Test drive of the updated Mitsubishi Outlander
New limited edition, intelligent four-wheel drive on all modifications, accelerated multimedia - what has changed in the most popular Mitsubishi model in Russia
Black lean Mercedes smoothly takes to the right, gallantly freeing the left lane of the M4 "Don" highway to our Mitsubishi Outlander. The example of the "German" is immediately followed by a few more simpler cars. "Oh wow! - my colleague is surprised. - I drove a couple of months on a new smart "Chinese" of the same class. So at least someone would give in - either they simply ignore it, or, on the contrary, let it pass, so that then by all means catch up and show me the stern again, or even the middle finger. And here it is straightforward courtesy, as if at a tea ceremony. "
It is difficult to say what caused this discrimination. Stereotypes in relation to companies from the PRC, which from year to year stubbornly tighten up the design and quality, but still cannot throw off the shackles of the once stamps hung on them? Or maybe it's all about the most popular Mitsubishi model, which over the years has earned the status of “her boyfriend” in Russia? We can only say with certainty that they recognize him and, probably, even respect him. We got acquainted with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander and figured out what has changed in the car, which was probably last updated before the generation change.
There are only a few months left before the premiere of the next generation Mitsubishi Outlander, so the Japanese decided to leave all the revolutionary changes for him. The current model has been on the assembly line for eight years, and during this time the company has experimented so many times with bumpers, optics and other elements that it was decided to leave the 2020 model year unchanged.
However, the designers still got carte blanche to create a limited edition of the crossover called Black Edition for Russia, which will not dissolve among more than 150 thousand third Outlander driving on the roads of our country. Such a car can be distinguished by the chrome-plated black radiator grille and the lower trim on the front bumper. In the same color, the moldings on the doors, exterior mirror housings, roof rails, and special 18-inch rims are made. The interior was decorated with red stitching, decorative elements on the front panel and carbon-look inserts on the door cards.
Yes, and significant - the Mitsubishi Outlander salon of the new model year has undergone significant improvements. We started with the back sofa, which received softer backrest and cushions upholstery, and also acquired improved lateral support. As for the front seats, the driver now has an electrically adjustable lumbar support with an adjustment range of 22,5 millimeters. A modernized climate control unit appeared in front with rotary temperature controls that replaced the keys, as well as a new button for instant synchronization of zones.
Plus, the crossover received an improved infotainment complex with a touchscreen enlarged to 8 inches, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols, as well as the ability to watch videos from flash media. The brightness of the new touchscreen has been increased by 54%, and the response time to touch has been reduced.
The main technical innovation of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is only one, but very important. Now all four-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) with an active differential at the front and an electromagnetic clutch for connecting the rear axle. The electronics analyze data on the wheel speed, the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal, the steering angle and the position of the car based on the gyroscope.
Based on this information, the system brakes the inner front wheel to create a cornering torque, which allows you to more confidently enter corners at high speed without over-turning the steering wheel. At the output, the electronics increase traction on the rear wheels for a successful completion of the maneuver. There are four driving modes in total: Eco (quiet driving on asphalt), Normal (more dynamic driving), Snow (rolled snow or ice), and Gravel (gravel road or loose snow).
The S-AWC system really helps even an unprepared driver to bite into muddy turns, passing them with open throttle and almost flat wheels. One thing the Outlander doesn't seem to like very much is deep sand. After trying to leave the lane to the Oki beach, the clutch quickly overheated, and the electronics immediately began to choke the engine in order to prevent its total failure.
Yes, no changes were made to the range of engines. The base engine is a two-liter petrol "four", developing 146 hp. and 196 Nm of torque, and slightly more expensive options are available with a 2,4-liter unit, producing 167 forces and 222 Newton meters. Both engines work in conjunction with a Jatco CVT. The first motor is offered in combination with both front and all-wheel drive, and the more powerful one is available only for modifications with four-wheel drive.
At the top of the line is the GT version with a three-liter V6 engine that develops 227 hp. and 291 Newton meters, which operates in conjunction with the classic six-speed "automatic". The motor allows the crossover to gain a “hundred” in 8,7 seconds, and its maximum speed is 205 km per hour. Mitsubishi Outlander GT remains essentially a unique car in our market - no other SUV of this class in Russia has modifications with a six-cylinder engine.
Prices for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander start at $ 23, which is $ 364 more than the car before the upgrade. A crossover with a 894-liter engine and four-wheel drive will cost $ 2,4, and for a modernized Outlander GT with a three-liter six-cylinder engine, you will have to pay a minimum of $ 29.
In September, Russian sales of crossovers from the limited edition Black Edition will begin - such cars will be available with a two-liter engine and all-wheel drive based on the most popular trim levels Invite 4WD and Intense+ 4WD. The surcharge for special exterior and interior design will be $854. Thus, the cost of the Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition, depending on the equipment, will be $27 and $177.
