[Auto] Mitsubishi Outlander 2021: Halfway between the present and the future

[#Steeven.™]

Eight years may not seem like many, but for the current installment of the Mitsubishi Outlander they have been too many. Especially if we take into account that it is positioned in one of the most contested segments of the market: that of mid-size SUVs. Throughout this long life cycle it has undergone several aesthetic updates and draft techniques. However, its plug-in hybrid heart has given it the strength to withstand all its rivals.

Be that as it may, development for a new Outlander was agonizingly delayed. This delay was due to the fact that Mitsubishi's finances were not going through a good time. However, its entry into the Renault-Nissan Alliance has given it access to the organ bank of its new parent company. In this way, several steps have been skipped to create this new iteration. Here's the proof that with a good foundation, you build a good car.

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander image leaked in late 2020

To talk about the aesthetics of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2021, just take a look at the post that we presented in December 2020. At that moment a series of photos escaped where we could see its appearance from all angles. Now we know that they are true and, above all, they confirm the good work of the Japanese firm. Especially when updating the Dynamic Shield aesthetic code and integrating it into the «I-Fu-Do-Do» concept.

Translating both issues to the Roman champion, we will say that it looks like the Engelberg Tourer Concept that they presented a while ago. The element, or elements, that most attracts attention are the optics divided into two levels. All have Full LED technology but the upper ones are for daylight and the lower ones for the rest of the functions. The grille is also new, flanked by chrome "fangs" and headlights.

Another aesthetic detail that draws our attention is the lower air intake of the front bumper. According to its creators, it is inspired by that of the Lancer Evolution X. If we turn to the side view, its taut and well-marked lines serve to differentiate various aesthetic elements. The glass-sheet ratio is favorable to the second, especially in the window, located between the «C» and «D» pillar. For its part, the alloy wheels are 20 inches.

They are integrated into well-proportioned wheel arches and protected by black plastic. Finally, we take a look at their rear. The new Full LED optics maintain the position of the current one, although not its design and order of the interior. Now they are more dynamic and come together in a simpler and flatter gate. This area is completed by a small upper spoiler or a cleanly designed bumper that integrates a discreet diffuser in the lower area.

 

Cozy and technological interior, but doesn't it remind you of another model?

Inside, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander gets more sensible. Just a glance at the dashboard to realize that its lines are similar to that of another model. Indeed, it is the new Nissan Rogue. And you may wonder why one and the other are so similar? Well, simple: the signature of the three diamonds is under the protection of Nissan and to save on development costs they have been inspired by the idea that they had already worked on.

This good sense collides with the originality of the exterior but not everything is going to be bad. The evolution with respect to the current one is remarkable, especially in terms of quality, equipment possibilities and active driving aids. Firstly, it stands out for the new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument panel. Your information is complemented by an unprecedented 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projected onto the windshield.

The center screen is also new. It is located in a floating position and depending on the finish it can be 7 or 9 inches. One of the successes of the creative team is in the climate control controls. They are those of a lifetime like the display to see the data. The rest of its appearance (transmission control or control of driving modes) and contrasts with the quality, at least visual, of the materials that dress the dashboard or its seats.

To protect the seven occupants that the Outlander can accommodate, it has MI-PILOT Assist. Among the aids that make it up is adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. Both are combined with the navigation system to adapt the speed before entering curves. It also has traffic jam assistance, traffic signal reader, smartbeam headlights, forward collision warning or blind spot control.

 

Powertrain shared with its Alliance cousin: the Nissan Rogue ...

The technical part of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has been anyone's guess until now. Those responsible for him do not confirm it openly, but it is a carbon copy of the new Rogue. As proof we have their new powertrain which, to our surprise, is not advertised as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. They limit themselves to indicating that under its hood it has a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline block and better performance than the previous one.

For its management it relies on an automatic transmission by continuous CVT variator with 8 simulated speeds. The performance of the set has not been announced, but it does not take a lynx to realize that it should be identical to the Rogue. Therefore, we are talking about 180 hp of power reaching the ground through the front axle (2WD) or all four wheels (4WD). In this case, it has the S-AWC dynamic control system.

As a novelty, the 2WD version has five driving modes for six of the 4WD. The selector, which is located in the lower area of the central tunnel, allows you to choose between: Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud. Another of the goodies that comes to the new Outlander 2021 is the AYC (Active Yaw Control) brake that allows to distribute the force between the front and rear wheels to provide better control in delicate situations.

The pity is that for now Mitsubishi does not announce when the PHEV version will arrive. This mechanic is chosen to be liked in markets like the US or Canada. Its arrival will take place in April and then it will reach other markets, but what seems certain is that we will not see it in Europe. We will have to be vigilant, although sharing the CMF-C / D platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, its adaptation would not be very complex.