

Of all the facelifted 2011 Mitsubishi Outlanders this is the most interesting and, as it turns out, also the best. This is the first time Mitsubishi has offered front-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive, which brings the price down to a very competitive sub-£23k when in this trim, and it comes well equipped despite its entry-level status.

What’s it like?

Being the best of the new Outlanders is still a long way from best in class. The new Mitsubishi-developed 2.3-litre motor (not yet available in the Citroen and Peugeot variants) offer plenty of power but a combination of awkward gearing and uneven power delivery too often leaves you outside the narrow torque band. This means you end up changing gear more often (also not pleasant given the notchy shift) than in other better set-up cars.

See pics of the Outlander in action

Ride and handling is also below current class standards in Mitsubishi's big SUV. In isolation it's perfectly acceptable - there's enough grip that this front-wheel drive car should keep most people moving away from four-wheel drive happy, and there is appeal in its unpretentious nature, good economy, and roomy seven-seat interior.

But there's noticeably more torque steer and pronounced body roll than in any of the obvious rivals, and though ride quality is acceptable in most situations it rarely settles at higher speeds, even on motorway surfaces.

Should I buy one?

The Outlander is unfortunately one of those cars that, at one point, was recommendable but the class has moved on and the revisions here are not enough to bring it up to speed. Its on-paper merits fail to outweigh the real-world flaws, and with such accomplished competition as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Qashqai+2 available, the Outlander is unjustifiable next to the similarly priced rivals.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3 DI-D 2WD

Price: £22,799; Top speed: 124mph; 0-62mph: 9.7sec; Economy: 46.3mpg; Co2: 162g/km; Kerbweight: 1640kg; Engine type: 4cyl, 2268cc, turbodiesel; Power: 174bhp at 3500rpm; Torque: 280lb ft at 2000rpm; Gearbox: 6spd manual

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Mr£4worth 23 December 2010

Re: Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3 DI-D 2WD

Autocar wrote:

What is it?


Of all the facelifted 2011 Mitsubishi Outlanders this is the most interesting and, as it turns out, also the best. This is the first time Mitsubishi has offered front-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive, which brings the price down to a very competitive sub-£23k when in this trim, and it comes well equipped despite its entry-level status.


What’s it like?


Being the best of the new Outlanders is still a long way from best in class. The new Mitsubishi-...Read the full article

Was the front re- styled by a man wearing a blindfold?

jelly7961 21 December 2010

Re: Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3 DI-D 2WD

kcrally wrote:
is 'outlander' a real word

No. But Daihatsu Naked and Mazda Bongo Brawny are.
The Apprentice 21 December 2010

Re: Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3 DI-D 2WD

Mitsubishi have been on a different planet for years, overpriced, and slogging on with the ancient 2.0 VW PD engine, while the virtually identical Citroen had a great 2.2 unit. You could have a 2.2 Mitsubishi but had to pay a kings ransom for a top spec. one.

You can get a good nick Citroen Cross-Dresser for £10-14K with decent kit and engine.

To little, too late Mitsubishi management to not be committed by any clinical psychologist!

Absolutely agree about the 2WD version, don't bother get a well loaded S-Max for less