Mitsubishi Outlander
For the vehicle known in the United States as the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, see Mitsubishi RVR.
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Mitsubishi Outlander
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Overview
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Manufacturer
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Mitsubishi Motors
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Also
called
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Mitsubishi Airtrek (2001–05)
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Production
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2001 – present
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Designer
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Olivier Boulay (Outlander)
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Body and chassis
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Class
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Crossover SUV
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Body style
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4-door SUV
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Layout
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Front engine, front-/four-wheel
drive
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The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-size crossover manufactured by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek when it was introduced in Japan in 2001, and was based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept vehicle exhibited at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. It was sold at Mitsubishi Japan dealership chain called Car Plaza. The ASX (Active Sports Crossover) represented Mitsubishi's approach to the industry wide SUV trend for retaining the all-season and off-road abilities offered by a high ground clearance and four-wheel drive, while still offering car-like levels of emissions, economy and size.
The original Airtrek name was chosen to "describe the vehicle’s ability to transport its passengers on adventure-packed journeys in a 'free-as-a-bird' manner", and was "coined from Air and Trek to express the idea of footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure." The Outlander nameplate which replaced it evoked a "feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of adventure."
The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2006 and all markets including Japan adopted the Outlander name, although production of the older version continued in parallel. It was built on the company's GS platform, and used various engines developed by Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and PSA Peugeot Citroën. PSA's Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007, which are manufactured by Mitsubishi in Japan, are badge engineered versions of the Outlander.
First generation
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First generation
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Overview
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Also
called
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Mitsubishi Airtrek
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Production
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2001–08 (Airtrek)
2003–06 (Outlander)
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Assembly
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Okazaki, Aichi, Japan (Nagoya Plant)
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Body and chassis
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Platform
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U2W/CU4W/CU5W
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Related
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Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Grandis
Mitsubishi RVR
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Powertrain
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Engine
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4G63 2.0 L DOHC I4
4G64 2.4 L DOHC GDI I4
4G63T 2.0 L DOHC I4
turbo
4G69 2.4 L I4
(Outlander)
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
'4-/5-speed INVECS-II semi-auto
4-speed
5-speed
(turbo)
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase
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2,625 mm (103.3 in)
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Length
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4,410 mm (173.6 in) (Airtrek)
4,545 mm (178.9 in) (Outlander)
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Width
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1,750–1,780 mm (68.9–70.1 in)
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Height
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1,540–1,585 mm (60.6–62.4 in)
(Airtrek)
1,605–1,685 mm (63.2–66.3 in)
(Outlander)
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Curb
weight
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1,605–1,745 kg (3,538–3,847 lb)
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The Airtrek was first introduced to the Japanese market on June 20, 2001, priced from ¥1.7–2.3 million. It offered a choice of either a 126 PS (93 kW) 4G63 2.0 L or a 139 PS (102 kW) 4G64 2.4 L GDI, mated to a standard INVECS-II 4-speed semi-automatic transmission. Both front- and four-wheel drive were available. The four-wheel drive version uses open differentials for the front and rear axles, with a viscous coupling unit for the center differential. A high performance model, using a detuned version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's 4G63T 2.0 L I4 turbo, was introduced in 2002. The engine produced 240 PS (180 kW) and 343 Nm (253 lbft), although in export markets the Outlander version's output was reduced to 202 PS (149 kW) and 303 Nm (223 lbft). The return of four-cylinder engines under 2.0 liters offered Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, however, the exterior dimensions exceed Japanese regulations for the "compact" designation.
The Outlander arrived in 2003 in North America, replacing the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, with a modified front grille and headlights which increased the overall length by approximately 130 millimetres (5.1 in), and the two models were manufactured in parallel thereafter. It shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Grandis, also introduced in 2003. A version of the 4G64 powerplant was offered first, while a 4G69 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC I4 producing 120 kW (160 PS) and 220 Nm (160 lbft), and the turbocharged 4G63T appeared in 2004. All had the option of front- or four-wheel drive.
In several South American markets it was known as the Montero Outlander, to benefit from an association with the strong-selling Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Second generation
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Second generation
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Overview
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Production
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2006 – 2013
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Model
years
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2007–2013 (North America)
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Assembly
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Okazaki, Aichi, Japan (Nagoya Plant)
Born, Netherlands (NedCar)
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Body and chassis
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Platform
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Mitsubishi GS platform
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Related
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Mitsubishi Lancer
Citroen C-Crosser
Peugeot 4007
Mitsubishi RVR
Mitsubishi Grandis
Dodge Caliber
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Powertrain
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Engine
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4B11 2.0 L DOHC MIVEC I4
(Japan, New Zealand)
4B12 2.4 L DOHC MIVEC I4
6B31
3.0 L SOHC MIVEC V6
VW 2.0 L TDI
PSA DW12 2.2 L HDI
4N14 2.3 L Di-D MIVEC
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed INVECS-III semi-auto
6-speed twin-clutch transmission
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase
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2,670 mm (105.1 in)
2008-09 (International): 2,830 mm
(111.4 in)
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Length
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2006-07 (International)/2007-09
(US/Canada): 4,640 mm (182.7 in)
2008-09 (International): 4,765 mm
(187.6 in)
2010- (International): 4,665 mm
(183.7 in)
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Width
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1,800 mm (70.9 in)
2008-09 (International): 1,795 mm
(70.7 in)
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Height
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2006-07 (International)/2007-09
(US/Canada): 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
2008-09 (International): 1,655 mm
(65.2 in)
2010-: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
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Curb
weight
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1,589–1,720 kg (3,503–3,792 lb)
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On October 17, 2006, Mitsubishi launched the second generation model, dropping the Airtrek in Japan in favour of adopting the global name. It features a new DOHC 2.4 L 16-valve MIVEC engine; INVECS-III continuously variable transmission (CVT), Mitsubishi's AWC system which features electronically controlled four wheel drive and stability control, on a stretched Mitsubishi GS platform. The North American version, powered by a newly designed 6B31 3.0 L V6 SOHC MIVEC was shown in April 2007 at the New York Auto Show prior to its release in October the same year. Due to the availability of a V6 engine, Mitsubishi returned to offering a shorter version of this vehicle, and reintroduced the Mitsubishi RVR February 17, 2010. The usage of a four-cylinder engine under 2.0 liters offers Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, which has tax advantages, giving buyers the ability to purchase a vehicle capable of seating seven people without paying the tax penalty of a larger engine.
The Outlander, which features Mitsubishi's RISE safety body, received a four star rating from the Euro NCAP car safety performance assessment programme. One of its unique features is something Mitsubishi calls a "Flap-Fold Tailgate"; it is a two-piece tailgate integrated into the rear bumper that folds down for easy loading, while serving as a bench when the tailgate is open, able to accommodate up to 400 pounds.
In its home market of Japan it was the best-selling SUV from October 2006 to March 2007, while in the U.S. market it achieved 1,694 and 2,108 sales in November and December 2006, the first two full months it was available; Mitsubishi ultimately hopes for at least 4,000 sales per month in the United States, and after the cancellation of the Mitsubishi Grandis in model year 2011, the Outlander is now Mitsubishi's only MPV capable of carrying seven passengers with all wheel drive. In Chile, where both generations were on sale simultaneously, the new model was badged Outlander K2.
Increased demand for the new Mitsubishi Lancer, and the consequent effects on the capacity of the company's Mizushima production facility, have obliged Mitsubishi to reassess production of the Outlander. In September 2007, they announced that from 2008, production of European market Outlanders would be transferred from Nagoya to its NedCar plant in the Netherlands, while the Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 would have their production transferred from Mizushima to Nagoya.
The model was facelifted for the 2008 model year, although the 2007 grille carried over in the United States and Canada for 2008-09 until another facelift in the 2010 model year.
At the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company displayed a Mitsubishi Evolander (now known as Mitsubishi Outlander Ralliart) concept, powered by a 240 kW (330 PS) supercharged version of the vehicle's 6B31 V6 engine and equipped with suitably uprated suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, body kit and interior. A second show car, an Outlander GT Prototype with a front grille based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, was exhibited at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, and formed the basis of the facelifted model introduced in late 2009.
Along with a major facelift for the 2010 model year, the top end Outlander XLS (GT in the US) introduced a new colour MFD dashboard display and the Mitsubishi S-AWC AWD system. The lower trims retain the previous MFD and the less advanced AWC AWD system. Likewise, the interior was also slightly revised to incorporate leather into the dashboard trim and doors.
Gallery
Third generation
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Third generation
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Overview
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Production
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2012 – present
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Model
years
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2013 – present
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Assembly
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Okazaki, Aichi, Japan (Nagoya
Plant), Kaluga, Russia (PCMA Rus)
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Body and chassis
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Platform
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Mitsubishi GS platform
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Powertrain
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Engine
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2.0L 4B11 I4 (PHEV)
2.0L 4J11 I4
2.4L 4B12 I4
2.4L 4J12 I4
2.2L 4N14 TD I4
3.0L 6B31 V6 (USA)
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
CVT
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase
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2,670 mm (105.1 in)
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Length
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4,655 mm (183.3 in)
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Width
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1,800 mm (70.9 in)
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Height
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1,680 mm (66.1 in)
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Curb
weight
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1,395–1,820 kg (3,075–4,012 lb)
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Mitsubishi unveiled the third-generation Outlander at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production version of the Outlander was debuted in Russia in July 2012, and was introduced in other European markets in September 2012.
Plug-in hybrid
The third generation includes a plug-in hybrid variant, called P-HEV, and its production version was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The plug-in hybrid has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC gasoline engine and the electric powertrain is derived from the electric systems used on the Mitsubishi i MiEV. According to Mitsubishi its 300V 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers an all-electric range of 60 km (37 mi) with a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). Mitsubishi's target was to achieve a combined fuel economy for the Outlander P-HEV in charge-depleting mode of 67 km/liter equivalent, or about 157 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Fuel economy in hybrid mode is 44 mpg-US (5.3 L/100 km).
Sales began in Japan by late January 2013, becoming the first SUV plug-in hybrid in the market. Retail prices vary from ¥3,324,000 (US$36,650) to ¥4,297,000 (US$47,380). The European version was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and was slated be released for retail sales in July 2013. The European version is similar to the Japanese model except for minor adjustments to comply with EU requirements, and Mitsubishi expects an emission rating of 44 g/km. Sales in Australia were originally scheduled for June 2013. The introduction in the United States was initially scheduled for January 2014. Due to the initial production battery problems, European deliveries to retail customers started in October 2013, beginning by the Netherlands and followed by the Nordic countries. The introduction in the United States was delayed until 2015.
Sales
As of April 2014, over 25,700 units have been sold worldwide, with Japan as the leading market with 13,498 units sold, followed by Europe with over 12,200 units, up from 8,197 units delivered in 2013. As of April 2014, European sales are led by the Netherlands with 10,951 units, Sweden with 623 units, and Norway with 622.
The Outlander P-HEV ranked as the top selling plug-in car in Europe for November 2013 sales, and also ranked as the world's top selling plug-in electric car that month. Sales of the Outlander plug-in version represent 13.2% of the SUV global sales during the first eleven months of 2013.
The Outlander P-HEV topped the Swedish monthly ranking of new car sales during November 2013, representing a market share of 6.8% of new passenger cars sold that month, and for the first time in the country, a plug-in electric vehicle was listed as the top selling new car. In December 2013, the Outlander plug-in hybrid ranked again as the top selling new car that month in the Netherlands, representing a 12.6% market share of new car sales. Dutch sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander P-HEV reached the 10,000 unit milestone in April 2014. The Outlander P-HEV leads total registrations of the plug-in electric car segment in the Netherlands as of April 2014.
Battery incident
In March 2013 Mitsubishi Motors reported two separate incidents with lithium-ion batteries used in two of its plug-in electric cars. The lithium-ion battery of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV all-electric car caught fire at the Mizushima battery pack assembly plant on March 18 while connected to a charge-discharge test equipment. In March 21 the battery pack of an Outlander P-HEV at a dealership in Yokohama overheated and melted some of the battery cells, after the vehicle had been fully charged and stood for one day. Nobody was injured in either incident. The battery packs are produced by GS Yuasa, the same company that supplies the batteries for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, whose entire fleet was grounded in January 2013 for battery problems. Mitsubishi did not issue a recall but halted production and sales of the two models until it determines the causes of the battery problems. The carmaker advised the 4,000 owners of the Outlander plug-in hybrid to drive only on gasoline mode for the time being. On August 19, 2013, after changing a production process to avoid damaging any batteries, Mitsubishi restarted production of the Outlander plug-in hybrid.
Reception
The Outlander P-HEV was selected as one of the top five finalists for the 2014 World Green Car of the Year. The winner will be announced on April 17, 2014 at the New York International Auto Show.
Annual production and sales
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Year
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Production
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Sales
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Airtrek
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Outlander
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Airtrek (Japan)
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Airtrek (export)
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Outlander (Japan)
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Outlander (export)
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2001
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21,245
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-
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19,160
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601
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-
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-
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2002
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68,431
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-
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14,132
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45,845
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-
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7,060
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2003
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77,331
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-
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7,427
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7,917
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-
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60,512
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2004
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60,817
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-
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3,198
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320
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-
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56,997
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2005
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49,596
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21,173
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1,030
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302
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18,919
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48,822
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2006
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31,326
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81,883
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10
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248
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16,734
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91,693
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2007
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10,857
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170,084
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-
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-
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11,194
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157,292
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2008
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5,714
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129,383
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-
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-
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6,531
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115,849
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2009
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-
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98,718
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-
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-
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7,638
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89,919
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2010
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-
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124,345
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-
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-
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6,852
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116,672
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2011
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-
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96,261
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-
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-
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4,249
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93,828
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2012
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-
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105,995
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-
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-
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8,439
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95,305
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(sources: Facts& Figures 2005, Facts &Figures 2009, Facts & Figures2013, Mitsubishi Motors website)
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Last updated on 16 August 2013 at 01:03.
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Last updated on 16 August 2013 at 01:03.
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