While Japanese parent company Mitsubishi Motors, the smallest partner in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, is apparently considering not joining the planned merger of Nissan Motor and Honda Motor, the South African subsidiary is forging ahead with its local product offensive.
Following the recent launch of the next-generation Triton, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has now expanded their compact SUV offering with the introduction of the new Outlander Sport subcompact crossover.
First shown in 2022 as a concept car named the XFC Concept and introduced overseas in 2023 as the XForce, the Outlander Sport is built on the same platform as the Xpander MPV and will replace the long-serving ASX locally.
Evolved Dynamic Shield
Much like the new Triton, the Outlander Sport incorporates the latest evolution of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design language and now consists of left and right bumpers that surrounds the front grille. The grille is three-dimensionally integrated to create a sporty façade and create a sense of depth.
The LED daytime running lights combine an L-shape with slotted accents to emit light in an iconic T-shape, making the Outlander Sport instantly recognisable as a Mitsubishi. The upper portion of the body conveys spaciousness thanks to a floating roof and a sleek side surface that starts with the three-diamond emblem up front and flows to the rear from there.
The lower part of the body adopts the solid proportions of an SUV, accentuated by beefy fender flares. Muscular surfaces combine with front and rear sculpted fender flares and character lines to express the dynamism of the SUV, and at the rear the same T-shape as used in the front is adopted for the LED taillights.
The Outlander Sport’s stylish and contemporary design has garnered numerous prestigious design awards including a 2024 iF Design award, a 2023 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion and a VMARK Vietnam Design Award. In addition, it was recently selected Best Compact SUV in the Arabian Car of the Year competition,
Sophisticated Interior
Similarly, the interior has a sophisticated aura, characterised by a modern design and the use of avant-garde materials – in stark contrast to the by now dated interior of its ASX predecessor. The instrument panel has been designed based on the Horizontal Axis concept and its dynamic form runs all the way to the door trim to create an open, spacious area.
In the top-of-the-range Aspire and Exceed models a large monolithic display panel integrates a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system. The screen, with multi-widget function, is divided into three sections allowing the display of various information on a single screen.
The GL and GLS models are fitted with an 8-inch version of this system, and the three-tier display pays homage to the triple meter fitted to the legendary Pajero, offering information including altitude, tilt angle and direction, as well as the freedom to customise the display with preferred content.
An 8-inch digital driver display offers a wide variety of content on a large screen. When the driver switches drive modes, a graphic in the centre of the display indicates the selected mode, making it easy to intuitively select the drive mode. The GL and GLS models feature a 4.2-inch multi-information display.
Contrary to its body size the Outlander Sport offers a roomy interior with versatile storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin. The front seats provide both support and comfort, and in the rear, designers paid careful attention to creating enough space for three passengers with best-in-class legroom. Eight levels of reclining adjustment accommodate a wide range of needs, including maximising the cargo carrying capacity.
For the first time in a Mitsubishi, a melange fabric is used for the padding of the instrument panel. This highly practical fabric exudes modernity and sophistication and is made up of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic resins which resist dirt adhesion, making it easy to clean.
Another innovative feature is Mitsubishi Motors’ first driving score function providing real world driver feedback, developed in conjunction with Hiroshi Masuoak, a former two-time Dakar Rally champion. Weblink allows users to connect their smartphone and project applications onto the large display.
Passenger comfort is ensured by dual-zone automatic aircon and a rear air vent. A console tray with wireless chargers and Type A and Type C USB ports facilitate charging of various mobile devices, and a hands-free power tailgate assists with easier loading of bulky items.
The top Exceed model is equipped with Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium, developed in collaboration with the Yamaha Corporation. This system includes eight speakers, and its volume and sound quality are adjusted according to vehicle speed. The system also offers four sound types – Lively, Signature, Powerful and Relaxing.
Frugal Drivetrain
While the ASX range is powered by the trusty 2.0-litre MIVEC engine delivering 110 kW and 197 Nm of torque, the new Outlander Sport receives the proven 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine offering 77 kW at 6 000 rpm and 141 Nm at 4 000 rpm. Paired to a highly efficiency CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) this engine is renowned for its low fuel consumption, quietness and efficiency.
The Outlander Sport is offered only with two-wheel drive but leverages Mitsubishi’s expertise with regards to off-road pedigree, bolstered by four drive modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud) which allow the vehicle to seamlessly handle a variety of road conditions. The ‘Wet’ mode is the first for a Mitsubishi Motors model.
Advanced safety equipment on the Sport includes Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All models feature driver and passenger airbags as well as seat mounted side airbags with a side curtain airbag added in the Aspire and Exceed models.
The GL and GLS models are characterised by black PVC with black stitching or a fabric grey interior with grey accents and ride on 17-inch wheels. Aspire models are fitted with the melange fabric with mocha stitching or synthetic leather with mocha accents. Additional specification includes 18-inch wheels and a drive mode selector with four modes. The Exceed also features the melange fabric with mocha stitching or synthetic leather with mocha accents.
Prices for the new Outlander Sport compares well with the pricing for the outgoing ASX, starting from R429 990 and going up to just under R500 000. An incredible in warranty claim rate of less than 1% has allowed Mitsubishi to offer customers exceptional warranty coverage on the new Outlander Sport, and all models are sold with a three-year/45 000km service plan as well as a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty as standard.
Text: Ferdi de Vos | Images: Mitsubishi South Africa
