| The Outlander Sport is Mitsubishi's entry into the small SUV segment, and while the market is a crowded one, the Sport offers both reasonable performance and great list of standard features. With all-wheel drive and seating for five adults, it's a competitive alternative to the Kia Sportage, Nissan Juke, Honda CR-V or Ford Escape. |
| All new for 2011, the Outlander Sport is the new entry-level small SUV from Mitsubishi. Although much of the mechanical structure comes from the already established and larger 7-passenger Outlander, the Sport features all-new styling, with much shorter front and rear overhangs that help equate to a 400-lb weight savings over its larger cousin. The front end features Mitsubishi's characteristic large grille, much like the one used on the Lancer Evolution, along with a taller beltline and standard rear spoiler-the company claims it has the lowest coefficient of drag of any of the small SUVs in its class.
The only available engine for 2011 is a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder. Mitsubishi used their MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) technology, resin-coated pistons and smooth-surface camshafts to help to reduce friction and therefore increase fuel efficiency. The engine's rated at 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, features an estimated combined fuel economy of 27 mpg for 2-wheel drive versions and 26 mpg when fitted with all-wheel drive.
Two trim levels are available: the base ES and the top-line SE. Each employ front-wheel drive standard, while all-wheel drive is available. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the ES, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. The CVT is standard on the SE, featuring steering wheel-mounted paddles that, when in manual sports mode, can mimic a 6-speed automatic and give a feeling of increased responsiveness. For 2011, the manual transmission has been given updated synchros and different gear ratios, giving increased efficiency as well as better performance.
The electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system, known as AWC, has also been adapted from the Outlander, although with lower-viscosity oil to increase fuel economy and a revised torque distribution calibration for snow, sand and ice.
Front airbags are standard for both driver and passenger, as well as front side-impact airbags and air curtains and a knee airbag for the driver. Additional safety features include active front seat headrests, seatbelt pretensioners and 3-point belts for all occupants. A new energy-absorbing front bumper has been added to aid in protecting pedestrians in the event of an impact and Mitsubishi's RISE system (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) helps to dissipate energy across the structure of the vehicle in the event of a side or rear impact. A brake override system has also been added, which slows the vehicle to a stop if both the accelerator and the brake are pressed simultaneously.
Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, power windows and door locks, tilt and telescopic steering column, keyless entry, a 140-watt stereo system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 capabilities and a FUSE HandsFree Link system.
A Premium Package includes a Panoramic Roof with LED lighting, black roof rails, 6-disc in-dash CC changer, and 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system with 9 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. Three months of Sirius Satellite Radio is included. A Navigation Package is also available, offering 40GB HDD navigation with music server and real-time traffic, rear-view camera system and auxiliary input jack. |