Even though production versions are long on sale in Japan, and soon to reach the US, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil an Outlander ‘Concept’ at the Paris motor show in September, previewing detail changes for European markets.
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The Mitsubishi model is now the best selling compact SUV in Japan (20,041 sales from October 2005 to May 2006) and will be launched in Europe during the first quarter of 2007.
“Outlander will allow Mitsubishi Motors to enter the fastest growing SUV segment (up 54% from 325,000 in 2001 to 500,000 in 2006 and with further 35% growth expected between 2006 and 2009), right in the heart of this sector,” the automaker said in a statement.
It added that the concept will also preview in Europe an all-new global C-segment platform engineered for world markets, plus advanced technology based on Mitsubishi Motors’ AWC (All Wheel Control) concept and proven through its motor sport activities.
The European version has a unique ‘Mount Fuji’ grille and is 4.64 m long.
The all wheel control drive system includes a ‘Lock 4WD’ mode.
The concept will have a 140Ps/103kW Volkswagen 1,968 cc, turbo-charged and intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Current models are 2.4-litre Mitsubish petrol engine-only and some sort of petrol option can be expected, too.
Japanese domestic market models have a new 2.4-litre petrol 16-valve DOHC engine with aluminium cylinder block and MIVEC variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves. This comes with a new six-speed CVT autobox with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.
US cars will get that new four plus, uniquely, a three-litre V6.
Available European model features likely will include a 650W nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, a ‘Hide&Seat’ third row for 5+2 accommodation, split tailgate and auto-folding function for the second row seats.
