The Mitsubishi Outlander, a mid-sized SUV now in 3rd generation mode, gone is the previous generations literally outlandish styling and in is a more serious and composed look. Mitsubishi has clearly gone for an aerodynamic profile and at first sight it all looks rather too discreet, but discreet is sophistication and the new Outlander’s exterior styling is change in the right direction. Its all change on the inside too, the styling is just as restrained but with flickers of contemporary touches. The simpler and relatively refined interior, in GX5 trim, features leather clad seating, a mix of soft and hard plastic surfaces with flashes of piano black and carbon-fiber effect trim. This isn’t a premium feel but that’s not to say the Outlander feels shabby in the slightest. The environment is spacious, comfortable, solidly put together and is a good place to spend if your journey is long, although the touch screen interface software and DAB radio are a little clunky and dim-witted to operate. Whilst the touch screen interface was one brick short of a full software re-boot, the Outlander’s seven seat configuration offers that all important, family orientated, flexibility. We cant ignore the boot space, its big with the seats up and cavernous with the seats folded down flat. And those third row seats are child friendly yes but can just about accommodate an average sized, albeit flexible, adult. The second row seats also slide forward and back to aid access and increase third row leg room without causing too much discomfort either way. The Outlander is available in three trim levels, GX2/3 and GX4 with around 14 model derivatives to choose from. Two engines are available, the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol/gasoline engine which is twinned with a hybrid powerplant and the 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-diesel. The diesel engines are mated to a 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid-petrol features an automatic transmission only.

“The ride and handling doesn’t matter so much, nor does the steering feel, all are competently well judged and while these two factors lie at the top of every motoring journalists wishlist, in the real world the consumer has different factors too consider, and who the hell listens too motoring journalists anyway. Ahem”.

Prices start at around £25k for the entry level Outlander GX2 and range up to £40k for top spec GX4 hybrid versions. The GX5 trim on test came fully loaded with kit, DAB radio, kicking stereo system, lane departure warning, cruise control and Sat/Nav, the list goes on. The ride and handling  isn’t going to win over the motoring press community who want every test vehicle to handle “like its on rails”. Our advice is always ignore the over-hyped motoring press banner headlines, in truth the ride and handling is well judged, nothing spectacular, but it does the job safely and competently, making you feel in charge of your ship. The 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel is a strong performer, a little clattery at idle, not overly so, and a little harsh under acceleration but this smooths away to a slight burble when up to cruising speed. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine emits 147bhp and 380Nm of torque, when combined with the automatic gearbox this provides more than enough power, gear are shifts are smooth and progressive. The Outlander has undergone a weight saving program, as much as 130kg has been shed, some of it from using lighter materials on the engine which now also more efficient. The use of stop & go technology and an on board eco-mode function, which regulates the use of ancillary devices, means economy is boosted just that little bit further. All of this attention to detail allowed the Outlander to average an impressive 52mpg on a combined run. The Outlander comes with 4WD and low speed diff settings as standard on the diesel range, the antiquated analogue 4WD-levers of the previous generation are out and in its place is a rotating dial that digitally select’s the desired 4WD mode of which four settings are available. All in all the new Outlander packs in a discreet looking but radical overhaul of the previous generation Outlander, everything from the ground up feels refreshed. But its fair to say competition from the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V has also moved forward, but not too far ahead for the Outlander to be overlooked or overshadowed. This is a solid family friendly, off road officer and on road gentleman SUV, its definitely game on.