Mitsubishi’s Outlander AWD wagon gets a heart transplant, with 20% more power gained through the introduction of a 2.4 litre SOHC four-cylinder MPI engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control).

The MIVEC engine employs a multi-mode variable valve-timing mechanism that incorporates a modulated displacement function. The MIVEC system regulates engine operation in three modes – low speed, high speed and MD (Modulated Displacement) – to match different driving situations. MIVEC engines produce higher output than a traditional fixed cam naturally-aspirated production engine and realises significant increases in torque across the full engine rev range, as well as delivering excellent fuel economy.

This engine was first seen in Australia a couple of months ago when the Company launched it in the recently released Grandis Active Recreation Tourer.

In ZF series Outlander guise the engine develops 120kW of power at 5750 rpm (up from 100kw at 5000 rpm) and 220Nm of torque at 4000 rpm (up from 205Nm at 2500 rpm). 95% of this torque is available at 2500 rpm.

The transmission is a four-speed automatic with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting capability and Mitsubishi’s acclaimed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’. Power is put to the ground through Outlander’s Lancer Evo derived full-time 4WD system with Viscous Coupling Unit in the drive train.

However, it is not only an increase in power and torque that is significant for the ZF Outlander. There are also significant design changes inside and outside in the new model line-up to freshen the overall look of the vehicle. Significantly, the ZF Outlander styling also partly benefits from being one of the first projects for the newly formed MRDAus engineering organisation that is not related to a locally produced vehicle in this country.

All models have new European design inspired frontal treatments with diagonal bars in the front grille, projector style headlamps, front and rear bumper garnishes, bee-sting style radio antenna, and large colour keyed rear spoiler with clear lens high mounted stop lamp. The rear tailgate has also been redesigned to incorporate a larger rear window and larger tailgate handle, while model badging has also been redesigned and relocated. The new look Outlander name has been moved to the lower left-hand side of the tailgate.

The entry LS model gets ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), rear disc brakes, roof rails (as per XLS), and revised tail lamp assembly as part of the exterior changes. On the inside the power window switch panels are now metal-look, the remote central locking device is incorporated into the key fob (all models), the driver’s side seat back now has a map storage pocket (all models) and the instrument meter cluster sports a white face.

The XLS gets front and rear fender flares, privacy glass on the rear doors, rear quarter and tailgate glass, a side sill garnish with colour coded inserts and revised red (previously clear) tail lamp assembly. Inside there is new decoration on the dash insert, chrome scuff plates on the front doors, chrome tailgate garnish and new seat fabric.

To capitalise on the increasing demand for sports luxury models in the market, the newly introduced VR-X model (available from September) is distinguished externally by darkened headlamp surrounds, 17” alloy wheels, clear tail lamps, striking mono-tone exterior paint treatment, unique badging and a chrome exhaust extension. Inside it has unique carbon fibre-look garnishes, chrome interior door handles, unique leather and suede seat trim, sports profile front bucket seats, VR-X embroidered carpet mats and a Fujitsu 10 Eclipse premium audio system. Finally, to cater for a more spirited drive the VR-X also has sports suspension tuning.

When added to Outlander’s already impressive list of standard features – dual airbags, side airbags (optional on LS), power steering, power windows, power external mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, full instrumentation, AM/FM radio with CD and six-speaker (LS four-speaker) audio unit, 6-CD changer (optional on LS), illuminated glove box, two-speed front wipers with speed sensitive variable intermittent setting, rear wiper with intermittent setting, and rear window demister –it is easy to see that Outlander is an impressive value-for-money package.

Other improvements include an increased alternator capacity (from 90A to 110A), larger capacity radiator, and an improved fan motor (from 80W to 120W).

The colour palette for ZF Outlander is White Pearl, Black Mica, Cool Silver Metallic, Wine Red Metallic, Effect Grey (new), and Code Red (new - VR-X only).

With the ZF upgrade, options for LS are now limited to a side airbag and 6-disc CD stacker pack at $1300.

XLS is available with an optional electric slide / tilt sunroof for $1,600

The upgraded LS and XLS models are available immediately, and the VR-X version becomes available in September. Pricing has been set at very competitive levels as follows:

•	LS	$32,490
•	XLS	$36,390
•	VR-X	$37,990

At these prices, and with the new styling and specification, the upgraded ZF Outlander represents a superior package of comfort, style, features and flexibility to suit the discerning buyer in the burgeoning compact SUV market.