GoMechanic
Use Code BLOG50 on the
app and get upto 50% OFF
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeFeatured ArticlesRemembering The Mitsubishi Outlander: A Global SUV For India

Remembering The Mitsubishi Outlander: A Global SUV For India

A Japanese company comes to India and becomes the best selling automaker in the country. Yes, I am talking about Suzuki which owns a major stake in Maruti Suzuki. Then, from the very same land came Mitsubishi. Pajero Sport and Lancer are one of the most well-known cars from the carmaker. There is one more, the Mitsubishi Outlander. A global SUV that Mitsubishi made available for Indians in 2008. Let’s find out what did the SUV offer at that time.

2008 – Mitsubishi Launches Outlander In India

Mitsubishi Outlander 2008
Mitsubishi Outlander 2008 | Source

The Outlander that came to our shores was the second generation. Outlander was launched back in 2001 in Japan originally known as Mitsubishi Airtek. Let us first take a look at the engine specs of this SUV.

Engine Specifications

Engine 2.4-Litre DOHC 16-valve MPI MIVEC
Power 167.67hp @6,000 rpm
Torque 226 Nm @4,100rpm
Transmission 6-speed Manual / INVSECS-III CVT
Max Speed 190 kmph
Wheel Drive 4WD

The powerful engine equipped with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system blended fuel efficiency with performance. It was mated to a 6-speed Manual transmission as well as a CVT as an option. The best part, it was equipped with Paddle Shifters. You read that right! Magnesium Paddle Shifters in the proximity of your fingers while you hold the steering. Put the car in sports mode and let the adrenaline rush begin.

How big of an SUV are we talking about?

Let’s take a look at the dimensions of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Dimensions

Length (mm) 4,665
Width (mm) 1,800
Height (mm) 1,720
Wheelbase (mm) 2,670
Kerb Weight (kg) 1,615
Ground Clearance (mm) 215
Min. Turning Radius (m) 5.3

With such a muscular stance and proportions, Outlander surely had an SUV statement. And with such a compact turning radius, Outlander was not meant to get confined in small spaces.

What are the safety features, Mitsubishi Outlander had to offer?

Mitsubishi Outlander EuroNCAP Crash Test
Mitsubishi Outlander Euro NCAP Crash Test

Safety Features

Multi-mode Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
HID Headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System
Dual Airbags
Head Impact Mitigating Trim (Pedestrian Safety)
Auto Door Locking System
Cruise Control
Collapsible Steering Column

Mitsubishi Outlander is one hell of an SUV with safety at its paramount. In 2012, Outlander scored a 5-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash testing. The carefully designed crumple zones and the RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) structure made sure that the occupants, as well as the pedestrians, are safe.

What were the comfort and Convenience features at offer?

Comfort/Convenience Features

Fully Automatic Air Conditioner
Rockford Fosgate Sound System
Multi-Information Display
Keyless Operating System
Independent Suspension at 4 wheels
All-Wheel Control
Cooled Upper Glove Box

In 2008, this SUV offered a lot more than the cars that were present in the Indian market. Mitsubishi Outlander missed Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but, hey! aren’t we talking about 2008?

The revolutionary All-Wheel Control (AWC) Technology!

Mitsubishi equipped the Outlander with this tech in which all the 4 wheels are controlled independently. With their experience of some of the world’s toughest Motorsports events such as Dakar offroad rally, Mitsubishi made sure that Outlander offers everything that can help in conquering every terrain.

But, why did the Outlander fail in India?

The Current Mitsubishi Outlander
The Current Mitsubishi Outlander

It was offered with a price tag of over ₹20 lakhs. Indians were not ready to spend this much amount on an SUV when companies like Mahindra and Tata were offering dirt-cheap SUVs although they were in no comparison with this SUV. It was later given a facelift and a new-gen also followed. It is still on sale in India but sadly, still no charm.

Take a look: Mitsubishi and Why the brand Failed in India?GoMechanic Blog on Google News

Ritvik Gupta
Ritvik Guptahttps://gomechanic.in/blog
Ex-Technical Content Developer at GoMechanic | Automobile enthusiast with a knack to decode it for everyone | Automobile Engineer by passion

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending Articles